3 September 2026
One of the most valuable conversations in the PMI renewal process often happens before the renewal terms arrive.
For many PMI schemes, renewal terms are available 6-8 weeks ahead of the renewal date, but I truly believe the real value is created in the discussions that take place even before that.
This is where I feel Verlingue really stands out.
A pre-renewal call gives us the opportunity to understand what's changed over the previous 12 months and discuss things such as:
Changes within the business
Employee feedback and engagement with the benefit
Claims experience and utilisation trends
Budget expectations and priorities
Future plans that could impact the scheme
Current market trends and insurer appetite
It's also an opportunity to have honest conversations about the wider PMI market. With medical costs continuing to rise, insurers are facing increasing claims pressures, and even good-performing schemes should be prepared for some level of increase at renewal. Discussing market conditions and likely outcomes early helps clients plan ahead, set realistic budgets and understand what may be coming down the line.
Personally, I take great pride in making sure my clients are well informed throughout the year, not just at renewal. These conversations are about much more than reviewing pricing. They're an opportunity to re-evaluate whether a scheme is still meeting the needs of the business and its employees, ensuring the cover remains fit for purpose and continues to deliver value.
I've spoken to many prospective clients over the years who have shared similar frustrations. Too often they've been presented with a significant renewal increase at the last minute, leaving little or no time to properly understand the reasons behind it, explore alternative options, or develop a considered strategy. By that stage, decisions can feel rushed and choices limited.
A proactive pre-renewal process changes that completely
By the time the renewal terms arrive, we've already gathered the information needed, discussed potential outcomes and aligned on the client's priorities. The focus shifts from scrambling for answers to making informed decisions.
In my experience, the best renewal outcomes aren't achieved when the terms land in your inbox. They're achieved through the conversations, planning and expectation-setting that happen well before.
With 1st January renewals now just around the corner, we're already starting to schedule these conversations with clients. As a key date for many businesses, both from a renewal and financial year-end perspective, there's little benefit in waiting until the renewal date is closer.
In fact, delaying these discussions can mean losing valuable time, particularly when the Christmas period inevitably takes a couple of weeks out of the diary at a critical stage in the renewal process. The earlier the conversation starts, the more time there is to review objectives, consider options, understand market conditions and make informed decisions without unnecessary pressure.
If your PMI scheme is due for renewal on 1st January and you'd like a conversation about your current arrangements, market trends, renewal expectations, or simply whether your scheme remains the right fit for your business and employees, I'd be delighted to chat.
