Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

AFCA Supports Insurer's Decision in Ex-Spouse Death Dispute

AFCA Supports Insurer's Decision in Ex-Spouse Death Dispute

AFCA Supports Insurer's Decision in Ex-Spouse Death Dispute?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.

In an intriguing case involving travel insurance and familial ties, a woman's claim for travel costs upon the death of her ex-husband has been rejected.
While she returned abruptly from her vacation to support her family, Nib Travel Services (Australia) deemed her claim outside of coverage parameters.

The woman argued her involvement in family matters and proximity to her ex-spouse, with whom she shares four children, warranted the classification of a "close relative." However, AFCA's ombudsman ruled that her situation did not fit within the policy's strict definition, which encompasses direct blood, marital, or de-facto connections.

Despite acknowledging the familial ties, the ombudsman emphasized the policy's clear distinction of close relatives, explicitly listing ties such as spouse, children, and siblings. Notably, the complainant's absence from her ex-husband's 'marriages' section on the death certificate further validated the insurer's position to deny the claim.

While the ruling recognized the complainant's valid actions given her emotional and familial connections, the terms outlined by the policy were highlighted as definitive and comprehensive, excluding her specific relationship.

The decision underscores the importance of understanding policy definitions and the possible limitations faced when seeking coverage for non-traditional family structures within the insurance landscape.

Published:Wednesday, 30th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Bupa's Strategic Expansion into Mental Health Services
Bupa's Strategic Expansion into Mental Health Services
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Bupa, a leading health insurer in Australia, has unveiled plans to significantly enhance mental health services by establishing a network of clinics named Mindplace. This initiative aims to open 60 clinics nationwide by 2027, aligning closely with the government's objective of operating 61 walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centres by mid-2026. - read more
Federal Support Secures Cohealth's GP Services Amid Financial Strain
Federal Support Secures Cohealth's GP Services Amid Financial Strain
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In response to financial challenges faced by Cohealth, a non-profit community health service, the federal government has allocated $1.5 million to maintain its GP services in Melbourne's inner north and west. This funding ensures that clinics in Collingwood, Fitzroy, and Kensington will remain operational until 31 July 2026, providing essential care to approximately 12,500 patients who were at risk of losing access to their GPs. - read more
Rising Out-of-Pocket Costs Challenge Australia's Universal Healthcare
Rising Out-of-Pocket Costs Challenge Australia's Universal Healthcare
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Patients Australia, in collaboration with La Trobe University, has released the 2025 Patient View Report, shedding light on the increasing financial burden faced by Australians seeking healthcare services. The report indicates that 62% of patients incur out-of-pocket expenses when visiting their GP, with nearly half of these individuals paying an average gap fee of $51 or more. - read more
Australian Insurers Adapt Investment Strategies Amid Geopolitical and Economic Changes
Australian Insurers Adapt Investment Strategies Amid Geopolitical and Economic Changes
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian insurers are actively revising their investment portfolios in response to evolving geopolitical events and a stabilizing economic environment. A recent report by Janus Henderson Investors reveals that 47% of insurers plan to increase their investment portfolio risk in the next 12 months, with a significant focus on private markets. - read more
Mandatory Professional Indemnity Insurance for NSW Builders by 2026
Mandatory Professional Indemnity Insurance for NSW Builders by 2026
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Registered building practitioners in New South Wales are facing a critical deadline to secure professional indemnity (PI) insurance by July 1, 2026, in accordance with the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2021. This legislation, which originally set a 2025 enforcement date, has been extended by 12 months to allow the industry additional time for preparation. - read more
ICA Calls for Comprehensive Reforms in Queensland's Insurance and Building Sectors
ICA Calls for Comprehensive Reforms in Queensland's Insurance and Building Sectors
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently submitted a series of recommendations to the Queensland Productivity Commission, aiming to reform the state's construction and insurance sectors. These proposals are designed to enhance the resilience of the built environment and improve the affordability of insurance for Queensland residents. - read more
Rising Mental Health Claims Impact Construction Insurance Costs
Rising Mental Health Claims Impact Construction Insurance Costs
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's construction industry is facing a significant challenge as mental health claims among workers continue to rise, leading to increased insurance costs and complex risk management issues. Recent data indicates that approximately 20% of construction workers have experienced mental health conditions, highlighting the urgency for industry stakeholders to address this growing concern. - read more
Inattention and Speed: Key Factors in Major Truck Crashes
Inattention and Speed: Key Factors in Major Truck Crashes
28 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its latest Major Incident Investigation Report, shedding light on the predominant causes of significant truck crashes across Australia. The findings reveal that human factors, particularly inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed, continue to be the leading contributors to these incidents. - read more
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
27 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to enhance the value of its offerings, TAL has announced the expansion of its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection insurance. This initiative, effective from 8 August 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management among policyholders by providing premium discounts. - read more
Rising Mental Health Claims Reshape Australia's Insurance Landscape
Rising Mental Health Claims Reshape Australia's Insurance Landscape
27 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's insurance sector is experiencing a significant shift as mental health conditions become the predominant cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) indicates that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims, marking a substantial change in the industry's claim patterns. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
Farming in Australia is not just a job, it's a way of life. However, it’s also a livelihood that comes with its own unique set of risks. From unexpected weather events to machinery breakdowns, the life of an Australian farmer is fraught with uncertainties. - read more
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
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
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
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
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
For Australian farmers, livestock is more than just a vital asset; it's the heartbeat of their livelihood. In a land where the sunburnt plains are as relentless as they are beautiful, protecting your herd isn't just a duty; it's a necessity. That's where livestock insurance comes into play—a shield against the unpredictability of Mother Nature. - read more
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - read more
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
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
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
Australian farmers face a unique set of challenges due to the vast and varied climate conditions that sweep across the continent. From the scorching heat and prolonged droughts of the Outback to the tropical storms and torrential rains of the northern regions, weather-related risks are an integral part of agricultural life in Australia. - read more
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
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
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
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


Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Incontestability Clause:
A provision in a life insurance policy that prevents the insurer from voiding coverage due to a misstatement by the insured after a certain period.