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:
This week: the minister signals potential intervention on home insurance affordability for high‑risk areas, but without a timeline; Treasury advances the ban on using adverse genetic test results in life insurance from 8 October 2026; broker code breaches are led by missed renewal reminders, so set your own reminder and compare early; and a new report shows climate risk is shaping where Australians live and work, while many remain underprepared. Get fast quotes and expert comparisons at InsuranceOnline.com.au.
Welcome to Insurance Online News with Paige Estritori for Thursday, 18 June 2026.
First, home insurance affordability is back in the spotlight. The financial services minister says work continues on possible government intervention to help households in high‑risk areas, but theres no timeline yet. If youre facing steep renewals or non‑renewals in a flood or cyclone zone, act early: compare policies side by side, ask about mitigation discounts, and speak with a broker who can place cover across multiple insurers.
Next up, life cover and genetic tests. Treasury has released draft rules to implement the ban on using adverse genetic test results in life insurance, with the ban due to start on 8 October this year. That means insurers wont be able to request or use negative genetic results when assessing new life policies. If youve held off testing or reviewing cover, nows a good time to compare life insurance options and check how the rules could improve access and pricing for your situation.
Meanwhile, brokers have been reminded to keep clients in the loop at renewal. An annual code report found the top breach was missed renewal reminders, with many customers not contacted at least 14 days before expiry as the code requires. Dont wait on hold the week your policy rolls over. Set your own reminder a month out, line up fresh quotes, and ask your broker to confirm any changes to excesses, exclusions, or sums insured.
And finally, a new industry report says climate risk is shaping where many Australians choose to live and work, especially younger adults, but preparedness still lags. For homeowners and renters, that means reviewing storm, flood and fire cover, checking your home and contents sums insured, and keeping photos and receipts handy. For business owners, revisit public liability and business interruption limits, including extra costs of working elsewhere after an event.
Thats it for this week. For free, fast comparisons and access to independent brokers nationwide, head to insuranceonline.com.au.
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.
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Knowledgebase
Flood Insurance: A specific type of property insurance that covers losses and damage caused by flooding.
