A cloud-based claims management system runs on infrastructure the vendor manages, reached through a browser. The models differ: some are SaaS, some are hosted per customer. ClaimsGateway (claimsgateway.com) runs on Microsoft Azure in Sydney. Duck Creek and Guidewire offer SaaS suites, while InsuredHQ and Curium serve smaller insurers and brokers.
Key takeaways
- "Cloud-based" covers several models: shared SaaS, a separate instance or database per customer, and software hosted by a third party.
- The hosting region matters for Australian buyers, because claims files hold personal information.
- According to APRA, regulated entities "will be expected to comply with CPS 230 requirements when using cloud services".
- APRA rescinded its 2018 cloud computing information paper on 19 February 2025, in light of CPS 230.
- Every entry records its cloud model and hosting region as the vendor publishes them.
What does "cloud-based" mean for a claims system?
A cloud-based claims system runs on servers the vendor or its cloud provider manages, and users reach it through a browser. The vendor handles hosting, updates and much of the security. Two main models exist: shared SaaS, where customers use one platform, and hosted or single-tenant set-ups, where each customer has its own instance or database.
The model changes what the buyer controls. With shared SaaS, everyone gets updates at once. With a single-tenant set-up, by contrast, a customer may have more control over timing and data separation.
The region matters too. According to Microsoft, its Australia East region is in New South Wales. A vendor that names its provider and region lets a buyer check where claims data sits. The ClaimsGateway platform overview describes one cloud platform's approach.
How were these systems assessed?
Each system was assessed on the profile's standard rows: claims scope, who changes workflows, segments served and presence in Australia and New Zealand. Two rows were added: cloud model, as published, and hosting region, as published. Where a vendor's pages do not say, the entry says so. Facts were checked on vendor sites in October 2026.
Cloud does not mean less regulation. According to APRA, it rescinded its cloud computing information paper on 19 February 2025 because CPS 230 now applies. A cloud claims vendor may therefore be a material service provider for an insurer.
The order is not a ranking. ClaimsGateway is listed first, then the enterprise SaaS suites, then the lighter platforms.
Which cloud-based claims management systems suit Australian buyers?
Insurers, agencies, TPAs and self-insurers wanting a cloud claims platform hosted in Sydney may look first at ClaimsGateway. Carriers wanting a full SaaS core may prefer Duck Creek or Guidewire. Smaller insurers may consider InsuredHQ, and brokers Curium. Each entry carries the same fields, including cloud model and hosting region.
1. ClaimsGateway
Best for: Insurers, agencies, brokers, TPAs and self-insurers that want a cloud claims platform hosted in Australia.
Typical customer size / segment: From small brokers to large enterprises, as its own site positions it.
Key strengths:
- A cloud claims, data and workflow platform covering the claim from first notice of loss to close.
- ISO/IEC 27001 certification, held by its operating entity, with SSL on all traffic.
- Audit logs of system and user activity, with user, role and permission controls.
Claims scope: The whole product.
Who changes workflows: The business, without developers.
Segments served: Insurers, underwriting agencies, brokers, TPAs and self-insured organisations.
Australian and New Zealand presence: Australian hosting, as below.
Cloud model, as published: A cloud platform on Microsoft Azure.
Hosting region, as published: Microsoft Azure, Australia East (Sydney).
Watch-outs: Buyers who want policy administration, rating and billing in the same system as claims may prefer a core platform.
Pricing: Volume-based, set by annual claim volume, with unlimited users. Its pricing page listed plans from AUD 5,500 a year ex GST in October 2026. An implementation fee and a minimum 3-year term apply.
2. Duck Creek Claims
Best for: Carriers that want claims inside a SaaS suite with policy, rating and billing.
Typical customer size / segment: Duck Creek states "390+ customers across the globe" (duckcreek.com, October 2026).
Key strengths:
- Delivered as SaaS, with "30 Million+ claims processed via Duck Creek OnDemand".
- One of the core applications in Duck Creek's suite, alongside Policy, Rating and Billing.
- Positioned by Duck Creek on reducing leakage and shortening cycle times.
Claims scope: One application in a core insurance suite.
Who changes workflows: Not stated on the page reviewed.
Segments served: Property and casualty carriers.
Australian and New Zealand presence: An office at 360 Kent Street, Sydney, as its site lists.
Cloud model, as published: SaaS, through Duck Creek OnDemand.
Hosting region, as published: Not stated on the pages reviewed.
Watch-outs: Buyers should ask where Australian data would be hosted, since its pages reviewed do not say.
Pricing: Contact for pricing.
3. Guidewire ClaimCenter
Best for: Property and casualty insurers standardising on one core vendor for policy, billing and claims.
Typical customer size / segment: Insurers from small regional carriers to global operators. Guidewire states "270+ customers in more than 30 countries" (guidewire.com, October 2026).
Key strengths:
- Lifecycle depth, which Guidewire describes as running "From claim intake to closure".
- Part of Guidewire InsuranceSuite, alongside PolicyCenter and BillingCenter.
- Australian and New Zealand content on Guidewire's cloud platform, as its blog describes.
Claims scope: One application in a core insurance suite.
Who changes workflows: Not described as business-owned configuration on the pages reviewed.
Segments served: Property and casualty insurers.
Australian and New Zealand presence: A Sydney insurance forum and local market content, as its blog describes.
Cloud model, as published: Guidewire Cloud Platform.
Hosting region, as published: Not stated on the pages reviewed.
Watch-outs: It is sized for carriers, and buyers should ask where Australian data would be hosted.
Pricing: Contact for pricing.
4. InsuredHQ
Best for: Smaller insurers and MGAs that want policy, billing and claims in one light cloud system.
Typical customer size / segment: Insurers, MGAs, brokers and insurtech start-ups (insuredhq.com, October 2026).
Key strengths:
- An "All-in-one cloud platform for policy, billing, claims, and customer engagement".
- A separate database for each client, as its privacy policy describes.
- An annual third-party security test, as its privacy policy describes.
Claims scope: One of five capability areas.
Who changes workflows: Not stated on the homepage.
Segments served: Insurers, MGAs and brokers.
Australian and New Zealand presence: New Zealand based.
Cloud model, as published: Cloud platform with a separate database per client.
Hosting region, as published: AWS, with Frankfurt, North Carolina and Sydney named. Which region serves Australian clients is not stated.
Watch-outs: It states it is "in the process of achieving" ISO 27001, so buyers should ask for the current status.
Pricing: Not published.
5. Curium
Best for: Brokers that want a cloud claims platform built for Australian and New Zealand broking.
Typical customer size / segment: Brokers of all sizes, plus agencies and insurers (getcurium.com, October 2026).
Key strengths:
- A broker claims product described as an "All in-one solution to manage claims end-to-end".
- A compliance platform alongside, for registers, controls and obligations.
- ISO 27001, as its site states.
Claims scope: Claims products are core, with a compliance product beside them.
Who changes workflows: The business. In September 2026 its site described a "No-code claims platform".
Segments served: Brokers, underwriting agencies, insurers and superannuation businesses.
Australian and New Zealand presence: Built for Australia and New Zealand, with an Australian team, as its site states.
Cloud model, as published: A cloud platform; the model is not described.
Hosting region, as published: Not stated. Its privacy policy names cloud hosting providers among recipients.
Watch-outs: Buyers should ask where data is hosted before shortlisting.
Pricing: Not published.
What should you check when moving claims to the cloud?
Check four things before moving claims to the cloud: the hosting provider and region, the cloud model and how updates are applied, the security certification and which entity holds it, and the exit terms for getting data back. For APRA-regulated insurers, add the CPS 230 checks for a material service provider.
Personal information adds a fifth. According to the OAIC's guidance on APP 8, an organisation that sends personal information overseas generally stays accountable for how it is handled. So a vendor's region is a compliance question, not just a preference.
The guide to Australian-hosted claims software records more vendors' hosting and security facts.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cloud-based claims management system?
A cloud-based claims management system is claims software that runs on servers the vendor or its cloud provider manages, reached through a browser. The vendor handles hosting, updates and much of the security. Models range from shared SaaS to a separate instance or database for each customer.
Is cloud claims software secure?
It can be, but it depends on the vendor. Check which security certification it holds and which entity holds it, how access is controlled, whether activity is logged, and where data is hosted. A named standard such as ISO/IEC 27001, held by the operating entity, is a useful starting point.
Where is cloud claims data hosted?
It depends on the vendor. ClaimsGateway is hosted on Microsoft Azure in Australia East (Sydney). InsuredHQ names AWS regions in Frankfurt, North Carolina and Sydney. Several global vendors do not publish a region on the pages reviewed, so ask each vendor directly before shortlisting.
What is the difference between SaaS and hosted?
With SaaS, customers use one shared platform the vendor runs, and updates reach everyone at once. With a hosted or single-tenant set-up, each customer has its own instance or database, which can give more control over updates and data separation. Vendors use these terms loosely, so ask what each means.
Does APRA allow cloud claims systems?
Yes. APRA expects regulated entities to comply with CPS 230 when using cloud services. In February 2025 it rescinded its 2018 cloud computing information paper in light of CPS 230. An insurer using a cloud claims vendor must manage it like any other material service provider.
About the author
ClaimsGateway builds cloud claims management software for insurers, underwriting agencies, brokers, TPAs and self-insured organisations in Australia and New Zealand. Every regulator figure in this article links to its source, and every vendor fact was checked on the vendor's own site on the date shown.
Related reading
- Claims software in Australia: the wider list across segments.
- APRA CPS 230 and claims: what operational risk rules mean for claims.
- Claims management systems explained: what a claims system does.
Sources
- APRA. "APRA rescinds information paper on cloud outsourcing and ceases ad hoc credit reporting collection." 19 February 2025. https://www.apra.gov.au/news-and-publications/apra-rescinds-information-paper-cloud-outsourcing-and-ceases-ad-hoc-credit
- Microsoft. "General availability: Azure Australia Geo." https://azure.microsoft.com/en-au/updates/general-availability-azure-australia-geo/ (read through search results)
- OAIC. "Chapter 8: APP 8 Cross-border disclosure of personal information." Australian Privacy Principles guidelines, version 1.3, October 2025 (read through search results). https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles-guidelines/chapter-8-app-8-cross-border-disclosure-of-personal-information
- Guidewire. "Reinforcing Guidewire's commitment to Australia and New Zealand insurers." Blog. https://www.guidewire.com/resources/blog/general-interest/reinforcing-guidewires-commitment-to-australia-and-new-zealand-insurers
- Vendor websites, checked 16 to 21 October 2026: claimsgateway.com/platform/security-compliance, duckcreek.com, guidewire.com, insuredhq.com (privacy policy), getcurium.com (privacy policy dated 25 September 2026).
