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Insurance News
Year: Month:

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more
Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted industry leaders to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
Australian General Insurers Report Record 19% Return on Equity in FY25 Australian General Insurers Report Record 19% Return on Equity in FY25
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's general insurance industry has reported a remarkable financial performance for the 2025 financial year (FY25), achieving a return on equity (ROE) of 19%, the highest in a decade. This significant milestone reflects a combination of favourable conditions and strategic premium adjustments within the sector. - read more
Insurance Australia Group Reports Strong FY25 Results and Upgrades FY26 Outlook Insurance Australia Group Reports Strong FY25 Results and Upgrades FY26 Outlook
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced robust financial results for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), reporting a 4.3% increase in gross written premium (GWP) to $17.1 billion. This performance has led the company to upgrade its guidance for the upcoming fiscal year 2026 (FY26), signalling confidence in sustained growth. - read more
Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness Compared to Global Peers Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness Compared to Global Peers
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from PwC's Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, reveals that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global industry average. - read more
IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Hikes IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Hikes
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2024–2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This surge is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions resulting in fewer natural disaster claims. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-14/iag-ceo-nick-hawkins-warns-of-further-premium-increases/104931074?utm_source=openai)) - read more
Climate Change Impacting Home Insurance Costs Climate Change Impacting Home Insurance Costs
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has issued a warning to Australian homeowners about the escalating impact of climate change on home insurance premiums. The insurer's recent report indicates that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are leading to higher claims costs, which are subsequently driving up premiums. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-04/climate-change-plays-role-in-growing-home-insurance-iag-warns/105964560?utm_source=openai)) - read more
Home Insurance Premiums Surge Over 30% for Some Australians Home Insurance Premiums Surge Over 30% for Some Australians
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Consumer advocacy group Choice has released a report highlighting substantial increases in home insurance premiums across Australia. The findings indicate that while the average premium rose by 16% over the past year, certain insurers have implemented hikes exceeding 30%. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/28/choice-australian-insurance-provider-review-kogan-rac-honey?utm_source=openai)) - read more
Cafe's Underinsurance Leads to Reduced Storm Damage Payout Cafe's Underinsurance Leads to Reduced Storm Damage Payout
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent case underscores the critical importance of ensuring adequate insurance coverage for businesses. A cafe and catering business, forced to close after a storm, faced a significant reduction in its insurance claim due to underinsurance. - read more
Insurer Ordered to Pay Restaurant's Arson Claim Amid Non-Disclosure Dispute Insurer Ordered to Pay Restaurant's Arson Claim Amid Non-Disclosure Dispute
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has significant implications for business insurance policies, particularly concerning the disclosure of directors' criminal histories. - read more
NSW Implements Stricter Penalties to Combat CTP Claims Farming NSW Implements Stricter Penalties to Combat CTP Claims Farming
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The New South Wales (NSW) government has taken decisive action to curb the practice of claims farming within the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme, introducing legislation that imposes significant penalties on such activities. - read more
NSW Strata Managers to Eliminate Insurance Commissions by 2026 NSW Strata Managers to Eliminate Insurance Commissions by 2026
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move towards greater transparency, the Strata Community Association New South Wales (SCA NSW) has announced that, starting January 1, 2026, its members will phase out the acceptance of insurance commissions in their management contracts. This shift aims to replace traditional commission-based remuneration with a clear fee-for-service model, aligning with evolving industry standards and consumer expectations. - read more
Victoria Offers Latent Defects Insurance as Alternative to Strata Building Bond Victoria Offers Latent Defects Insurance as Alternative to Strata Building Bond
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Victorian Government has passed legislation introducing a developer-paid Strata Building Bond, establishing essential consumer protections for purchasers of new apartments. In alignment with this legislation, the government is progressing new regulations to allow developers to insure new apartment projects with a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, Resilience LDI, as an alternative to the traditional Strata Building Bond. - read more
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms in Victoria to Curb Rising Insurance Costs ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms in Victoria to Curb Rising Insurance Costs
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that inadequate governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for residents. With approximately one in five Victorians living in strata-titled properties, the impact of these issues is widespread and pressing. - read more
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Address Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Address Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for substantial reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, citing a direct correlation between inadequate governance and escalating insurance premiums for residents. With approximately one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties, the need for effective management and oversight has become increasingly critical. - read more
CHU's 2025 Report Shows Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums Amid Climate and Regulatory Shifts CHU's 2025 Report Shows Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums Amid Climate and Regulatory Shifts
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium movements, the impact of weather events, regulatory developments, and emerging risks affecting strata insurance. - read more
PICA Group Highlights Potential Risks to Strata Industry Viability PICA Group Highlights Potential Risks to Strata Industry Viability
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Bobby Lehane, CEO of PICA Group, has issued a cautionary statement regarding the future of the strata management sector in Australia. He emphasized that eliminating insurance commissions could pose a significant threat to the industry's viability, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by the aged care sector. - read more
Significant Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums Announced for 2026 Significant Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums Announced for 2026
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41% from April 2026, marking the most substantial increase since 2017. This adjustment reflects the escalating costs associated with medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. - read more
Suncorp Faces Higher-Than-Expected Natural Hazard Costs in First Half of 2026 Suncorp Faces Higher-Than-Expected Natural Hazard Costs in First Half of 2026
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Suncorp has reported that its natural hazard costs for the first half of the 2026 financial year have reached AU$1.319 billion, significantly exceeding the budgeted AU$866 million. This overage has necessitated reinsurance recoveries to mitigate the financial impact. - read more
Significant Decline in Australian Commercial Insurance Rates Observed in Late 2025 Significant Decline in Australian Commercial Insurance Rates Observed in Late 2025
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Australia experienced a notable 12% decline in commercial insurance rates, marking the largest reduction among eight regions monitored globally. This trend reflects a broader pattern of decreasing rates, with the global composite index down 4% for the sixth consecutive quarter. - read more
Australian Insurers Under Fire for Steep Premium Increases Australian Insurers Under Fire for Steep Premium Increases
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In recent times, Australian insurance companies have come under intense scrutiny due to substantial increases in premiums, even as they report record profits. This trend has raised concerns among consumers and policymakers alike, prompting calls for enhanced transparency and competition within the industry. - read more
Rising Insurance Risk Pressures Challenge Australian Businesses Rising Insurance Risk Pressures Challenge Australian Businesses
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian businesses are currently navigating a complex landscape of increasing insurance risks, driven by factors such as heightened litigation, rapid technology adoption, supply chain disruptions, catastrophic events, and geopolitical tensions. These challenges necessitate a proactive approach to risk management and insurance coverage. - read more
Surging Home Insurance Costs in Australia Amid Climate Change Surging Home Insurance Costs in Australia Amid Climate Change
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Homeowners across Australia are facing significant increases in insurance premiums, driven by the escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters attributed to climate change. This trend raises concerns about the affordability and availability of coverage, particularly in high-risk areas. - read more
Rising Private Health Insurance Premiums: A Growing Concern for Australians Rising Private Health Insurance Premiums: A Growing Concern for Australians
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In recent times, Australians have been grappling with escalating private health insurance premiums, a trend that has intensified amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Notably, some 'Gold' tier policies have experienced increases exceeding 12% between 2023 and 2024, significantly outpacing the average approved indexation of 3.03% for the same period. This surge has raised serious concerns about the affordability and value of private health insurance for many Australians. - read more
Australia's Insurance Market Set for Significant Growth by 2029 Australia's Insurance Market Set for Significant Growth by 2029
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's insurance industry is on a trajectory of substantial growth, with projections indicating that the market will reach $144.5 billion by 2029. This expansion is underpinned by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%, reflecting a robust and resilient sector poised to meet evolving consumer needs. - read more
AIA Australia's New Partnerships Aim to Boost Cycling Participation AIA Australia's New Partnerships Aim to Boost Cycling Participation
03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

AIA Australia has recently announced strategic partnerships with global fitness company Peloton and premium cycling brand Specialized. These collaborations are designed to motivate AIA Vitality members to adopt more active lifestyles by providing significant discounts on cycling equipment. This initiative aligns with AIA's commitment to promoting health and wellness among its policyholders. - read more
Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums for 2026 Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums for 2026
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41% from 1 April 2026, marking the most significant increase since 2017. Health Minister Mark Butler stated that this adjustment reflects the escalating costs of medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. This increase is expected to impact over 15 million Australians who hold private health insurance policies. - read more
Australian Medical Association Report Reveals Erosion of Value in Private Health Insurance Australian Medical Association Report Reveals Erosion of Value in Private Health Insurance
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released its latest Private Health Insurance Report Card, highlighting a concerning trend where Australians are paying higher premiums for private health insurance while receiving diminished value in return. The report indicates that nearly 70% of policies now contain exclusions, limiting the coverage available to policyholders. - read more
Private Health Insurers Refund $4.8 Billion in COVID-19 Windfall to Australian Policyholders Private Health Insurers Refund $4.8 Billion in COVID-19 Windfall to Australian Policyholders
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Private health insurers in Australia have returned nearly $4.8 billion to policyholders, fulfilling their commitment not to profit from reduced healthcare service utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The widespread cancellation of elective surgeries and other medical appointments during lockdowns led to significant savings for insurers, who have now redistributed these funds to their customers. - read more
AUSactive's New Insurance Offering: Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs AUSactive's New Insurance Offering: Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

AUSactive has unveiled a new insurance solution designed specifically for fitness and active health professionals. This initiative aims to provide enhanced protection while offering lower premiums compared to existing market options. - read more
Health Insurance Reforms: Inclusion of Natural Therapies from 2026 Health Insurance Reforms: Inclusion of Natural Therapies from 2026
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant policy shift, Australian health insurers will begin offering rebates for a range of natural therapies, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and the Alexander Technique, starting early 2026. This change follows legislative amendments allowing these therapies to be covered under private health insurance for the treatment of health conditions or as part of health management programs. - read more
AIA Australia's New Insurance Portal: Revolutionising Claims Processing AIA Australia's New Insurance Portal: Revolutionising Claims Processing
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

AIA Australia has unveiled its cutting-edge Member Insurance Portal, designed to streamline the insurance experience for group insurance customers. This digital innovation focuses on optimising the claims process, providing members with the ability to track their claims throughout the entire lifecycle, thereby ensuring transparency and simplicity during potentially challenging times. - read more
Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2024, Australia's insurance sector reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a significant increase from the five-year average of $2 billion. This surge is primarily attributed to substantial premium hikes and a relatively calm year concerning natural disasters. - read more
Choice Report Reveals Significant Hikes in Home Insurance Premiums Choice Report Reveals Significant Hikes in Home Insurance Premiums
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Consumer advocacy group Choice has released a report indicating that average home insurance premiums in Australia have increased by 16% over the past year. Notably, insurers such as Kogan, RAC, and Honey have raised their rates by more than 30%, prompting concerns about affordability and transparency within the industry. - read more
Rising Home Insurance Costs Threaten Affordability in High-Risk Australian Regions Rising Home Insurance Costs Threaten Affordability in High-Risk Australian Regions
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent reports indicate that certain regions in Australia are experiencing significant increases in home insurance premiums, with some areas at risk of becoming uninsurable. This trend is largely driven by the heightened frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as floods and bushfires, which have led insurers to reassess risk and adjust premiums accordingly. - read more
Growing Demand for Latent Defects Insurance in Australian Construction Growing Demand for Latent Defects Insurance in Australian Construction
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's construction industry is witnessing a significant shift towards latent defects insurance (LDI), a trend gaining momentum as New South Wales (NSW) approaches its 2028 deadline to mandate LDI for residential projects. This move underscores the sector's commitment to enhancing structural integrity and homeowner protection. - read more
How Rising Construction Costs Are Affecting Insurance Claims in Australia How Rising Construction Costs Are Affecting Insurance Claims in Australia
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's construction sector is grappling with significant cost escalations, which are having a direct impact on insurance claims and repair timelines. According to a recent report by Crawford & Company, various factors are contributing to this trend, including rising material prices, labour shortages, and an increase in builder insolvencies. - read more
ICA's Push for Reforms to Lower Insurance Costs and Strengthen Housing Resilience in Queensland ICA's Push for Reforms to Lower Insurance Costs and Strengthen Housing Resilience in Queensland
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently submitted a series of recommendations to the Queensland Productivity Commission, aiming to reform the state's construction industry. These proposals are designed to reduce insurance costs and bolster housing resilience, addressing both economic efficiency and disaster preparedness. - read more
ATA Challenges Productivity Commission's Proposal to Double Truck Fuel Tax ATA Challenges Productivity Commission's Proposal to Double Truck Fuel Tax
01 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has expressed strong opposition to the Productivity Commission's proposal to more than double the tax on truck fuel. The plan suggests phasing out fuel tax credits for trucking operators, effectively increasing the fuel tax rate from the current 32.4 cents per litre to 66.1 cents per litre by 2035. - read more
PERILS Revises Loss Estimate for November 2025 Storms in Queensland and NSW PERILS Revises Loss Estimate for November 2025 Storms in Queensland and NSW
01 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a recent update, catastrophe data provider PERILS has increased its insurance industry loss estimate for the severe convective storms that struck Queensland and New South Wales between November 21 and 27, 2025. The revised estimate now stands at AU$2.95 billion, marking an 11% rise from the initial figure of AU$2.663 billion released in January 2026. - read more
Federal Court Denies Truck Driver's Insurance Claim Against Superannuation Fund Federal Court Denies Truck Driver's Insurance Claim Against Superannuation Fund
01 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a recent legal decision, the Federal Court dismissed a truck driver's insurance claim against the Australian Retirement Trust. The case centred on whether the driver had active insurance coverage through his superannuation account, particularly concerning the 'dangerous occupation exception.' - read more
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Health Insurance Articles

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