Business Insurance Online :: News

Share this news item!

Husband loses insurance dispute over wife's death

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A man whose wife’s life insurance policy was revoked after a superannuation death benefit clause change has lost his dispute.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

Australian Insurers Achieve Significant Profit Growth Amid Rising Premiums

03 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's insurance industry has reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for 2024, a substantial increase from the five-year average of $2 billion, according to KPMG's annual review. This surge is attributed to premium hikes and a year with fewer significant weather events. - read more

Rising Insurance Risk Pressures Challenge Australian Businesses

03 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian businesses are confronting heightened insurance risk pressures stemming from increased litigation, technological advancements, supply chain disruptions, catastrophic events, and geopolitical tensions. A recent report from Gallagher underscores the importance of risk insights and awareness for organizations preparing for insurance renewals. - read more

IAG's Strategic Moves Propel Profit Forecast Upward

26 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has recently announced an optimistic upgrade to its financial guidance for the fiscal year 2026, projecting a 10% increase in gross written premium (GWP) and an insurance profit ranging between $1.55 billion and $1.75 billion. This positive outlook is largely attributed to strategic acquisitions and a focus on digital transformation. - read more

Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Emerging Risk Preparedness

26 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from PwC's Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing behind their global counterparts in terms of preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in areas such as cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). - read more

Australian Insurers Falling Behind in Cyber and AI Risk Readiness

18 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In an era where digital threats are escalating, Australian insurers are reportedly less prepared to manage risks associated with cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI) compared to their global counterparts. This insight emerges from the latest PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey, which assesses the industry's readiness to tackle emerging challenges. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Insuring your most valuable asset

While 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

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

Must-Have Insurance Policies for Australian SMEs in 2025

In today's rapidly evolving business environment, insurance has become an essential component for the survival and success of small to medium enterprises (SMEs). As businesses navigate through uncertainties, unexpected events can pose significant threats. Insurance not only provides a safety net but also conveys a sense of stability and trust to partners and customers. - read more

Avoiding Underinsurance: How to Adequately Cover Your Growing Business

When it comes to protecting the vitality and financial health of a growing business, insurance is a keystone. Yet, amidst the day-to-day hustle of driving your business forward, it's surprisingly easy to overlook the adequacy of your insurance policies - a misstep that can lead to the perilous state of underinsurance. In this article, we will delve into the essential knowledge and strategies to ensure your business is sufficiently covered, shielding it from unexpected setbacks and losses. - read more

How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Australian Retail Business

Running a retail business can be a risky endeavor. While you can minimize some of those risks with careful planning and management, you cannot eliminate them entirely. This is where insurance comes in. Having the right kind and amount of insurance coverage can make all the difference in protecting your business from financial loss, should the unthinkable happen. - read more

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

Trauma Insurance:
An insurance that pays a lump-sum amount on the diagnosis of one of several critical illnesses or events

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 do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. 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 always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.