Tom Costello is vice president of stop loss sales for Symetra’s Benefits division. His responsibilities include the oversight and management of Symetra’s stop loss distribution in the U.S., and collaborating to promote the distribution and cross-selling of Symetra’s group life, disability, absence management and Select Benefits suite of products.
Costello started his career as a group life and health underwriter for Phoenix Mutual in Enfield, Connecticut, and later joined Alden Risk Management Services as an underwriting regional group manager. Costello graduated from the University of Massachusetts 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.
Get to know Tom:
What do you like most about working for Symetra?
Providing stop loss solutions and protection to our policyholders in this challenging health care 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 be controlled by managing general underwriters (MGUs) and now market share is controlled by direct writing and ASO carriers.
What's 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.
What is your team doing to help Symetra “eliminate the noise?”
My team is working hard to implement cases properly so that the stop loss claim reporting is set up accurately, which ensures timely receipt of claims reports and that means prompt reimbursements.
Any last thoughts to share?
In a business that has been commoditized, doing the basics well helps 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.
Fun facts
- First job: Delivering newspapers door to door
- Favorite movie: “The Shawshank Redemption”
- Takes his coffee: Dunkin Donuts, cream only
- Pets: A pet guinea pig named Goetze
- Favorite quote: “Get busy living or get busy dying” – Andy Dufresne in “The Shawshank Redemption”
