Financial Strain Forces Australians to Reevaluate Life Insurance
Financial Strain Forces Australians to Reevaluate Life Insurance
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.
The rising cost of living is compelling Australians to view life insurance less as a safeguarding asset and more as an unnecessary liability.
This trend emerges amidst a confluence of economic challenges including escalating inflation, increasing interest rates, and notable shifts in population demographics, according to David Sarkis, the CEO of iExtend.
Amid relentless premium increases, Australians are increasingly seeking the counsel of financial advisers to reassess the worth of their life insurance policies. Decisions hang in the balance as many contemplate whether to uphold, amend, or abandon their current coverage.
A survey conducted by the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) titled "The State of Australia’s Safety Net," highlights that nearly a quarter of the 5,000 adults surveyed would consider policy cancellation should their financial circumstances deteriorate. Moreover, 68 percent expressed anxiety over their continued ability to afford life insurance given the ongoing economic pressures.
David Sarkis underlined this shift, stating, "As a result of a range of financial and demographic pressures, we have seen more Australians change their view of their life insurance and are seeking to cancel it." The burdens of everyday expenses are driving households to contemplate policy cancellation as a means to ease the immediate financial strain.
Research by iExtend points out seven pivotal reasons behind the trend of policy cancellations:
Premium Inflation: Life insurance premiums in advanced economies are projected to climb by 1.5% in 2025, with more pronounced increases anticipated in emerging markets. This trend saps confidence in maintaining long-term life insurance commitments.
Health Challenges: With 39% of the Australian workforce afflicted by chronic conditions, health changes are steering decisions around life insurance policy cancellation, as indicated by iExtend's criteria.
Ageing Society: Predictions suggest that by 2066, individuals over 65 will represent up to 23% of Australia's population, elevating the importance of estate planning and related insurance considerations.
Cost-of-Living Escalation: The Consumer Price Index saw a 2.3% increase over the year leading to November 2024, pressuring Australians to trim discretionary spending, including life insurance.
Intergenerational Wealth Shift: The Productivity Commission reports an estimated $3.5 trillion in assets will transfer across generations by 2050, influencing decisions surrounding life insurance and estate plans.
Real Estate and Business Sales: Economic pressures compel Australians to offload property despite market conditions, pushing life insurance into the realm of valuable long-term assets.
Advice Accessibility: With just 15,400 financial advisers available nationwide, obtaining professional advice remains challenging, influencing uninformed insurance decisions.
Sarkis concludes by indicating iExtend’s commitment: "We are working with advisers and their clients to ensure they make informed choices about the future of their life insurance policies, decisions which impact families and generations of Australians."
These insights are adapted from a report originally published by Yasmine Raso on CALI's findings and expert opinions in the life insurance sector.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Australia’s general insurance sector is facing a proposed step-up in accountability, with the Insurance Council of Australia opening consultation on a new draft General Insurance Code of Practice on 24 June 2026. For truck owners, small fleet operators and transport businesses, the most relevant shift is not just the wording of the code, but the possibility that parts of it could become contractually enforceable for the first time, subject to ASIC approval. - read more
New market data points to a meaningful lift in Australians taking out individual income protection insurance, suggesting more households are reassessing how they would manage financially if illness or injury interrupted their pay. - read more
A recent sanction against an unnamed life insurer has put claims handling back under the spotlight, particularly for Australians who rely on personal insurance as a financial safety net. The Life Insurance Code Compliance Committee found that the insurer failed to request required information from claimants at the earliest available opportunity, contributing to significant delays for some customers waiting on claim decisions. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia has released a draft General Insurance Code of Practice for feedback, marking a significant step in the industry’s push to strengthen customer protections. Released on 24 June 2026, the draft is open for consultation until 21 July 2026 and is designed to make key obligations legally enforceable through insurance contracts. - read more
A new specialist insurance product for Australian crane and rigging operators is a timely reminder that not every business fits neatly into a standard policy box. ARTes Specialty, working with wholesale provider Mobius Insurance, has launched an integrated crane and rigging policy for the local market, adding to its earlier Australian offerings for commercial loggers and contractors’ plant and equipment. - read more
Estate planning is a critical process that often goes overlooked, but it's essential for securing the financial future of your loved ones and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It involves the careful organization and protection of an individual’s estate to minimize uncertainties and facilitate the smooth transfer of assets after their passing. While it may seem complex, understanding the basics of estate planning is necessary for every Australian adult, regardless of wealth. - read more
Life insurance is one of those cornerstones of financial planning that often gets overlooked. Yet, the importance of life insurance in safeguarding your family's future cannot be overstated. It's a robust financial instrument that provides peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your untimely passing. This introductory section lays the groundwork for understanding why life insurance is pivotal in your family's financial health. - read more
Estate planning is a process that involves the management and distribution of an individual's assets and responsibilities in the event of their passing or incapacitation. It is an essential part of financial planning that ensures your assets are managed according to your desires and your loved ones are taken care of. - read more
Trauma insurance, also known as critical illness insurance, is a type of coverage that provides a lump sum payment in the event that the insured suffers from a critical illness or injury. Unlike health insurance, which covers medical expenses, trauma insurance is designed to provide financial protection by helping to cover the additional costs associated with recovery from a severe illness or injury. - read more
Shareholder agreements lay the cornerstone for stable business relationships and continuity in Australia. Acting as a contract among business owners, these agreements set forth the expectations, rights, and obligations of all parties involved. They are particularly vital in delineating clear paths for dispute resolution, succession planning, and the transfer of ownership shares under varied circumstances, including the untimely death or departure of a shareholder. - read more
Knowledgebase
Liability Insurance: A type of insurance that provides protection against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people and/or property.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.