Macquarie Life will now use qualified health professionals to help cut down on the lengthy insurance application process.

Last week the company launched a new tele-interviewing service, Maqaurie LifeConnect, which CEO Justin Delaney says will reduce advisers’ administrative load.

He told insuranceNEWS.com.au the tele-interviews are just another step in the process.

Once the underwriting team has collected all the client details and static data it’s then referred onto a tele-interviewer to complete the process.

“We are helping advisers to streamline the insurance application service by reducing the time spent on administration and client follow-up, and increasing the amount of time advisers can spend doing what they do best – which is advising their clients,” he said.

Head of Underwriting Claims Sally Phillips says qualified nurses are being used as part of the new platform “to help improve the client experience”.

She says the use of telephone interviewers offers a more comfortable environment for customers to disclose personal information.

“A more detailed personal history through tele-interviewing reduces concerns about incomplete personal statements and the need to conduct follow-up discretionary requirements such as doctors reports,” Dr Phillips said.

“Having the added advantage of utilising nurses increases the client’s comfort level and lets people know they are speaking to professionals who really understand their medical history.”