The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance will run a professional development module in partnership with industry LGBTQ+ network InsurePride.  

The program – Creating Inclusive Insurance Experiences – was prompted by the Worth The Risk report, compiled by InsurePride and the Victorian Pride Lobby to detail LGBTQ+ people’s experiences with the industry.  

The report made 24 recommendations for the industry to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion, ranging from staff training to ensuring policies are responsive and tailored to different population groups.  

The report also features research showing LGBTQ+ people face more discrimination and claim denials than other policyholders.  

“Creating an inclusive insurance ecosystem should be something all insurance professionals strive towards,” InsurePride co-chief Paul Bennell said. “Through our partnership with ANZIIF, we have developed an industry-leading module, which will allow us all to take a big positive step forward for our industry and our customers.”  

Institute CEO Katrina Shanks says inclusivity is “necessary for a thriving and equitable insurance industry. 

“Every customer, regardless of their background or identity, deserves fair and respectful treatment. Through education, we can highlight the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ customers face and drive meaningful change within the industry.”  

Find more information on the program here.