Health insurer NIB is pitching its media account, with incumbents Atomic 212° and Ikon Communications understood to both be in the running.

The business is currently split across the two agencies, and is estimated to be worth around $12 million.

NIB confirmed to B&T that it had kicked off the pitch process.

“We are currently reviewing our media buying capability in Australia with an RFP process underway to select the most appropriate vendor to meet our ongoing needs,” an NIB spokesperson said.

“It’s expected the process will be finalised in April and we look forward to working with the successful supplier to deliver upon our marketing objectives.”

A source close to the matter said Ikon was the favourite to win the account, given it has the lion’s share.

Atomic and Ikon declined to comment when contacted by B&T.

There was speculation that CHE Proximity is also pitching for the NIB business, given the agency’s head of performance, James Shaw, happened to lead the NIB account back when he worked at Atomic.

However, CHEP has told B&T that it has not been in contact with NIB regarding the account.