Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
Paige Estritori covers this weeks most relevant insurance updates for Australians: bushfires in NSW and Tasmania prompt a check on sums insured and temporary accommodation cover; an AFCA decision underscores the need to put policy changes in writing at renewal, especially for flood cover; Queensland keeps WorkCover premiums on hold after a fraud blitz, supporting employer budgets; and cyber insurance shows improving profitability and competition, suggesting SMEs should revisit quotes alongside basic cyber controls. Listeners are invited to compare options and connect with brokers via insuranceonline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday, 11 December 2025.
First up, early-summer bushfires in New South Wales and Tasmania have destroyed dozens of homes and damaged many more, with disaster support now flowing and insurers on the ground helping affected families. For homeowners and landlords across the country, this is a reminder to check that your sum insured reflects current rebuild costs and that your policy covers temporary accommodation. Keep an inventory and store documents digitally, and if youre unsure about bushfire inclusions, compare options and speak with a broker so youre not underinsured.
Next, a recent ruling from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA, shows how crucial clear instructions are at renewal. A customer who verbally opted out of flood cover during the year couldnt get a refund when the cover re‑appeared at renewal because the policy required written confirmation. The simple fix is to put changes in writing and always review your renewal notice. If youre weighing up flood cover versus cost, get fresh quotes and make an informed choice.
Meanwhile in Queensland, WorkCover premiums are being kept on hold after a crackdown on fraudulent claims. Stable pricing is welcome news for employers budgeting for 2026, but it also highlights the need to keep wages declarations accurate and safety practices tight. If you run a business in any state, make sure your workers compensation and liability covers line up with your actual risks; a broker can help you compare quickly and avoid gaps.
And cyber cover is showing signs of health, with the prudential regulator reporting a profitable quarter and analysts noting more market capacity and sharper competition. Take‑up among mid‑market firms is improving, but many small businesses still go without protection even as scams and ransomware keep rising. If youve been priced out before, its worth revisiting quotes now and pairing a policy with simple controls like multi‑factor logins and regular backups.
Thats it for this week. For fast, free quotes and access to independent brokers nationwide, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and stay covered.
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.
Follow us!
We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
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
With healthcare being a critical aspect of every family's well-being in Australia, securing the right family health insurance is not just a necessity but a responsibility. Recognizing the importance of this safety net is the first step towards safeguarding the future health needs of your loved ones. Balancing comprehensive coverage against affordable premiums can seem overwhelming with a multitude of plans available. - 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
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
Welcome to our discussion on basic health insurance cover, a topic that is crucial yet often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Navigating the world of health insurance can be daunting, but understanding your options is vital for peace of mind and financial stability. - read more
Recent supercell thunderstorms in South East Queensland and northern New South Wales have led to a surge in insurance claims, prompting Suncorp to reach its maximum reinsurance retention of $350 million. The insurer has reported over 10,000 claims related to these events, with approximately half pertaining to home damages and the other half to motor vehicles. - read more
The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its latest Major Incident Investigation Report, highlighting inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed as the most frequent human factors behind major truck crashes in Australia. While there has been a modest reduction in these incidents compared to previous years, they continue to pose significant risks to road safety. - read more
The Australian insurance industry is witnessing a significant shift 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) indicates that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims, marking a substantial change in the industry's claim patterns. - read more
In a remarkable turnaround, Australian general insurers have reported a combined profit of $6.1 billion over the past year. This substantial increase is attributed to a period of relative calm in natural catastrophes and robust investment returns. - read more
Recent findings have revealed that certain Australian life insurers continue to implement blanket exclusions for mental health conditions, a practice that contravenes the industry's code of practice. This has raised significant concerns about the fairness and legality of such exclusions. - read more
Incontestability Clause: A provision in a life insurance policy that prevents the insurer from voiding coverage due to a misstatement by the insured after a certain period.
