Surge in Claims for Non-Advised Disability Income Insurance
Surge in Claims for Non-Advised Disability Income Insurance
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.
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.
A recent travel insurance dispute reported by Insurance News has put a spotlight on one of the most important parts of any cancellation claim: timing. The case involved a policyholder who argued that a doctor’s declaration that he could not travel overseas was the relevant claimable event, rather than the earlier appearance of illness. The policyholder was successful, reinforcing that the way a medical issue is documented can be just as important as the condition itself. - read more
Australia’s general insurance sector appears to be moving closer to a major update to the General Insurance Code of Practice, with Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino signalling that the long-running review should make visible progress soon. For real estate agencies, this is worth watching closely because the code influences how many insurers communicate, manage claims and resolve disputes. - read more
Australia’s general insurance sector is edging closer to a significant reset of its customer service rulebook, with Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino indicating he wants meaningful progress on the long-running review of the General Insurance Code of Practice. A draft of the revised code is expected to move towards consultation shortly, following a review process that began in November 2023 and produced more than 100 recommendations in late 2024. - read more
Victoria’s strata reform agenda has taken another important turn, with consumer advocates continuing to push for a ban on insurance-related commissions paid to owners corporation managers after the state government chose to defer immediate action on the issue. - read more
Australian tradies could soon see an important shift in how general insurers are expected to communicate, manage claims and resolve disputes, with the industry’s General Insurance Code of Practice moving closer to a major rewrite. - read more
ASIC’s latest warning to superannuation trustees is a timely reminder that life insurance is only as valuable as the claims process behind it. The regulator’s June 2026 progress review found that while many trustees have improved how they manage death benefit claims, some are still moving too slowly on basic service standards for grieving families. - read more
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
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
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
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
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Replacement Cost: The amount it would cost to replace or rebuild an insured asset with one of similar kind and quality, without depreciation.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.