Adviser Shortage and Policy Shifts Impact Life/Risk Market

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
Author: Paige Estritori

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.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Cover-More and Aon Forge New Travel Insurance Partnership in Australia

29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for the Australian travel insurance market, Cover-More, a subsidiary of Zurich's Cover-More Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with global brokerage firm Aon. This collaboration designates Cover-More as the exclusive provider of travel insurance products to Aon's Australian retail customers and employees. - read more

ATIA Intensifies Efforts to Secure Permanent Travel Insurance Sales Rights

29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is actively campaigning to secure the permanent right for travel agents, tour operators, and accredited travel businesses to sell travel insurance at the time of booking. This initiative follows an exemption granted in 2021, which is set to expire in October 2026. - read more

SCTI Highlights Increase in Domestic Travel Insurance Claims and Coverage Gaps

29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has reported a significant increase in domestic travel insurance claims, shedding light on the existing coverage gaps among Australian travellers. In the first eight and a half months of 2025, SCTI settled over $240,000 in claims related to local and interstate trips. - read more

Navigating Premium Affordability and Cybersecurity: Key Challenges for Australian Insurers in 2026

29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2026, Australian insurers are grappling with significant challenges, notably premium affordability and cybersecurity threats. Gallagher Bassett's annual industry survey sheds light on these pressing issues, revealing a shift in insurer priorities amid evolving market dynamics. - read more

Australian Commercial Insurance Rates Experience Significant Decline in Q1 2026

29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian commercial insurance sector has witnessed a notable 12% decline in rates during the first quarter of 2026, as reported by Marsh's Global Insurance Market Index. This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of rate reductions, reflecting a sustained trend in the market. - read more

Click for more Insurance News