Business Insurance Online :: 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A man whose wife’s life insurance policy was revoked after a superannuation death benefit clause change has lost his dispute.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
Author: Paige Estritori

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.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Zurich Introduces AI-Powered Cyber Insurance Solution for Australian Businesses
Zurich Introduces AI-Powered Cyber Insurance Solution for Australian Businesses
03 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Zurich Financial Services Australia has unveiled 'Prime One', a cutting-edge cyber insurance product designed to bolster the digital resilience of Australian businesses. Developed in partnership with Cowbell, a specialist in adaptive cyber and specialty insurance solutions, 'Prime One' leverages artificial intelligence to streamline the underwriting process, offering rapid and tailored coverage. - read more
Vero's 2026 SME Insurance Index Uncovers Critical Risk Management Gaps in Australian Small Businesses
Vero's 2026 SME Insurance Index Uncovers Critical Risk Management Gaps in Australian Small Businesses
27 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Vero's recently released 2026 SME Insurance Index has brought to light significant disparities in risk management practices between small and large Australian businesses. The survey, encompassing over 1,500 enterprises, underscores the pressing need for enhanced risk strategies among small and micro businesses to bolster their resilience in an increasingly volatile economic landscape. - read more
Australian Commercial Insurance Market Maintains Soft Conditions Through First Half of 2026
Australian Commercial Insurance Market Maintains Soft Conditions Through First Half of 2026
27 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian commercial insurance landscape has sustained its soft market conditions through the first half of 2026, characterised by competitive pricing, expanded underwriting capacity, and heightened competition among insurers. This environment presents both opportunities and considerations for businesses seeking to optimise their insurance portfolios. - read more
EML Group's Strategic Acquisition of Guild Insurance to Drive Growth and Innovation
EML Group's Strategic Acquisition of Guild Insurance to Drive Growth and Innovation
27 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move poised to reshape the Australian insurance landscape, EML Group has acquired a majority stake in Guild Insurance. This partnership is set to unlock new growth opportunities and expedite the development of technological and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities within the sector. - read more
IAG Enhances Coverage by Integrating RACQ Insurance into 2026 Reinsurance Program
IAG Enhances Coverage by Integrating RACQ Insurance into 2026 Reinsurance Program
19 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has successfully integrated RACQ Insurance into its 2026 catastrophe reinsurance program. This strategic move is designed to bolster the company's capacity to manage catastrophic events and provide enhanced coverage for Australian policyholders. - read more
Click for more Insurance News
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.
... compare rates & options ...


Business Insurance Articles

Business Interruption Insurance: Why It’s Crucial for Small Business Owners
Business Interruption Insurance: Why It’s Crucial for Small Business Owners
Business interruption insurance is a type of coverage designed to compensate businesses for lost income and operational costs when they are unable to operate due to a covered event such as a natural disaster, fire, or other incidents that disrupt business operations. - read more
The Top 5 Insurance Policies Every Australian Start-up Needs
The Top 5 Insurance Policies Every Australian Start-up Needs
When embarking on the entrepreneurial journey of a start-up, it's imperative to safeguard the nascent enterprise with a reliable insurance safety net. Insurance acts as a vital shield, protecting the hard work and innovation of new businesses against unforeseen events and liabilities which can arise in the unpredictable world of start-ups. - read more
Cash Flow Management Strategies for Small Business Sustainability
Cash Flow Management Strategies for Small Business Sustainability
Understanding the ebbs and flows of your business finances is more than just knowing numbers; it's a vital component of your small business's longevity and success. In the ever-dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, cash flow management emerges as a centerpiece in the grand puzzle of sustainability. Small businesses, with their limited resources, often face the pronounced challenge of maintaining a healthy financial heartbeat to thrive and grow. - read more
Understanding Liability Insurance: Essential Coverage for Your Business
Understanding Liability Insurance: Essential Coverage for Your Business
Liability insurance is a crucial component of a business's risk management strategy. It provides protection against claims resulting from injuries and damages to people or property. Businesses of all sizes face potential risks daily, and this type of coverage is designed to shield businesses from significant financial losses. - read more
The Importance of Adequate Insurance Coverage for Your Small Business
The Importance of Adequate Insurance Coverage for Your Small Business
For small businesses, navigating the intricacies of sustainability is a critical task that can be made more manageable through the prudent use of business insurance. Understandably, many small business owners prioritize immediate operational concerns over seemingly discrete matters like insurance. However, as we will explore, insurance is not a mere formality—it's a vital backbone to enduring success. - read more

Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance:
A type of life insurance policy that provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10 or 20 years.

Quick Links: | Business Insurance | Business Insurance Quotes | Commercial Insurance | Public Liability Insurance | Small Business Insurance | Professional Indemnity Insurance | Business Insurance Comparison | Cyber Insurance | Business Interruption Insurance | Business Insurance Australia | Workers Compensation Insurance
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.