Farm Insurance NZ
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
Source: Paige Estritori
| Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums for 2026 22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41% from 1 April 2026, marking the most significant increase since 2017. Health Minister Mark Butler stated that this adjustment reflects the escalating costs of medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. This increase is expected to impact over 15 million Australians who hold private health insurance policies. - read more |
| Health Insurers Respond to Rising Costs with Increased Payments to Private Hospitals 22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori In response to escalating operational costs faced by private hospitals, health insurers have increased their payments to these facilities. Recent data indicates that payments to private hospitals have risen by 7.7% in the year leading up to March 2025. This adjustment aims to support private hospitals during a period of financial strain and to ensure the continued delivery of quality health care services. - read more |
| Health Insurers to Include Natural Therapies in Coverage from 2026 22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori In a significant policy shift, Australian health insurers will begin offering rebates for a range of natural therapies, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and the Alexander Technique, starting early 2026. This change follows legislative amendments allowing these therapies to be covered under private health insurance for the treatment of health conditions or as part of health management programs. - read more |
| Australian Insurers Highlight Key Challenges for 2026 22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori As 2026 approaches, Australian insurers are facing a trio of pressing challenges: rising premium costs and shrinking insurability, escalating cyber and data risks, and increasing difficulty in hiring and retaining skilled workers. These concerns have been highlighted in industry feedback cited in Gallagher Bassett’s upcoming report, 'The Carrier Perspective: 2026 Claims Insights.' - read more |
| Australian Insurers Under Fire for Steep Premium Increases 22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori In recent times, Australian consumers have been grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, prompting widespread concern and calls for greater transparency within the industry. Reports indicate that some policyholders have experienced premium hikes of up to 600%, leaving many questioning the justification behind such steep increases. - read more |
| Australian Insurers Leverage AI for Service Transformation 22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori Insurance companies across Australia and New Zealand are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to transform their operations and enhance customer experiences. This strategic shift aims to address challenges such as declining margins, evolving consumer expectations, and heightened competition from emerging insurtech firms. - read more |
| 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
|
| Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
|
| 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
|
| 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
|
| Understanding Public Liability Insurance for Livestock and Crop Producers Public liability insurance is a critical component for the agricultural sector, serving as a protective measure for livestock and crop producers against the legal liabilities they face in their daily operations. This type of insurance is designed to cover the costs associated with third-party injuries or property damage that occur on farm premises or as a direct result of farming activities. For anyone involved in the agricultural industry, understanding public liability insurance is not just beneficial—it is essential for safeguarding their livelihood. - read more
|
| Preparing for the Unexpected: A Farmer's Guide to Comprehensive Weather-Related Insurance Farmers are no strangers to the whims of nature. The weather, with its unpredictable temperament, can have a profound impact on farming operations. A single storm can lay waste to crops, while a prolonged drought can jeopardize the health of livestock and lead to severe economic strain. Understandably, the uncertainty that weather brings is one of the largest variables in a farmer's success equation. - read more
|
|
|
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
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
|