Farm Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Swiss Re Suspends New Life Insurance Operations in Australia

Addressing the Sustainability Challenges in TPD Insurance Products

Swiss Re Suspends New Life Insurance Operations in Australia?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.

Swiss Re Life & Health Australia has announced a suspension of new life insurance business activities in the country, effective October 2025.
This decision stems from concerns over the sustainability of Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance products, which have seen a significant rise in claims, particularly related to mental health.

In 2024, Australian insurers paid over AU$2.2 billion in mental health-related TPD claims, nearly doubling the figures from five years prior. This surge has prompted Swiss Re to advocate for a comprehensive redesign of TPD products to ensure long-term viability and affordability for consumers.

Paul Murray, CEO of Life & Health Reinsurance at Swiss Re, emphasised the need for industry-wide collaboration to balance consumer protection with economic sustainability. He stated that the goal is to preserve the social value of TPD insurance while creating a model that can endure economic cycles and demographic shifts.

During this pause, Swiss Re will not seek new clients in the life insurance segment but will continue to support existing retail clients. The company plans to work closely with industry stakeholders and regulators to develop products that better reflect evolving societal needs and provide consumers with greater certainty for future planning.

This move underscores the pressing need for the Australian life insurance industry to address the challenges posed by rising TPD claims and to innovate product offerings to meet the changing demands of the market.

Published:Sunday, 3rd May 2026
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:

Insurance News

ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC WA's Insurance Operations
ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC WA's Insurance Operations
05 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently opposed the proposed acquisition of RAC WA's insurance division by Insurance Australia Group (IAG). This decision stems from concerns that the merger could significantly reduce competition within Western Australia's insurance sector, potentially leading to higher premiums for consumers. - read more
South-West Queensland Councils Explore Community Insurance Mutual to Combat Rising Premiums
South-West Queensland Councils Explore Community Insurance Mutual to Combat Rising Premiums
05 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In response to escalating insurance premiums, with some residents experiencing increases of up to 500%, councils in South-West Queensland are exploring the establishment of a community insurance mutual. This initiative aims to provide more affordable and accessible insurance options for local communities, particularly those in flood-prone areas. - read more
IAG Highlights Climate Change as a Factor in Rising Home Insurance Premiums
IAG Highlights Climate Change as a Factor in Rising Home Insurance Premiums
05 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has recently highlighted the impact of climate change on rising home insurance premiums across Australia. The insurer reports that increasingly frequent and severe weather events are contributing to higher costs for homeowners seeking coverage. - read more
ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC WA's Insurance Division
ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC WA's Insurance Division
05 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently opposed Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia's (RAC WA) insurance division. This decision stems from concerns that the merger would significantly reduce competition within Western Australia's insurance market, potentially leading to higher premiums for consumers. - read more
Unprecedented Rise in Mental Health Insurance Claims Challenges Super Funds
Unprecedented Rise in Mental Health Insurance Claims Challenges Super Funds
05 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia is witnessing a significant increase in mental health-related insurance claims, particularly within superannuation funds. This surge has led to calls for more efficient processing and faster payouts to support individuals facing mental health challenges. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Understanding the Different Types of Farm Insurance Coverage
Understanding the Different Types of Farm Insurance Coverage
In the world of farming, risks are an everyday reality. Whether you're dealing with unpredictable weather, pest invasions, or fluctuating market prices, the uncertainties can be overwhelming. This is where farm insurance comes into play. - read more
Essential Coverage: The Top Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Should Consider
Essential Coverage: The Top Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Should Consider
Welcome to a critical discussion surrounding the stability and protection of your farming enterprise. In the unpredictable world of agriculture, insurance plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of your business. As we delve into the intricacies of insurance coverage, we aim to establish a strong foundation for enduring success in the farming industry. - read more
New Technologies in Crop Protection: How Precision Agriculture Enhances Insurance Coverage
New Technologies in Crop Protection: How Precision Agriculture Enhances Insurance Coverage
For generations, farmers have faced the challenge of protecting their crops from an array of threats, such as pests, diseases, and extreme weather. Traditional crop protection strategies have relied heavily on blanket approaches, as in using widespread pesticide application, or generalized irrigation systems, regardless of the varying needs across a field. While these methods have had their successes, they also come with limitations in efficiency, environmental impact, and the precision needed for optimal crop health and yield. - read more
On-Farm Safety: Insurance Tips to Minimize Accidents and Liability
On-Farm Safety: Insurance Tips to Minimize Accidents and Liability
For Australian farmers, every day presents a complex web of activities that demand not only their physical toil but also a keen attention towards safety. On-farm safety is paramount and is the shield that guards the well-being of both workers and operations in Australia's diverse agricultural landscape. It's not just about the immediate repercussions of accidents, but also their long-term impact on a farm's viability. - read more
Understanding Machinery Breakdown Insurance for Australian Farms
Understanding Machinery Breakdown Insurance for Australian Farms
Welcome to our in-depth exploration of Machinery Breakdown Insurance—a safety net that's becoming increasingly important for the modern Australian farmer. Whether you're involved in cropping, dairy, or livestock, your equipment is the backbone of your operation. As farming technology evolves, the machinery becomes more sophisticated, and unfortunately, the more complex a system is, the more that can go wrong. This is where Machinery Breakdown Insurance comes into play. - read more

Knowledgebase
Coverage:
The amount of risk or liability covered for an individual or entity by way of insurance services.