There was strong adviser interest this week in our report on Partners Life shifting to a paperless new business experience and updating its My Underwriting Manager platform…
Partners Life is shifting to a paperless new business experience and making updates to its My Underwriting Manager, which the insurer says are based on adviser feedback and are designed to help advisers save time and reduce paperwork.
It says that by reducing its reliance on paper and embracing digital documentation “…we’re not only streamlining how we work with you, but also playing our part in reducing waste and lowering our environmental footprint. It’s a change that supports efficiency, simplicity, and sustainability, without compromising on the quality of service or compliance you expect from us.”
In an adviser update Partners Life explains that to support the move towards a fully paperless experience for its new business MUM and QFA process, updates have been made to MUM.
To support advisers in building confidence with the online tools, their Adviser Distribution Manager will work alongside advisers over the next three months, as needed, and coordinate any required training.
…This support will help ensure you’re fully prepared to use our digital tools by 17 July 2026…
“This support will help ensure you’re fully prepared to use our digital tools by 17 July 2026.” It also notes that if advisers feel they need additional training or support in understanding the tools available, they can contact their ADM.
Partners life says from April 18 changes will be live in MUM, noting the main change is how the insurer captures client consent to access medical records during the application process “…making this process simpler for you and your clients, while still meeting medical and regulatory requirements.”
…clients only need to give consent once…
As to what’s changing, it says advisers’ clients only need to give consent once.
“When submitting applications electronically through MUM for New Business or Quote for Alteration applications, you’ll no longer be prompted to complete the SureMed eConsent form to access medical records.
“Instead, this consent will be digitally captured when the client completes the Partners Life Declaration & Consent within MUM.”
As to what Partners Life will provide as proof of consent, the insurer says if a valid eConsent exists from the past 12 months, it’ll provide this to the medical practice.
“Otherwise, a copy of the client-accepted Partners Life Declaration & Consent (including the date and time of acceptance) will be provided. In most cases, this means no extra steps for you.”
Addressing what stays the same, the company says exception handling remains in place.
“If a medical provider needs a handwritten signature or won’t accept our standard digital e-consent, the current exception process still applies. In these cases, the customer will need to contact their GP directly to provide consent.”
It says this is the same process, but simpler and faster.
“There’s nothing new to do for most electronic applications, just submit in MUM or QFA as usual and make sure your clients read, understand and accept the Partners Life Declaration & Consent.
“If an exemption comes up, our Operations Team will help you with next steps. We have also provided more information in our guide that shows the Medical Practices we are aware require their own consent from the client.”
In addition to these changes, Partners Life has made some other minor updates which it says is to make MUM easier to navigate and use.
Optional Internal Application Review Functionality
“Some adviser firms have internal compliance review processes in place before submitting client applications. To support these processes and align with our paperless initiative, we’ve introduced a new feature in MUM that allows firms to review applications prior to submission to Partners Life.”
It says this seamless capability gives FAPs greater control where needed “…and can be particularly valuable when onboarding newer or less experienced advisers, ensuring applications are fully completed and meet the FAP’s compliance standards before submission.”
The changes went live on 18 April. Click here to see Partners Life’s guide with screenshots of the changes.