New Eastbridge Report Looks at Voluntary STD products

AVON, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Voluntary disability has always been an important part of worksite sales. In fact, in 2007, voluntary short-term disability accounted for the largest percentage of any single product sold on a voluntary basis. VSTD sales totaled an estimated $820 million in 2007.

But strong sales also mean strong competition! Carriers who are serious about this market must have up-to-date product features, competitive pricing and underwriting, and some type of “differentiator” that makes their product stand out from others in the market.

The objective of the 2008 Voluntary Short-Term Disability Plans Spotlight Report is to help carriers stay current on the ever-changing voluntary STD market. With this data, carriers can compare their company’s product features and benefits, underwriting guidelines, and administrative practices against those of other carriers in the marketplace.

The report is divided into three sections. The first section provides an overview of the report’s structure, along with key findings and recommendations. The second section (Carrier Marketing and Results) provides general information on each carrier’s results, competitors, persistency, penetration, competitive challenges, etc. The third section (Product Details by Carrier) takes a close look at the practices of 24 voluntary short-term disability providers, including:

• Product structure
• Underwriting parameters
• Costs
• Distribution and commissions

[Note: In order to protect the confidentiality of the carriers profiled, all data is reported anonymously by assigning each carrier a random number.]

The report is now available for purchase for $4,000. More information about the report, including the table of contents, is available on the Eastbridge website (www.eastbridge.com). To purchase the report, e-mail us at info@eastbridge.com or phone (860) 676-9633.

Eastbridge Consulting Group, Inc. is a marketing advisory firm serving insurance and financial services organizations in the United States and Canada.