Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Husband loses insurance dispute over wife's death

Husband loses insurance dispute over wife's death

Husband loses insurance dispute over wife's death?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.

A man whose wife’s life insurance policy was revoked after a superannuation death benefit clause change has lost his dispute.

Legislation that started in March 2019 would have ceased the woman's default cover, unless she responded to a notice saying she wanted it to continue. The trustee said it complied with legislation by emailing the notice, but the complainant said she never received it.

The life insurance policy ceased on July 1 2019. On March 5 2020, the member asked for a replacement of the policy and was covered again. The member died on February 12 2021, and the complainant made a claim for the death benefit.

But AIA declined to pay, after determining that she had died from a preexisting medical condition. The complainant argued that he should be paid the death benefit but the trustee rejected the claim.

The complainant stated that it was never their intention to cancel the death benefit and in fact were relying on the benefit payout as part of her final estate for the family.

He went on to say that the trustee had failed to appropriately notify them that the death benefit would be cancelled.

He said that they had not been initially made aware that the death benefit had ceased. "When we did become aware, via online account, that the death benefit had ceased, we contacted [the trustee] to have it reinstated immediately.” he said.

He said the trustee also did not mention that the new cover excludes pre-existing conditions.

However, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority said it was satisfied and that new cover was explained in the Product Disclosure Statement. The decision to decline the claim is fair and reasonable, it added.

Published:Tuesday, 17th May 2022
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

ICA Proposes Measures to Mitigate Escalating Motor Insurance Premiums
ICA Proposes Measures to Mitigate Escalating Motor Insurance Premiums
09 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has released a policy paper titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action to address systemic cost drivers behind the 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. - read more
Budget Direct Triumphs as Australia's Top Insurer in 2026
Budget Direct Triumphs as Australia's Top Insurer in 2026
09 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a remarkable achievement, Budget Direct has been honoured as the inaugural 'Insurer of the Year' at the 2026 Finder Provider of the Year Awards. This prestigious recognition underscores the company's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value and service to Australian policyholders. - read more
Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Cyber Risk Readiness
Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Cyber Risk Readiness
09 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey have raised concerns about the preparedness of Australian insurers in managing emerging risks, particularly in the realms of cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI). The survey indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to their global counterparts, highlighting a significant gap in readiness. - read more
Significant Decline in Australian Commercial Insurance Rates
Significant Decline in Australian Commercial Insurance Rates
09 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a notable development for the Australian insurance market, commercial insurance rates experienced a substantial decline of 12% in the fourth quarter of 2025. This decrease, as reported by Marsh's Global Insurance Market Index, represents the most significant drop among the eight regions monitored and marks the steepest reduction since the Pacific rates began to decrease in early 2024. - read more
Treasury Initiates Review of Professional Indemnity Insurance to Support CSLR
Treasury Initiates Review of Professional Indemnity Insurance to Support CSLR
09 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Treasury has commenced a consultation process aimed at improving the effectiveness of professional indemnity (PI) insurance, with the goal of strengthening the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR). This initiative seeks to gather stakeholder feedback on the current operation of PI insurance and explore opportunities for enhancement. - read more
Landmark NSW Ruling: New Risks for Construction Liability Insurance
Landmark NSW Ruling: New Risks for Construction Liability Insurance
09 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent developments in New South Wales have significantly altered the liability landscape for construction professionals. A landmark court ruling in the Pafburn case has removed the proportionate liability defence previously relied upon by developers and head contractors, thereby increasing their exposure to claims related to building defects. - read more
Upcover Introduces Management Liability Insurance for Australian SMEs
Upcover Introduces Management Liability Insurance for Australian SMEs
09 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Sydney-based insurtech company Upcover has unveiled a new management liability insurance product designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders in Australia. This offering aims to provide comprehensive protection against a range of risks that business owners may face. - read more
Sure Insurance Boosts Strata Coverage Limits to $20 Million
Sure Insurance Boosts Strata Coverage Limits to $20 Million
09 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Sure Insurance, a specialist insurer in Northern and Regional Queensland, has announced an increase in its residential strata insurance coverage limits from $5 million to $20 million. This strategic move is designed to address the affordability crisis and improve access to adequate insurance for apartment complexes in these regions. - read more
ICA Advocates for Reforms in Victoria's Strata Legislation
ICA Advocates for Reforms in Victoria's Strata Legislation
09 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata laws, highlighting that poor governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for the one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties. - read more
InsurtechLIVE26 Conference Set to Propel Insurance Innovation in 2026
InsurtechLIVE26 Conference Set to Propel Insurance Innovation in 2026
08 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurtech Australia has officially announced the upcoming InsurtechLIVE26 conference, scheduled for 18 February 2026 at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf in Sydney. This event is poised to be a pivotal gathering for professionals in the insurance and technology sectors, aiming to explore and advance innovation within the industry. - read more
Insuring your most valuable asset
Image for Insuring your most valuable assetWhile many people would consider their home or their car to be their most valuable asset, it's your ability to earn an income that is most important in shaping your financial future. Statistically, two thirds of working Australians will suffer an injury or illness that will sideline them for 90 days or more. The majority of these people would not be able to pay their mortgage or meet car finance and other loan commitments without adequate income insurance.


Farm Insurance Articles

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
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
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
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
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
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
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
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
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Welcome to the world of farming, where the fruits of your labor are as tangible as the soil you till. But just as the land is subject to the whims of nature, so too is the business of agriculture. This is where farm insurance becomes essential. Farmers face a set of challenges and uncertainties unlike any other industry, primarily due to the unpredictable forces of weather. - 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
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


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
Rider:
An optional provision added to an insurance policy that provides additional benefits or coverage.