Exploring the Future of Insurance at the Outlook 2025 Conference
Exploring the Future of Insurance at the Outlook 2025 Conference
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.
The Insurance News Outlook 2025 Conference, scheduled for March 12 in Sydney, is set to delve deeply into the insurance industry's future.
With a focus on emerging risks, advancements in technology, and the evolving landscape of broking, the event promises insightful discussions led by industry experts.
The discussion panel will include key figures such as Insurtech Australia CEO Simone Dossetor, Coalition GM Australia Sam Weaver, Edgewise Insurance Brokers account director Stella Pruscino, and Berkley Re's Asia-Pacific CEO Glen Riddell. These leaders will offer diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector today.
Highlights of the conference include an opening session exploring findings from an exclusive Finity/Insurance News market report, followed by a keynote address from Hollard Australia founder Richard Enthoven on growth prospects within the Australian market.
Crucial topics, such as the rising insurance costs for homeowners in high-risk areas, will be addressed by a panel comprising Alexandra Hordern from the Insurance Council of Australia, Allianz’s Nicholas Scofield, and Julia Davis from the Financial Rights Legal Centre. Meanwhile, Nathan Bourne from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will outline the regulator’s insurance priorities.
The agenda includes Prue Monument from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority discussing transparency expectations, and a panel comprising IAG CEO Nick Hawkins, Lloyd’s Chris Mackinnon, Suncorp's Michael Miller, Liberty's John McCabe, and Trent Williams from WTW, who will debate the year's critical challenges and opportunities.
The event receives support from gold partners Finity and Liberty, along with sponsors including Allianz, AAMC, and Australia Underwriting. Attendees can earn continuing professional development points-five NIBA CPD points and eight ANZIIF CIP points, emphasizing the conference’s educational value.
In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Australian travel insurers have mobilised additional resources to support affected travellers. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) announced that insurers are providing dedicated 24/7 assistance, coordinating medical care, and prioritising support for those in impacted regions. - read more
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has reported a notable gap between Australians' attitudes towards domestic travel insurance and the claims being paid. In the first eight and a half months of 2025, SCTI settled over $240,000 in claims for local and interstate trips. Despite this, only about 41% of Australians consider travel insurance a high priority for domestic trips, compared to 76% for international travel. - read more
Australian travellers are facing ongoing flight disruptions, with cancellation rates climbing above long-term averages. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE), the national flight cancellation rate reached 2.6% in February 2025, exceeding the long-term average of 2.2%. On-time performance for both arrivals and departures also fell below historical benchmarks. - read more
Starting 1 April 2026, Australians will face an average increase of 4.41% in private health insurance premiums, marking the most significant rise since 2017. This adjustment comes in the wake of escalating healthcare costs and increased utilisation of health services. - read more
In 2025, Australian insurers faced significant financial challenges due to climate-related catastrophes, with insured losses totalling an estimated US$2.9 billion. This substantial figure underscores the escalating impact of climate change on the insurance industry and the broader economy. - read more
As the Australian insurance industry progresses through 2026, it faces a trio of significant challenges: escalating premium costs, increasing cyber threats, and a tightening labour market. These issues are reshaping the sector's priorities and strategies. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox (ERS), introduced in 2020 to facilitate financial innovation, has been deemed ineffective in fostering advancements within the insurance sector. Insurtech Australia (IA) has expressed concerns that, despite ASIC's genuine efforts, the ERS has not significantly impacted the insurance industry or the insurtech ecosystem. ([insurancenews.com.au](https://www.insurancenews.com.au/insurtech/asic-s-insurance-innovation-initiatives-ineffective?utm_source=openai)) - read more
The Australian commercial insurance market has witnessed a notable decline in premium rates, with a 12% drop recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. This marks the largest decrease among the eight regions monitored by Marsh Risk's Global Insurance Market Index. ([insurancenews.com.au](https://www.insurancenews.com.au/the-broker/australia-leads-way-as-commercial-rate-slide-continues?utm_source=openai)) - read more
The Australian hospitality industry is currently grappling with a significant surge in insurance premiums, a trend driven by a combination of increased claim frequencies and heightened risk factors. This escalation in costs poses a substantial financial burden on restaurant and café owners, many of whom are already contending with slim profit margins. - read more
Recent data from Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) reveals a concerning trend: the hospitality sector has experienced a 10.4% closure rate among foodservice businesses over the past year, marking the highest failure rate across all industries in the country. This statistic underscores the pressing challenges faced by restaurant and café owners, including escalating operational costs, labour shortages, and evolving consumer behaviours. - read more
Farming is much more than an occupation; it's a way of life and a heritage that often spans generations. In today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape, embracing modern practices while preserving your farm's future has never been more crucial. Estate planning emerges as a pivotal strategy for safeguarding your agricultural legacy, ensuring that your hard-earned investments and the land you hold dear are passed on according to your wishes. - read more
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - read more
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - read more
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
As the backbone of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays an essential role in day-to-day operations across our expansive and diverse landscapes. From the vast wheat belts to the tropical fruit farms, machinery ensures efficiency and productivity in the face of constant challenges. But with reliance on such equipment comes significant risk—the financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - read more
Hobby farming has become increasingly popular in Australia, with many individuals and families embracing the joys of growing their own produce, raising livestock, and enjoying a rural lifestyle. Whether it's a small vegetable garden, a few chickens, or a larger mixed farming operation, hobby farms offer both relaxation and a connection to nature. - read more
Crop insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect farmers from the financial losses that arise from damages to their crops. This could be due to various risks, including adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of farm insurance for Australian farmers. As an integral part of the agricultural industry, insurance provides a safety net that helps secure the livelihood of farmers against unpredictable events that can lead to financial hardship. From property damage due to natural disasters to loss of livestock or crops, having adequate farm insurance can make all the difference in keeping a farming operation afloat in times of crisis. - read more
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Surrender Value: The amount of money an insurance policyholder will receive if they voluntarily terminate the policy before it matures.