Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
Paige Estritori covers this weeks most relevant insurance updates for Australians: bushfires in NSW and Tasmania prompt a check on sums insured and temporary accommodation cover; an AFCA decision underscores the need to put policy changes in writing at renewal, especially for flood cover; Queensland keeps WorkCover premiums on hold after a fraud blitz, supporting employer budgets; and cyber insurance shows improving profitability and competition, suggesting SMEs should revisit quotes alongside basic cyber controls. Listeners are invited to compare options and connect with brokers via insuranceonline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday, 11 December 2025.
First up, early-summer bushfires in New South Wales and Tasmania have destroyed dozens of homes and damaged many more, with disaster support now flowing and insurers on the ground helping affected families. For homeowners and landlords across the country, this is a reminder to check that your sum insured reflects current rebuild costs and that your policy covers temporary accommodation. Keep an inventory and store documents digitally, and if youre unsure about bushfire inclusions, compare options and speak with a broker so youre not underinsured.
Next, a recent ruling from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA, shows how crucial clear instructions are at renewal. A customer who verbally opted out of flood cover during the year couldnt get a refund when the cover re‑appeared at renewal because the policy required written confirmation. The simple fix is to put changes in writing and always review your renewal notice. If youre weighing up flood cover versus cost, get fresh quotes and make an informed choice.
Meanwhile in Queensland, WorkCover premiums are being kept on hold after a crackdown on fraudulent claims. Stable pricing is welcome news for employers budgeting for 2026, but it also highlights the need to keep wages declarations accurate and safety practices tight. If you run a business in any state, make sure your workers compensation and liability covers line up with your actual risks; a broker can help you compare quickly and avoid gaps.
And cyber cover is showing signs of health, with the prudential regulator reporting a profitable quarter and analysts noting more market capacity and sharper competition. Take‑up among mid‑market firms is improving, but many small businesses still go without protection even as scams and ransomware keep rising. If youve been priced out before, its worth revisiting quotes now and pairing a policy with simple controls like multi‑factor logins and regular backups.
Thats it for this week. For fast, free quotes and access to independent brokers nationwide, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and stay covered.
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.
Follow us!
We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
The concept of travel in Australia inherently brings to mind sweeping landscapes, rugged coastlines, and vast outback adventures. For many Australians, the dream of traversing this scenic wonderland is often tempered by the cold reality of expenses, with accommodation often being a prominent budgetary concern. Yet, far from dimming the wanderlust, this challenge invites a more clever approach to journeying through the land Down Under. - read more
When it comes to travelling abroad, there's more to preparation than just packing the right clothes and booking your flights. For Australian travellers venturing overseas, assembling a financial travel kit is just as vital as a passport. This kit serves as your safeguard, ensuring that even when faced with the unpredictable, your journey remains as smooth as possible. - read more
Travel insurance is an indispensable component for any savvy traveller from Australia, playing a protective role in a myriad of situations that may occur away from home. Whether it's encountering flight delays, requiring medical assistance, or facing luggage theft, having a solid travel insurance policy can convert potential nightmares into manageable inconveniences. Yet, despite its importance, the process of finding a policy that won't break the bank is increasingly challenging. - 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
Traveling overseas is an exciting experience yet can be challenging, especially for Australians on a budget. With careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to make the most out of your trip without breaking the bank. This article provides valuable money-saving tips for Australians looking to explore the world on a restricted budget. - read more
Australian travellers are being urged to carefully review their travel insurance policies to identify potential exclusions that could affect their coverage. Legal expert Peter Carter from Carter Capner Law highlights that certain activities, such as riding motorbikes or jet skis and consuming alcohol, are often classified as high-risk by insurers. Incidents occurring during these activities may lead to claim rejections. - read more
Qantas Travel Insurance has been recognised in the 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Awards for Travel Insurance, showcasing its exceptional value for their Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance policy. - read more
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has unveiled its top 10 most expensive international travel claims made by Australian travellers in 2024, shedding light on the significant financial risks associated with unforeseen incidents abroad. - read more
Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has revealed a concerning trend: one in seven Australian travellers embark on overseas trips without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
Whole Life Insurance: A type of life insurance that provides coverage for the insured's entire lifetime, with a savings component that builds cash value.
