A motorist's claim that he crashed into a tree to avoid a possum has been denied by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), which supported the insurer's fraud decision. The incident involved the driver crashing his Jeep—insured for over $20,000—on a dimly-lit street, purportedly avoiding the rain-soaked motorway en route to the store. - read more
The Life Code Compliance Committee has recently reprimanded a life insurance provider for issuing misleading rejection letters to policy applicants. These letters were deemed 'ambiguous and contradictory' and failed to clearly inform applicants of their review options after being denied coverage. - read more
A recent ruling mandates that an insurer must fully honor a storm-related claim due to ambiguous policy wording regarding items in open areas. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) determined that the insurer's restriction on coverage for items in a patio area was unfounded, as the policy's phrasing was not clear. - read more
Last year saw Australia's insured catastrophe losses plummet to just $500 million, marking the lowest level since 2004, according to Aon's latest Climate and Catastrophe Insight report. Notably, the Insurance Council of Australia reported no disasters for the year, a situation not seen since 1982. This comes in stark contrast to 2023, when disaster-related insured losses soared to over $3.6 billion. - read more
The Climate Change Authority has released a concerning report highlighting that, without immediate intervention, extreme natural hazards could cost Australians approximately $8.7 billion annually by 2050. The report urges the federal government to spearhead a comprehensive and well-coordinated national adaptation agenda to mitigate these risks. - read more
An Australian travel policyholder has been denied a claim payout after his planned cruise in the Red Sea was cancelled due to conflict. The insurer, Southern Cross, invoked its policy's war and violence exclusion clause, as disturbances in the region were linked to military activities, rendering the claim invalid. - read more
The ACT Insurance Awards have recently acknowledged the standout performers within the insurance sector, with EML Group's Canberra branch receiving the prestigious title of Insurance Leader of the Year. This accolade sets a benchmark in the industry, emphasising excellence and leadership among its professionals. - read more
Australia's prominent life insurer, TAL, has partnered with the global insurtech firm, Cover Genius, to introduce an innovative 'digital-only', embedded life insurance product. This new solution aims to serve Australian workers such as part-time employees, contractors, and casual staff who often lack access to affordable insurance coverage. - read more
Recent findings from a Consumer NZ survey highlight increasing skepticism towards insurers in New Zealand, as affordability remains a significant concern for many. The survey noted that insurance now ranks as the fourth-largest financial pressure among respondents, trailing housing, food, and household debt, marking an upward shift from sixth place last October. This change has negatively impacted the industry's reputation, with more individuals expressing distrust towards insurers. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has supported Open Insurance's decision to deny a refund to a customer who cancelled his motor policy after being informed that his new rooftop tent installation would breach policy guidelines. The policyholder was advised that any modifications, including a 'slip on camper/tent or camper conversion,' would void coverage, prompting him to cancel his insurance in March. - read more
In a triumphant moment for Australian life insurer Acenda, the company secured top honours in four of the ten categories at the Australian Life Underwriting and Claims Association (ALUCA) Life Insurance Excellence Awards. Formerly known as MLC Life Insurance, Acenda emerged as a finalist in nine categories, ultimately winning the Leadership Award, Claims Team Award, Customer Service Team Award, and Partnership Impact Team Award. - read more
A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) supported Auto & General's decision to deny a motor policyholder's claim after a crash. The decision stemmed from the policyholder's failure to disclose a driving-related good behaviour bond, despite his claims of a learning disability affecting his understanding of the policy's inquiries. - read more
In a recent decision, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) directed insurer QBE to honour an arson claim for a restaurant, despite the owner's failure to disclose prior criminal convictions during the policy's inception. The restaurant, which operates from a leased location, suffered extensive damage due to an arson attack on August 2 of last year, halting its business operations. While the arsonist was apprehended, QBE initially denied the claim, citing non-disclosure of the director's criminal history. - read more
The insurance industry secured a net profit after tax of $1.11 billion in the March quarter, with major contributions from insurers at $990 million and reinsurers at $123 million, as revealed by the latest data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. The insurance service result, a key indicator of underwriting success, reached $1.32 billion during this period, while investment returns added an impressive $1.18 billion. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings against Choosi Pty Ltd, alleging deceptive practices in its insurance comparison service. The regulatory body charges that from July 2019 to June 2025, Choosi misrepresented its offerings, claiming to compare funeral and life insurance policies from multiple insurers while actually only comparing products from a single provider, Hannover Life Re of Australasia Ltd. - read more
Recent figures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority reveal that individual disability income insurance (DII) recorded an underwriting profit of $231 million for the first quarter of 2025, continuing a five-quarter streak of profitability. This performance shows promising growth compared to the December 2023 quarter, which saw an $86 million loss. Although the latest profit is up from $138 million in the last quarter, it still falls short of the $419 million achieved a year before. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has ruled that a camper trailer owner will receive coverage for water and mould damage after the insurer could not demonstrate that the wear and tear exclusions applied under the policy. The case emerged after a storm in November 2023, which the claimant says caused severe wind to rip the cover off the camper, allowing water ingress and subsequent mould development. - read more
Australia’s leading financial regulators, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), have raised concerns regarding the practice of duration-based pricing in life insurance products. They have emphasised the need for insurers to improve transparency, ensuring that consumers are fully informed about the long-term costs associated with initial premium discounts. - read more
A policyholder faces a denied claim after inadvertently excluding his newly licensed 21-year-old son from his car insurance policy, highlighting a common oversight in age-specific exclusions. Following a collision involving his son, who recently earned his licence, Hollard Insurance declined the claim based on policy terms that excluded drivers under 25, unless accompanied by a qualified adult. - read more
Recently, New South Wales has been severely affected by major floods, with damages to around 10,000 homes and businesses. The Insurance Council of Australia has already received over 6,000 claims from the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions, while countless families face displacement as their homes become uninhabitable. - read more
A ride-share driver recently won a significant claim dispute against an insurer that initially denied his claim following a traffic accident. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) sided with the driver, determining that Auto & General could not prove he misrepresented his vehicle use when purchasing his insurance policy. - read more
In a groundbreaking development for the Australian life insurance sector, a new digital initiative promises to simplify the process of providing medical information for life insurance applications. The collaboration between Acenda, formerly known as MLC Life, and EQ Pathology introduces “smart” digital questionnaires to streamline data collection. - read more
The landscape of pet insurance in the UK has marked another milestone, with payouts reaching an unprecedented £1.23 billion ($2.36 billion) last year. This 4% increase over the previous year is attributed to soaring veterinary fees, reflecting broader inflation trends in the industry. - read more
As floods wreak havoc across New South Wales, the stark reality of inadequate insurance coverage emerges as a pressing issue for farmers, homeowners, and businesses. In localities like Taree, the lack of flood coverage is a cause for concern as the region grapples with the aftermath of record-breaking rains and destruction. - read more
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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
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
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
Affordable health insurance refers to insurance plans that offer necessary health coverage at a price within one's financial means. These plans aim to balance cost with the quality of care, providing essential services without excessive financial burden. The goal is to make healthcare accessible to a wider population, ensuring that everyone can maintain their health without going into debt. - read more
Finding the right health insurance coverage is a critical concern for Australian seniors, who often face the dual challenge of managing chronic health conditions and maintaining financial stability in retirement. As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, the importance of securing an affordable health cover that still meets their needs cannot be overstated. - read more
Finding affordable health insurance can be a daunting task, particularly in a landscape as diverse as Australia’s. With a myriad of options available, it's crucial to understand the financial support mechanisms in place that can ease the burden of healthcare costs. One such mechanism is the health fund rebate, a key feature of the Australian health insurance system designed to make healthcare more accessible. - read more
Health insurance is more than just a precautionary measure; it's a vital component in managing both your health and financial well-being. In Australia, where healthcare costs can quickly escalate, health insurance extras serve as a buffer, ensuring that services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy remain within reach. These extras can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses you might otherwise encounter for non-hospital treatments. - read more
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
Health insurance is a critical part of maintaining your well-being and financial stability. In Australia, understanding the basics of health insurance can help you make informed decisions that protect you during unforeseen medical events. - read more
In Australia, health insurance plays a significant role in ensuring individuals can access quality medical care without incurring prohibitive costs. - read more
Knowledgebase
Peril: A specific risk or cause of loss covered by an insurance policy, such as fire, theft, or flood.
