MLC Life inks deals to launch AI health app

MLC Life Insurance has partnered with Swiss Re Reinsurance Solutions and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven mental health support provider, Wysa, to launch a support app that helps to monitor customers’ wellbeing.

Wysa Assure will leverage Wysa’s development of an AI chatbot clinically proven to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety through integration of cognitive behavioural therapy principles, as well as Swiss Re’s capabilities in scoring systems to help customers monitor and track their mental wellbeing.

The app has also been designed to align with MLC Life’s existing health support network, Vivo, and other self-care modules, providing customers with the option to escalate their care and emphasising the importance of early support-seeking through a tailored AI-powered approach.

“We’re always looking for innovative ways to improve the total customer experience,” Andrew Beevors, Chief Claims Officer for MLC Life Insurance, said.

“That’s why we’re proud to be pioneers in this space and to further complement our award-winning Vivo program.

“We’re focused on delivering an industry-leading customer experience because we know how important our promise for life is to our customers, often at the most challenging times.

“Our ‘here for you’ philosophy means offering a personalised, caring and supportive response.”

The app launch follows research from Wysa that found one-third of working-age Australians experience moderate to severe depression or anxiety and 46 per cent of those have not accessed support due to embarrassment, costs or inability to self-diagnose the need.

“Wysa Assure is more than a mental health tool, it is an AI companion designed to assist anyone navigating life’s challenges, without them having to self-identify their needs or overcome stigma and come forward for help,” Ramakant Vempati, Co-Founder and President of Wysa, said.

“Our mission is to make mental wellness universally accessible for everyone, and this latest agreement with MLC Life Insurance brings us a step closer to achieving that goal.”

Research from the Swiss Re Institute’s 2022 consumer survey also had similar findings, with one-third of respondents experiencing worsening mental health and 64 per cent in emerging markets able to seek mental health support.

“Swiss Re Reinsurance Solutions is committed to continuous improvement and delivering solutions that are truly customer-focused,” Carl Christensen, Head Life & Health Solutions at Swiss Re Reinsurance Solutions, said.

“Wysa Assure embodies this ethos, focusing on enhancing mental wellbeing. It delivers risk-based scoring and reporting to insurers, underscoring the profound benefits that mental health management can introduce to their businesses.”

Wysa Assure has been made available to existing and new MLC Life Insurance retail customers through the Vivo program.