Claims corner: Supporting members through cancer recovery
Life Insurance -
Cancer remains the second leading cause of claims across TAL's group insurance portfolio, accounting for 17% of all claims paid last financial year.1 For the thousands of members who receive a cancer diagnosis each year, the challenges often extend well beyond treatment itself. Persistent fatigue reduced physical capacity, and the psychological weight of recovery can significantly delay a member's ability to return to health and work.
As part of TAL's Health for Life proposition, we offer a range of recovery support services designed to help members navigate these challenges. Our in-house Health Services team, including doctors, psychologists and allied health professionals, works alongside specialist partners to provide tailored, evidence-based support that addresses the full picture of a member's health and circumstances.
For many people, the months following cancer treatment bring persistent fatigue, reduced physical capacity and the psychological weight of navigating recovery. Without the right support, these challenges can significantly delay their return to health and work.
Valion Health: structured cancer rehabilitation
One of our key partners in cancer support is Valion Health, who deliver structured rehabilitation programs for eligible members on claim. Through this partnership, TAL offers access to two programs designed to support different stages of the recovery journey.
- Cancer Foundations. An 8-week support program that helps members gain a better understanding of their diagnosis and treatment side effects, navigate their care to relevant support and recovery services, and access targeted assistance in specific areas such as exercise, nutrition and sleep.
- Cancer Support for Life program. A 12-week virtual care program for members who require more comprehensive, multidisciplinary support. It brings together a team of oncology specialists to support recovery with a strong focus on vocational goals.
Both programs are delivered entirely through phone and video calls, removing travel barriers for members in regional areas. Each member works with a dedicated care team that may include oncology nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians and psychologists, with support tailored to their individual recovery and return-to-work goals.
The evidence base for structured rehabilitation
Cancer treatment has improved significantly, but recovery remains complex. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June 2025 found that patients who followed a structured exercise program after chemotherapy had a 37% lower risk of death and a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence. But not all members get this level of support through their standard care.2
While some members have strong support networks, access to allied health services, and clear pathways back to work, others don't. They may be in regional areas with limited specialist access, lack family support, or face treatment side effects their medical team hasn't addressed. These are the members at risk of extended claims and delayed recovery.
TAL's role is to identify these members and bridge the gap. Our claims and rehabilitation teams work proactively to connect members with the right support at the right time, whether that's through our in-house Health Services team or specialist partners like Valion Health. Last financial year, TAL referred over 100 members to Valion's cancer support programs. Of those who completed the program so far, 48% have achieved a graded return to work, with a further 26% planning their return.
The programs also address the mental health dimension of recovery, with 67% of participants accessing Valion's psychologists and 68% connected with community mental health services. Member satisfaction remains strong, with an NPS of 82 and session satisfaction at 95%.3
CASE STUDY: Early intervention supporting return to work*Background: A 50-year-old Pricing & Contracts Manager came onto claim after being diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer. He was considered a key person within his company and had continued working throughout most of his treatment, taking only a few days off during each chemotherapy cycle. Barriers: During treatment, he developed peripheral neuropathy, a common side effect causing numbness and pain in his hands. This condition affected his ability to type and perform day-to-day work activities, forcing him to stop work despite being highly motivated to continue. His treating team had not identified the condition early enough to implement targeted interventions. Support provided: Valion's multidisciplinary team took a coordinated approach to help him manage the condition and rebuild work capacity. An exercise physiologist worked with him on specific exercises to increase blood flow to his fingertips and improve grip strength. A dietitian provided tailored guidance on nutrition to support nerve recovery, including advice to increase protein intake and commence B12 supplementation. Throughout the program, his care coordinator maintained regular contact, ensuring support remained aligned with his recovery goals. Outcome: Within three months of referral, he commenced a graded return to work. Earlier referral would likely have reduced his time off work, as intervention could have slowed the progression of peripheral neuropathy before it affected his capacity. Member feedback: "I thoroughly enjoyed regular contact with a varied team of caring and supportive medical professionals. My care coordinator was an incredibly knowledgeable professional that I had complete trust in." |
Supporting sustainable outcomes
For super fund partners, programs like Valion's Cancer Support for Life strengthen the support available to members when they need it most. By helping members recover more effectively and return to work where possible, these services contribute to sustainable claims outcomes while reinforcing the trust members place in both their fund and their insurer.
If you'd like to learn more about how Valion's cancer support program could benefit your members, speak with your Partnership Manager.
* Details adapted from Valion program outcomes.
1 Total claims paid under TAL Life Limited and TAL Life Insurance Services Limited insurance products between
1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
2 Courneya et al., 'Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer', New England Journal of Medicine, June 2025.
3 Cancer Support Program cases for TAL claimants, 2024.