MetLife launches group life offering to support Irish employee benefits

MetLife has expanded into the Irish employee benefits market with the launch of its Group Life insurance offering, available exclusively through a broker distribution model.

The move positions the company to support HR-led initiatives around employee wellbeing, retention, and structured benefits.

The Group Life product provides financial protection for employees’ families in the event of death while integrating MetLife’s 360Health proposition, which includes unlimited virtual GP access and a range of wellbeing and support services. These services aim to assist employees and their families beyond the core insurance benefit, aligning with broader trends towards holistic employee support.

Ireland’s employee benefits landscape has been evolving, with employers increasingly focusing on comprehensive packages that combine financial protection, preventative health, and wellbeing support. Medium-sized and large employers often pair group life assurance with pensions, income protection, and health-related services. Digital healthcare access and wellbeing tools are now key differentiators in the benefits market, reflecting heightened attention to mental and physical health.

MetLife’s decision to use broker-only distribution reflects the established market structure, where intermediaries play a pivotal role in advising on benefit design, cost control, and employee engagement. The company brings over 150 years of global insurance experience, operating in more than 40 markets, and already employs nearly 200 staff across Dublin and Galway.

Wayne Gibbons, Ireland Country lead at MetLife, said the launch “reflects a broader view of group protection, combining financial reassurance with practical support for employees and their families at critical moments.”

Discover how MetLife’s new Group Life offering is shaping employee benefits strategies in Ireland in the full story.

Photo credits to MetLife’s official website