Insurance has traditionally been designed around broad customer categories, but are the industry’s products and services genuinely reflecting the different needs and risks faced by women? As financial services continues to evolve, there is an opportunity to rethink how insurance supports women, both financially and through the protection it provides.

In this episode of Scouting For Growth, Sabine VanderLinden sits down with Sam White, CEO of Stella Woman to explore the thinking behind building an insurance proposition specifically designed with women in mind.

Drawing on her 26 years of experience in the insurance industry, Sam discusses the challenges women face in a traditionally male-dominated sector, from confidence and imposter syndrome to the importance of professional networks and representation in senior leadership. She also explains how these observations helped shape Stella’s approach to insurance, challenging conventional product design and identifying risks that have historically been overlooked.

From addressing gaps in motor insurance cover to developing additional support for victims of domestic abuse, Sam shares how insurers can move beyond traditional product propositions and build meaningful relationships with female customers.

Sabine and Sam discuss:

• Why the insurance industry’s traditional approach to product design may overlook the specific needs, circumstances and risks faced by women.
• The challenges women encounter in male-dominated industries, including imposter syndrome, confidence, career progression and access to professional networks.
• How Stella Insurance is rethinking motor insurance, identifying gaps in conventional cover, including provisions for prams, higher-value personal belongings and situations involving domestic abuse.
• Why financial education and empowerment are increasingly important for women, particularly as wealth transfers between generations and more women take responsibility for their long-term financial wellbeing.
• How insurers can build stronger connections with female customers through relevant conversations, educational initiatives, community support and products designed around their needs.

Sam’s perspective highlights an opportunity for the insurance industry to look beyond traditional customer assumptions and reconsider how products are designed, distributed and communicated. By understanding the different risks people face and addressing gaps in existing provision, insurers can create propositions that offer more relevant protection and meaningful support.

Listen to the full episode now on Apple or Spotify.