Surge in Disability Insurance Claims: Key Insights & Analysis
Farm Insurance NZ
New Zealand's leading online Farm Insurance resource
Farm Insurance NZ :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Surge in Claims for Non-Advised Disability Income Insurance

Surge in Claims for Non-Advised Disability Income Insurance

Surge in Claims for Non-Advised Disability Income Insurance?w=400

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 analysis reveals individual non-advised disability income insurance is leading the pack with a remarkable claims paid ratio of 113%.
In stark contrast, individual policies acquired through personal advice boast a much lower ratio of 68%, as outlined by the latest prudential data.

For disability income insurance (DII) products distributed via group superannuation and group ordinary channels, the claims paid ratios stand at 99% and 74% respectively over the 12-month period ending in June. These figures are based on a projected 24-month claims payment period.

The standout 113% ratio for individual non-advised DII underscores a scenario where claims payments surpass premiums collected, setting it as the leader among seven product categories available through four distinct sales channels.

Beyond individual non-advised DII, other product classes include total and permanent disability, death, trauma, consumer credit insurance, funeral, and accident insurance.

Interestingly, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), which is the source of this comprehensive data—originally reported by a financial industry publication, provides no additional commentary on these biennial life insurance claims and disputes statistics. Nevertheless, APRA’s recent annual report highlights ongoing endeavors to enhance the sustainability of individual DII products, which last year led to a reevaluation of capital requirements for select insurers.

Additional APRA data illustrates varying claims paid ratios for total and permanent disability (TPD) coverage: individual-advised has a 55% ratio, individual non-advised 58%, group super 100%, and group ordinary 37%.

Disability income insurance also tops the charts in terms of dispute frequency: for individual-advised products, there are 334 disputes per 100,000 lives insured, while the non-advised channel experiences even higher contention at 425 disputes per 100,000.

Published:Wednesday, 6th Nov 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:

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Why Battery Freight Is Becoming a Truck Insurance Issue
Why Battery Freight Is Becoming a Truck Insurance Issue
10 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent transport and insurance industry attention on lithium-ion battery safety is a timely warning for Australian truck operators. The issue is no longer limited to consumer products catching fire in homes or warehouses. Batteries now move through freight networks in tools, scooters, e-bikes, electronics, spare parts and energy storage equipment, and that creates a different risk profile for carriers, depots and subcontracted linehaul work. - read more
Why Premium Differences Matter When Choosing Income Protection
Why Premium Differences Matter When Choosing Income Protection
09 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent income protection cost commentary has put a practical issue back in front of Australian workers: two policies that appear similar at first glance can carry very different long-term costs. For people relying on their income to meet mortgage repayments, rent, school fees, business expenses or family commitments, the premium is important, but it should not be viewed in isolation. - read more
Cyber Risk Is Blurring the Lines for Professional Indemnity Cover
Cyber Risk Is Blurring the Lines for Professional Indemnity Cover
09 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent insurance market commentary has again highlighted a growing challenge for Australian professional service firms: cyber incidents are no longer just an IT problem. When a system outage, data handling error, failed implementation, software defect or poor security recommendation causes a client financial loss, the dispute can quickly move into professional indemnity territory. - read more
Why Skipping Travel Insurance Can Be a Costly Saving
Why Skipping Travel Insurance Can Be a Costly Saving
09 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
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
Cyber Underinsurance Is Becoming a Bigger SME Risk
Cyber Underinsurance Is Becoming a Bigger SME Risk
09 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh industry attention on cyber underinsurance is a timely reminder that many Australian small and medium businesses are still treating digital risk as an IT problem rather than a balance sheet risk. As more trading, payments, customer records, bookings and supplier relationships move online, a cyber incident can quickly become a cash flow, legal, operational and reputational event. - read more
Heavy Vehicle Law Reform Is Now an Insurance Test
Heavy Vehicle Law Reform Is Now an Insurance Test
09 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
The updated Heavy Vehicle National Law framework is no longer just a future compliance milestone. With the new regime now in force across HVNL-participating jurisdictions, transport operators should treat safety management, driver fitness, maintenance discipline and record-keeping as live insurance issues, not merely operational requirements. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Farm Insurance Articles

Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs
Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers
Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers
New Zealand's farming community forms the backbone of its thriving agricultural sector, yet many overlook the critical importance of proactive estate planning. With farmland often being held within families for generations, securing its future is not just a financial concern, but a deeply personal one as well. - read more
What Can Farm Insurance Cover in New Zealand?
What Can Farm Insurance Cover in New Zealand?
Farm insurance in New Zealand can combine cover for buildings, machinery, vehicles, livestock, crops, liability, income disruption and other rural risks, depending on the policy and farm operation. - read more
What Affects the Cost of Farm Insurance in New Zealand?
What Affects the Cost of Farm Insurance in New Zealand?
Farm insurance premiums in New Zealand can vary widely because each farm has different assets, activities, exposures and cover choices. This guide explains the main factors that may influence the cost of a rural insurance quote. - read more
Livestock and Crop Insurance in New Zealand: What Farmers Should Understand
Livestock and Crop Insurance in New Zealand: What Farmers Should Understand
Livestock and crops are among the most important assets on many New Zealand farms. This guide explains how livestock and crop insurance can fit into a broader farm insurance policy, what risks may be considered, and what records farmers may need when reviewing cover. - read more
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential
Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Start here

Farm Type:
Postcode:

Knowledgebase
Surrender Value:
The amount of money an insurance policyholder will receive if they voluntarily terminate the policy before it matures.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228,
IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or finance products. We do not recommend any specific financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party, qualified intermediaries with whom you can deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third part to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.