Farm Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Financial Strain Forces Australians to Reevaluate Life Insurance

Financial Strain Forces Australians to Reevaluate Life Insurance

Financial Strain Forces Australians to Reevaluate Life Insurance?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.

The rising cost of living is compelling Australians to view life insurance less as a safeguarding asset and more as an unnecessary liability.
This trend emerges amidst a confluence of economic challenges including escalating inflation, increasing interest rates, and notable shifts in population demographics, according to David Sarkis, the CEO of iExtend.

Amid relentless premium increases, Australians are increasingly seeking the counsel of financial advisers to reassess the worth of their life insurance policies. Decisions hang in the balance as many contemplate whether to uphold, amend, or abandon their current coverage.

A survey conducted by the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) titled "The State of Australia’s Safety Net," highlights that nearly a quarter of the 5,000 adults surveyed would consider policy cancellation should their financial circumstances deteriorate. Moreover, 68 percent expressed anxiety over their continued ability to afford life insurance given the ongoing economic pressures.

David Sarkis underlined this shift, stating, "As a result of a range of financial and demographic pressures, we have seen more Australians change their view of their life insurance and are seeking to cancel it." The burdens of everyday expenses are driving households to contemplate policy cancellation as a means to ease the immediate financial strain.

Research by iExtend points out seven pivotal reasons behind the trend of policy cancellations:

  1. Premium Inflation: Life insurance premiums in advanced economies are projected to climb by 1.5% in 2025, with more pronounced increases anticipated in emerging markets. This trend saps confidence in maintaining long-term life insurance commitments.
  2. Health Challenges: With 39% of the Australian workforce afflicted by chronic conditions, health changes are steering decisions around life insurance policy cancellation, as indicated by iExtend's criteria.
  3. Ageing Society: Predictions suggest that by 2066, individuals over 65 will represent up to 23% of Australia's population, elevating the importance of estate planning and related insurance considerations.
  4. Cost-of-Living Escalation: The Consumer Price Index saw a 2.3% increase over the year leading to November 2024, pressuring Australians to trim discretionary spending, including life insurance.
  5. Intergenerational Wealth Shift: The Productivity Commission reports an estimated $3.5 trillion in assets will transfer across generations by 2050, influencing decisions surrounding life insurance and estate plans.
  6. Real Estate and Business Sales: Economic pressures compel Australians to offload property despite market conditions, pushing life insurance into the realm of valuable long-term assets.
  7. Advice Accessibility: With just 15,400 financial advisers available nationwide, obtaining professional advice remains challenging, influencing uninformed insurance decisions.

Sarkis concludes by indicating iExtend’s commitment: "We are working with advisers and their clients to ensure they make informed choices about the future of their life insurance policies, decisions which impact families and generations of Australians."

These insights are adapted from a report originally published by Yasmine Raso on CALI's findings and expert opinions in the life insurance sector.

Published:Thursday, 30th Jan 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Strengthening Agricultural Insurance: Rural Affinity and Munich Re's Renewed Partnership
Strengthening Agricultural Insurance: Rural Affinity and Munich Re's Renewed Partnership
10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Rural Affinity has renewed its partnership with Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets under a new five-year agreement, continuing a collaboration that began in 2006. This renewed alliance aims to support Rural Affinity's efforts to expand its agricultural insurance offerings across Australia and introduce new products leveraging technology and innovation. - read more
WFI Insurance and Rural Aid Join Forces to Assist Farmers in Crisis
WFI Insurance and Rural Aid Join Forces to Assist Farmers in Crisis
02 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to bolster support for Australia's agricultural sector, WFI Insurance has announced a formal partnership with Rural Aid, a leading rural relief charity. This collaboration is set to provide much-needed assistance to farmers and rural communities affected by recent natural disasters, including the devastating bushfires in Victoria and severe weather events in Queensland. - read more
Elders Insurance Warns Farmers of Escalating Summer Storm Threats
Elders Insurance Warns Farmers of Escalating Summer Storm Threats
02 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
As the Australian summer approaches, Elders Insurance is calling on farmers to brace for an anticipated increase in storm-related damages. Recent claims data reveals a concerning trend, with summer months accounting for nearly half of all storm-related farm insurance property claims over the past two years. - read more
Significant Reduction in Farm Liability Claims Reflects Enhanced Safety Practices
Significant Reduction in Farm Liability Claims Reflects Enhanced Safety Practices
25 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from WFI Insurance indicates a substantial 75% decrease in farm liability claims over the past year, suggesting that Australian farmers are adopting more effective safety measures. This decline is particularly notable in incidents involving falls from height, which have reached their lowest level in four years. - read more
Steadfast Unveils Prevail: A New Era in High Net Worth and Farm Insurance
Steadfast Unveils Prevail: A New Era in High Net Worth and Farm Insurance
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for the Australian insurance landscape, Steadfast has announced the launch of Prevail, a new specialist agency designed to cater to high net worth individuals and the farming sector. This initiative brings together three well-established underwriting agencies-Mansions, Dawes, and Argis-under a unified brand, aiming to provide comprehensive and tailored insurance solutions. - read more
Harland Green Launches Comprehensive All-Risk Insurance for Large-Scale Farms
Harland Green Launches Comprehensive All-Risk Insurance for Large-Scale Farms
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Harland Green, a newly established Lloyd's coverholder, has introduced an all-risk farm insurance package specifically designed for large commercial farming operations in Australia. This initiative aims to address the complex and evolving needs of the agricultural sector by offering comprehensive coverage that encompasses various aspects of farm operations. - read more



Farm Insurance Articles

How to Save Money on Your Farming Insurance Premiums
How to Save Money on Your Farming Insurance Premiums
When looking for farming insurance, it is important to shop around for the best deals. Don't simply rely on the first insurance company that you come across. Take the time to research various companies and their policies. Compare them based on their coverage, premiums, and deductibles. - read more
Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy
Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy
The threat of bushfires looms large over the vast expanses of rural Australia, shaping the reality of farming in this sunbaked landscape. The risk, always present, escalates as the climate warms and dry conditions persist. It's not a matter of if, but when the land will be tested by fire's wrath. In this environment, the armor of insurance isn't just recommended; it's critical for survival. - read more
Livestock Insurance for Aussie Farmers: What You Need to Know
Livestock Insurance for Aussie Farmers: What You Need to Know
Livestock farming is a significant part of the Australian agriculture industry. As with any business, farmers face numerous risks such as disease, death, theft or extreme weather events, which could cause damage or loss to their livestock assets. Livestock insurance provides cover against these risks, ensuring that farmers are financially protected from any potential financial losses, which could devastate their livelihoods. - read more
Top 10 Ways Australian Farmers Can Slash Insurance Costs Without Risking Coverage
Top 10 Ways Australian Farmers Can Slash Insurance Costs Without Risking Coverage
Welcome to our definitive guide for Australian farmers on managing one of the most crucial aspects of their business: insurance. As a cultivator of the land, you're no stranger to the unpredictability of nature and the market. From intense weather events to fluctuating market demands, your line of work comes with its unique set of risks. Hence, safeguarding your livelihood with the right insurance is not just important—it's essential. - read more
Secure Your Farm's Future: Understanding the Importance of On-Farm Risk Assessment
Secure Your Farm's Future: Understanding the Importance of On-Farm Risk Assessment
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture, the security and stability of a farm hinge on thorough preparation and strategic foresight. A pivotal component in safeguarding a farm's future lies in the critical role of on-farm risk assessment. This process provides a structured approach to identifying potential risks that could affect a farm's operations, financial health, and overall sustainability. - read more
What You Need to Know About Crop Insurance for Your Farm
What You Need to Know About Crop Insurance for Your Farm
Farming is a risky business. As a farmer, you are at the mercy of the weather, pests, and other challenges that can threaten your crops and your livelihood. That’s where crop insurance comes in. Crop insurance can provide financial protection in case your crops are damaged or destroyed, allowing you to recover from losses and move forward with your farm business. - 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
Underwriting:
The process by which an insurer determines the risk of insuring a client and decides the terms of coverage.