nib introduces Frankie, New Zealand’s first virtual consultant for health insurance
nib has become the first health insurer to launch innovative artificial intelligence technology to assist Kiwis with
their customer enquiries.
Frankie, the virtual consultant has joined nib’s customer service team to help provide convenient, timely responses to
our customers’ enquiries about our recently launched new range of health covers.
nib’s General Manager of Direct and Partnerships, Ben Rose, said the virtual consultant offers another choice for
customers to interact with nib at a time that suits them.
“We understand that many people today are time poor, and when they have questions about what their health insurance
covers, or how to claim, they want the answers immediately, even if it is in the middle of the night,” Mr Rose said.
“By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we’re giving our customers the ability to ask questions 24 hours a
day allowing them to get the information they need without having to wait for a customer service consultant,” he added.
Initially Frankie will be able to provide instant responses to a variety of common enquiries regarding our new product
range including benefits available and how to claim. However, it will also learn from nib’s customers, with artificial
intelligence technology meaning that Frankie becomes smarter and more intuitive as it interacts with customers.
“It really is amazing to see how quickly virtual consultants can learn! Frankie is continually listening and building
its knowledge bank to learn just what our customers need to know, helping to improve its ability to respond with the
right information to answer even the most unusual of questions,” Mr Rose said.
The trial service reflects nib’s commitment to improving its customers’ experience through the health insurer’s culture
of innovation and ongoing investment in the latest advances in technology.
“Frankie reflects the next generation of customer service and is another example of how we are making health insurance
simple and easy to understand. We are always looking for ways to challenge the status quo to give our customers the very
best service in a way that is relevant and most convenient to them,” Mr Rose said.
Importantly, Frankie, won’t be replacing any human employees. The virtual consultant will be supported by nib’s expert
team of customer service agents with customers still able to contact nib via phone or email if they prefer to speak to a
real person.
Based on the success of the virtual consultant during the trial, nib will make Frankie a permanent member of the nib
family and expand the questions covered to include more general customer service enquiries.
Customers can chat to Frankie by visiting nib.co.nz/private-hospital via desktop or tablet.
ends