Adviser Shortage and Policy Shifts Impact Life/Risk Market

2

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.

Recent insights from Dexx&r, a specialist research organization, depict a significant effect of governmental policies on Australia’s life/risk market, shaking even the traditionally sturdy group insurance subset.

Dexx&r's latest analysis shows a mere 0.4% rise in total risk in-force premiums for the year concluding in December 2023, reaching $16.5 billion.

Interestingly, new individual risk lump sum businesses declined by 5.4%, revealing the broader implications of the prevailing market conditions.

This market turbulence is further highlighted by the increase in individual lump sum discontinues, which escalated to 10.1% by December.

In a stark contrast, new disability income business saw a 7.3% rise during the same year, hitting $451 million, up from $420 million in the prior year.

The attrition rate for Disability Income business is on an upward trajectory, climbing from 9% in December 2020-just before APRA introduced new disability income products-to higher levels following the product releases in 2021.

Significantly, Dexx&r highlighted a 1% decrease in in-force group business for the year ending December 2023. This contraction points to the impact on premium receipts connected to default covers for superannuation funds.

“The introduction of the Protecting Your Super measures led to a reduction in members with default cover; nonetheless, overall premium receipts surged due to re-pricing of existing benefits,” Dexx&r stated.

Total In-force Group Risk Premium witnessed a small dip of 1%, lowering from $7.1 billion in December 2022 to $7.0 billion by December 2023.

TAL maintains its lead with a 32% market share, followed by AIA Australia, Zurich, and MLC Life.

Published:Friday, 17th May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Healthscope's Contract Terminations: Implications for Millions of Australians

06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Healthscope, Australia's second-largest private hospital operator, has announced the termination of its agreements with major health insurers Bupa and the Australian Health Services Alliance (AHSA). This decision is set to affect approximately 6.6 million Australians, potentially leading to increased out-of-pocket expenses for those seeking treatment at Healthscope's 38 hospitals nationwide. - read more

Government Directs Health Insurers to Increase Private Hospital Funding

06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian government has issued a directive to health insurers, requiring them to allocate a greater portion of their increased premiums to private hospitals. This move aims to enhance patient care and support the financial stability of private healthcare facilities. - read more

AMA Report Card Reveals Erosion of Value in Private Health Insurance

06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released its latest Private Health Insurance Report Card, indicating a concerning trend where Australians are paying higher premiums for private health insurance while receiving diminished value in return. - read more

Allianz Australia and AWP Australia Penalised for Misleading Practices

06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant regulatory action, Allianz Australia and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined $16.8 million for making false and misleading statements to consumers. This penalty underscores the critical need for transparency and honesty within the insurance industry. - read more

Rising Insurance Premiums Challenge Northern Australian Homeowners

06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Homeowners in Northern Australia are grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, despite the establishment of a cyclone reinsurance pool intended to alleviate such financial burdens. This situation raises critical questions about the pool's effectiveness and the broader challenges facing the insurance industry in high-risk regions. - read more

Click for more Insurance News