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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.
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Recent Australian guidance on the dengue vaccine Qdenga has given travellers another reason to treat health preparation and travel insurance as connected parts of trip planning, particularly for holidays in South-East Asia, the Pacific and other dengue-prone regions. The issue is not that vaccination changes the need for cover, but that infectious disease risk, outbreak declarations and timing can all affect how well protected a traveller may be if plans change or medical help is needed overseas. - read more
Australia's latest Saudi Arabia travel warning has turned a destination safety update into a practical travel insurance issue for Australians with Middle East itineraries, religious travel plans, business trips or transit arrangements. Smartraveller's current advice is to not travel to Saudi Arabia because of the volatile security situation, with travellers told to postpone planned travel, including travel for religious purposes. - read more
Renewed attention on airline and airport industrial action overseas is a timely reminder for Australian travellers to look closely at how their travel insurance responds when transport plans unravel. Strikes can affect flights, baggage handling, airport security, public transport connections and tour schedules, turning a carefully planned itinerary into a costly scramble for new accommodation, meals and replacement bookings. - read more
Recent consumer reporting has again highlighted a familiar travel risk: some Australians are looking for savings by travelling without insurance, or by choosing the cheapest cover without checking whether it suits the trip. With airfares, accommodation and day-to-day holiday costs still stretching household budgets, it is understandable that travellers are scrutinising every expense. The problem is that travel insurance is often treated as optional until something goes wrong. - read more
Recent consumer attention on scooter and moped accidents overseas has highlighted a travel risk many Australians underestimate until something goes wrong. Hiring a scooter in Bali, Thailand, Vietnam or parts of Europe can feel like a simple holiday convenience, but insurers may treat it very differently from catching a taxi or joining a tour. - read more
Welcome to our guide on travel insurance! Whether you're planning a domestic getaway or an international adventure, travel insurance is a crucial part of your trip preparation. It provides peace of mind by covering unexpected expenses like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. For Australian travellers, it is particularly important given the distance and expense often involved in overseas trips. - read more
Travel insurance is a crucial aspect of planning a trip, especially for Australian travelers who venture far and wide. With the vast array of destinations Australians frequent, from exploring the natural wonders of the Outback to adventuring abroad, having a safety net in place can provide peace of mind. - read more
Travel plays a significant role in family bonding. There's nothing quite like exploring new places together, creating lasting memories, and experiencing adventures that will be talked about for years to come. - read more
For many Australian travellers, setting off on a global adventure is an exciting prospect. Yet, amidst this excitement, it's crucial to acknowledge the unexpected twists and turns that could arise. That's where travel insurance steps in. Not just a safety net, it serves as a vital component of travel planning, providing peace of mind as you explore the world. - read more
Domestic travel insurance can help with some non-medical costs when travelling within Australia, such as cancellations, lost luggage, delays and rental car excess. This guide explains how it works, what it may cover and the common limits to check before you buy. - read more
Knowledgebase
Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for expenses before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.
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