Health Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Rising Home Insurance Costs Heat Up Household Finances

Rising Home Insurance Costs Heat Up Household Finances

Rising Home Insurance Costs Heat Up Household Finances?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Recent data published by the Actuaries Institute indicates a surge in financial strain among Australian households brought about by climbing home insurance premiums.
Remarkably, a staggering 1.6 million households are now feeling the pressure, marking a 30% increase over the last year, equivalent to an additional 360,000 households.

Sharanjit Paddam, who spearheaded the report at the Actuaries Institute, highlights a troubling trend: home insurance premiums are outpacing wage growth. The median premium for home insurance has soared by 9% in just one year, squeezing household budgets tightly.

One significant driver of these rising premiums, according to Paddam, is the increasingly evident impact of climate change. Extreme weather events, such as devastating bushfires and severe floods, have heightened the risk associated with insuring homes, prompting insurers to hike their prices.

Some households are responding to these changes by searching for cost-saving measures, such as increasing their deductibles or shopping for cheaper coverage options. However, others find themselves forced to forgo home insurance altogether, exposing them to far greater financial risk in case of disaster.

This trend isn't confined to Australia alone. Similar patterns can be observed globally, where rising natural disasters are causing insurance costs to escalate, putting additional financial strain on families already grappling with stagnant income growth and increasing living expenses.

The Actuaries Institute’s findings underline the pressing need for a multifaceted approach to mitigate the impacts of rising insurance costs. This approach could include:

  • Investing in improved climate resilience strategies to minimize the damage from natural disasters.
  • Proposing policy reforms to balance the insurance markets and protect consumers.
  • Encouraging public-private partnerships to develop affordable insurance solutions.
  • Enhancing consumer awareness regarding available options and making informed decisions.

The issue underscores an essential challenge for policymakers, insurers, and consumers alike. On one end, there's an urgent need to adapt to the financial reality shaped by climate change, and on the other, ensuring that essential services remain accessible without unduly burdening household finances.

Published:Tuesday, 17th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
04 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for policyholders, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. This initiative, effective from August 8, 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more
Surge in Mental Health Claims Puts Pressure on Australia's Insurance Industry
Surge in Mental Health Claims Puts Pressure on Australia's Insurance Industry
04 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's insurance sector is facing unprecedented challenges as mental health conditions have become the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims paid out. - read more
Rest Super Faces Class Action Over Alleged Wrongful Deduction of Income Protection Premiums
Rest Super Faces Class Action Over Alleged Wrongful Deduction of Income Protection Premiums
04 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Shine Lawyers has initiated class action proceedings in the Federal Court against Rest Superannuation, alleging that the fund wrongfully deducted income protection premiums from members' accounts between December 2008 and June 2019. The lawsuit claims that up to 500,000 Rest members may have been affected by these deductions. - read more
Marine Skippers Insurance Expands to International Waters
Marine Skippers Insurance Expands to International Waters
04 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Marine Skippers Insurance has recently unveiled a new international coverage plan tailored for captains navigating vessels to and from Australia. This development is particularly timely, coinciding with preparations for the upcoming Sydney to Hobart yacht race. - read more
NM Insurance and Zurich Forge Long-Term Partnership
NM Insurance and Zurich Forge Long-Term Partnership
04 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
NM Insurance has solidified its position in the marine insurance sector by entering into a five-year agreement with capacity provider Zurich. This strategic partnership is set to bolster NM Insurance's growth trajectory and instill greater confidence among brokers. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Health Insurance Articles

The Benefits of Private Health Insurance for Families: Is It Worth the Cost?
The Benefits of Private Health Insurance for Families: Is It Worth the Cost?
Health insurance is a crucial aspect of financial planning for individuals and families alike. It provides protection against unexpected medical costs and ensures that you have access to necessary healthcare services when you need them most. - read more
Keeping Your Family Protected: The Importance of Adequate Health Insurance Coverage
Keeping Your Family Protected: The Importance of Adequate Health Insurance Coverage
The modern Australian family faces a dynamic and ever-evolving set of health needs, with access to quality healthcare remaining a cornerstone of managing our wellbeing. As these needs shift through the different stages of life, the assurance of having a safety net in place can provide unparalleled peace of mind. It's this sense of security that makes adequate health insurance coverage indispensable in today's fast-paced society. - read more
Demystifying Individual Coverage: Your Guide to Personal Health Insurance in Australia
Demystifying Individual Coverage: Your Guide to Personal Health Insurance in Australia
In the realm of securing one’s health and wellbeing, navigating the Australian health insurance landscape can be as critical as the care received. It stands as a complex tapestry, woven with policies, premiums, and government incentives, affecting individuals and families nationwide. - read more
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Family Health Insurance
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Family Health Insurance
Choosing the right family health insurance can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options and factors to consider, it's no wonder many Australians find the process overwhelming. The stakes are high, as the wrong choice could not only impact your family's access to healthcare but also strain your finances. - read more
Is Private Health Insurance Worth It? Exploring the Benefits
Is Private Health Insurance Worth It? Exploring the Benefits
In Australia, health insurance plays a significant role in ensuring individuals can access quality medical care without incurring prohibitive costs. - read more


Your free Heatlth insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Coinsurance:
A percentage of the cost of a covered healthcare service that you pay after you have paid your deductible.

Quick Links: | Private Health Insurance Australia | Best Private Health Insurance | Compare Health Insurance Plans | Affordable Health Insurance | Health Insurance Quotes | Private Health Cover | Health Insurance Comparison | Top Health Insurance Providers | Health Insurance Benefits | Health Insurance Premiums | Health Insurance Policies
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.