Supplemental health insurance claims processing is undergoing a significant transformation with the launch of AI-enabled instant decision and payment capabilities by Securian Financial. This new system, announced on , promises to dramatically reduce claim processing times from days to minutes for eligible claims, marking a first-of-its-kind offering in the marketplace.
Securian Financial’s supplemental health insurance suite – encompassing accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance – is primarily offered through employers as part of their workplace benefits packages. These products are designed to provide employees with cash benefits when they experience covered health events, helping to alleviate financial burdens during challenging times.
From Days to Minutes: A New Standard for Claims Processing
Historically, supplemental health insurance claims have been subject to lengthy processing times. Securian Financial already led the voluntary benefits industry with an average claims turnaround of less than one day. However, the new AI-enabled system represents a substantial leap forward. Eligible claims are now approved within minutes of submission through Securian’s AI-powered decision engine, with approved benefits delivered in real-time via a modern instant payment solution.
This accelerated process isn’t just about speed; it’s about reducing uncertainty and anxiety for employees. Real-time status updates eliminate the need for individuals to proactively check on their claim status. The system incorporates advanced AI-enabled fraud detection to safeguard benefit integrity while maintaining processing speed.
How the AI-Enabled System Works
The core of Securian’s new capability lies in two key components. First, an instant decision rules engine and immediate payment system utilizes AI technology to evaluate claims upon digital submission. The system analyzes documentation and applies policy terms in real-time. For straightforward claims with complete information, decisions are rendered and payment processing initiated within minutes. More complex cases still benefit from Securian’s industry-leading turnaround standards, with human review integrated into the process – ensuring no claim is denied without examination by a human claims examiner.
Second, embedded fraud detection models identify anomalies and patterns indicative of potentially fraudulent activity, protecting the integrity of the benefit program without slowing down legitimate claims. This dual approach aims to create a faster, simpler, and more trustworthy experience for employees.
Benefits for Employers and Benefits Brokers
The implications of this technology extend beyond individual employees. Securian Financial anticipates that these new capabilities will empower employers to strengthen their workplace benefit strategies and enable benefits brokers to deliver a more modern, consumer-grade service experience. The company projects that most voluntary benefits claims will now be paid the same day, often within minutes, redefining expectations for customer service within the industry.
“When employees face a health crisis or injury, the last thing they should worry about is when their claim will be processed,” said Eli Vogen, vice president for Employee Benefits Solutions at Securian Financial. “We’ve eliminated the waiting for eligible claims. This isn’t an incremental improvement—it’s setting a new standard for what voluntary benefits should deliver in moments that matter most.”
A Broader AI Strategy
The launch of instant claims decision and payment capabilities is a significant milestone in Securian Financial’s broader enterprise AI strategy. According to Sid Gandhi, executive vice president for Employee Benefits Solutions at Securian Financial, the company has been investing in AI capabilities and data infrastructure for years to make this possible. He emphasized that this is just the beginning of what their AI strategy will deliver, reflecting a commitment to innovative benefits solutions that demonstrate genuine care during critical moments.
Availability and Coverage
The instant decision and payment capabilities will be rolled out to current Securian voluntary benefits clients throughout 2026, with full availability for all plans effective . The system will cover accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance products.
Understanding Supplemental Health Insurance
Supplemental health insurance products, such as those offered by Securian Financial, provide employees with cash benefits following covered medical events. These benefits can help offset out-of-pocket costs or everyday expenses and are commonly offered by employers as voluntary workplace benefits. Securian Financial offers these benefits through its subsidiaries, Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Securian Life Insurance Company.
Securian Financial, established over 140 years ago, currently serves more than 23 million customers in the United States and Canada as of . The company is also the nation’s third-largest direct writer of group life insurance, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data from .
instant decision and instant payment are only available for eligible claims with complete documentation. Processing times may vary based on claim complexity, and payment delivery timeframes depend on the selected payment method. Limitations and exclusions apply to these policies.
