nib Group (ASX:NHF) reported its financial performance for the first half of 2026, headlined by a 22% rise in underlying operating profit, which reached $129.1 million.
The results underscore a period of disciplined execution and record-breaking customer growth, with the insurer now covering an all-time high of 1.95 million lives.
The group's total revenue rose by 7.7% to $1.9 billion, supported by a statutory net profit after tax of $82.9 million.
The growth was bolstered by an improvement in efficiency, as the operating expense ratio dropped by 100 basis points to 16.5%.
Shareholders are set to receive an interim dividend of 13 cents per share, fully franked, maintaining consistency with the previous year.
Managing Director and CEO Ed Close attributed the success to stable margins within the Australian residents' health insurance business and a powerful recovery in adjacent lines.
International health insurance and New Zealand operations pushed adjacent business UOP to $30.4 million—the highest first-half contribution since FY19.
On the consumer front, nib continues its digital evolution, with 94% of Australian claims now processed within 24 hours.
The company also highlighted its commitment to value-based healthcare, noting that 11,000 members are now enrolled in health management programs.
nib remains optimistic, expecting policyholder growth to continue outperforming the broader industry average through the remainder of the fiscal year.