Putting precision health in policyholders’ hands
Genomics-powered insurance offers early risk detection and personalised care pathways.
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Background
Genomics is changing the game in insurance. Traditional insurance products focus on financial support after diagnosis, whereas precision health shifts this focus to proactive, personalised care.
At the forefront is Hannover Re’s collaboration with Kadance, a leader in genomics-based health management. Together, we’ve built a solution that brings DNA insights into insurance by offering policyholders preventative care, early intervention and tailored support from diagnosis through recovery.
Description of solution
Offering
Kadance gives customers access to DNA-driven health insights, personalised medication guidance and cancer management support. After policy issue, customers are offered a predictive genetic test to assess cancer risks and medication safety. If the test identifies that the customer has a higher risk, additional support is provided by Kadance on how to take precautions to reduce the likelihood of getting cancer.
If cancer is diagnosed, Kadance helps test the tumour’s genetics to identify suitable precision treatments. A nurse navigator supports patients through the healthcare system and post-recovery, and policyholders remain supported through areas such as cancer recurrence monitoring. This all-encompassing approach allows insurers to offer living benefits that go beyond financial payout by helping customers make informed decisions about their health when it matters most.
Product design
The programme may be offered as a rider to an insurance product, or as a built-in, value-added service that policyholders can access. By combining precision health with insurance cover, this initiative reflects a broader shift towards insurance that empowers individuals to understand and manage their health and wellbeing, whilst supporting customers’ deep health needs during times of ill-health.
“This partnership with Kadance allows us to leverage genomic-based technologies and life insurance solutions to enhance patient care and support individuals in living longer, healthier lives.”
Expected benefits
This solution offers insurers a way to differentiate their products in a competitive market, deepen customer engagement, and improve policy retention. For policyholders, it delivers tangible health value through personalised care pathways and proactive support. The integration of genomics into insurance is not just a technological advancement, it’s a reimagining of what insurance can offer.
The programme is already live in the US, offered as a rider to Critical Illness plans through Chubb Workplace Benefits’ Cancer Advocate Plus. Customer feedback highlights the strong outcomes and high customer satisfaction.
A programme member who was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer at the age of 47 shared that they had been feeling healthy, with no symptoms, when the cancer was detected during a routine physical assessment. They described the experience as overwhelming - suddenly having to navigate surgery, treatment decisions and a wave of uncertainty. Connecting with Kandance, they said, changed everything, offering clarity and reassurance from the start and helping to ask informed questions to better understand treatment options.
"When I learned after surgery that chemotherapy would be necessary, their support gave me the confidence to move forward with that decision, knowing it was the right choice for me.
Through every step, Kadance remained a steady source of guidance and strength. Kadance was there for me, providing advanced genetic testing, expert consultations, and something I didn’t expect: genuine emotional support. They helped ensure my treatment plan was right for me and even coordinated directly with my oncology team to make sure everyone was aligned.
Thanks to that combined effort, I’ve now completed chemo and am currently cancer-free on MRI, CT scans, and blood work.
But even now, Kadance hasn’t stepped away. They continue to walk with me as I enter hyper-monitoring mode, offering guidance and support I can count on. In a time of fear and confusion, Kadance gave me confidence, clarity, and care. I’m forever grateful.”
Implementation and process considerations
- For an insurer, precision health solutions require thoughtful integration, particularly around data governance and customer communication when it comes to sensitive, genetic data. For example, offering the test post-issue makes it clear that results aren’t used for pricing or underwriting, and having a trusted partner such as Kadance further emphasises that insurers never see the genetic data.
- Success will depend on the insurer’s ability to partner with a proven precision health partner who can connect with customers to deliver a seamless experience that combines health insights with insurance benefits.
- The product design needs to unpack the complexity of genomics to make it simple for customers to experience the value this impressive science can deliver.
- It’s also important to equip sales agents to be able to understand and articulate the value of this differentiated offering.
How Hannover Re can support you
Hannover Re has strong experience in genomics-based insurance solutions. We can provide partnership support, reinsurance expertise and assistance with product development. Through our track record of delivering unique value-adding insurance offerings, we are well positioned to guide insurers through the journey of integrating precision health into their offerings.
We invite you to connect with us to explore how genomics-based insurance can deliver lasting value and transform the future of health protection for you and your customers.
