Symetra Spotlight: Tom Costello

What do you like most about working for Symetra?

Providing stop loss solutions and protection to our policyholders in what is a challenging healthcare market.

What's been the biggest change in the industry you've seen in your career?

The shift in our business, as it used to by be controlled by managing general underwriters (MGUs) and now market share is controlled by the direct writing carriers and ASO carriers.

What is the most important quality in an insurer?

In our business the most important quality is commitment to our clients. A carrier that stands behind the client when there is a catastrophic claim really shows their value.

What inspires you?

Watching us grow our business and doing it profitably with the great people that work here.

Any last thoughts to share?

In a business that has been commoditized, doing the basics well will help you stand out. By "basics" I mean getting quotes back on time, responding to emails and phone calls promptly and, most importantly, paying your claims as quickly as possible.

About Tom

Tom Costello is vice president of medical stop loss insurance sales for Symetra Life Insurance Company’s Benefits division. His responsibilities include the oversight and management of Symetra’s stop loss distribution in the U.S., while working collaboratively to promote the distribution and cross-selling of Symetra’s group life, disability, absence management and supplemental medical products.

Costello started his career as a group life and health underwriter for Phoenix Mutual in Enfield, Conn., and later joined Alden Risk Management Services as an underwriting regional group manager. Tom graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He is a member of the New England Employee Benefits Council, Massachusetts Association of Health Underwriters and the Advisory Board for the South Boston Boys and Girls Club.

Fun facts

• First job: Delivering newspapers door to door
• Favorite movie: The Shawshank Redemption
• Takes his coffee: Dunkin Donuts cream only
• Pets: A family pet – guinea pig named Goetze
• Favorite quote: “Get busy living or get busy dying” – Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption