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.
Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to investigate Northern Tasmania as part of their ongoing review of the insurance sector’s handling of the unprecedented 2022 floods.
The House Standing Committee on Economics will convene at the Paranaple Convention Centre in Devonport on July 17. Chairman Daniel Mulino expressed a keen interest in gaining comprehensive insights from local councils, businesses, and residents regarding their flood-related experiences.
In October 2022, flooding affected Northern Tasmania, alongside significant parts of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). The Insurance Council of Australia reported that these floods led to $884 million in insured losses and nearly 23,000 claims being lodged, with an impressive closure rate of 95% for these claims.
The committee has reached out to councils, business groups, and community organizations, inviting them to participate in the hearing. Individuals are also encouraged to voice their experiences through submissions at the event or by completing the committee’s survey.
In recent months, the inquiry has reviewed flood-impacted areas across Victoria, NSW, and Queensland. Future hearings are planned for Cairns and Townsville on July 24 and 25, respectively.
The committee aims to publish its final report by September 30.
As mentioned in Insurance News Magazine, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones emphasized his decision to avoid "populist politics" when addressing affordability barriers in the insurance industry amidst these discussions.
Health insurance premiums are set to experience a substantial increase in 2026, with projections indicating a global rise of 10.3%. This marks the third consecutive year of significant hikes, following increases of 10% in 2025 and 9.5% in 2024. These figures are highlighted in WTW's 2026 Global Medical Trends report, underscoring the persistent inflationary pressures affecting insurers and employer-sponsored health plans worldwide. - read more
Recent analyses have brought to light significant concerns regarding the profit margins of private health insurers in Australia, especially in the context of rising premiums. The Australia Institute has highlighted that major insurers are reporting substantial profits while simultaneously increasing premiums, a situation that has sparked criticism and calls for greater transparency within the industry. - read more
Health Minister Mark Butler has issued a stern warning to private health insurers in Australia, cautioning them against employing underhanded tactics to increase premiums. This comes in response to findings from the Commonwealth Ombudsman, which revealed that some insurers have been closing old policies and introducing more expensive new ones, effectively circumventing regulatory limits on premium hikes. - read more
AUSactive, Australia's leading body for the exercise and active health sector, has announced the launch of a new insurance product tailored specifically for fitness professionals. This initiative, developed in collaboration with global insurance broker Marsh, aims to provide enhanced protection while offering lower premiums compared to existing market options. - read more
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
Single parenting brings with it a mosaic of responsibilities and challenges, not least of which is securing a stable financial future for your child. The rollercoaster of raising a child alone often means that planning for the future can take a back seat to the day-to-day demands of parenting. Unexpected illnesses and injuries can compound these challenges, causing stress to multiply and plans to go awry. - read more
Defining life insurance and its importance: Life insurance is a pivotal financial product designed to protect your loved ones from economic hardship in case of your untimely death. It acts as a safety net, ensuring that your family can maintain their standard of living, cover outstanding debts, and afford future expenses like education and retirement. - 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
Life insurance is a critical component of a sound financial plan. It provides financial security and peace of mind to you and your loved ones, ensuring that they are taken care of in the event of your untimely death. - 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
Knowledgebase
Claim: A formal request made by the policyholder to the insurance company for payment of a loss covered by the insurance policy.