Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
Paige Estritori covers the weeks key insurance stories for Australians: cyclone Narelle claims pass about 1,800 with advice on coverage and documenting losses; a federal bill to ban genetic test results in life insurance underwriting advances to the Senate; Europ Assistance gains a local insurer licence, adding competition in travel cover; and an AFCA ruling on a storm‑damage dispute underscores claim rights and how exclusions apply. Listeners are guided to compare policies, use brokers, and seek AFCA help when needed, with an invite to visit insuranceonline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News with Paige Estritori for Thursday, 2 April 2026.
First, cyclone recovery. The Insurance Council of Australia, or ICA, says insurers have received about 1,800 claims after Tropical Cyclone Narelle hit Western Australias North West Cape. Clean‑up is under way and some roads are still cut, so repairs may take time. If youre affected, check your policy for cyclone and flood definitions, temporary accommodation, and business interruption cover, keep photos and receipts, and lean on a broker to push things forward and compare options if you need to switch.
Meanwhile in life insurance, a federal bill to ban the use of genetic test results in underwriting has passed the House and is now before the Senate. If it becomes law, Australians could undertake genetic testing without worrying those results will be used to set premiums or exclusions. It isnt law yet, so watch this space. If youre weighing life or income protection, compare policies now for waiting periods and built‑in benefits, and ask a broker to explain how any change might affect you.
Travel cover is getting more competitive. Europ Assistance has secured a licence to operate as a general insurer in Australia and will now underwrite its own travel policies here. More capacity can mean fresher product designs and sharper pricing over time. Before you book, compare cover for overseas medical costs, pre‑existing conditions, cancellations, and 24/7 assistance so youre not left out of pocket.
And a reminder on claim rights. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA, has ordered an insurer to pay a homeowner after a storm‑damage dispute about drainage and building standards. The ruling shows exclusions must be applied correctly, and older homes arent judged by todays code unless the insurer can prove non‑compliance at the time of build. If a knockback doesnt feel right, request an internal review, and if needed escalate to AFCA; a broker can help you prepare the paperwork and keep things on track.
Thats the wrap. For free, fast quotes and Australia‑wide broker support across personal and business cover, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and Ill catch you next week.
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.
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Knowledgebase
Disability Insurance: A type of insurance protection that pays a portion of a person's income lost due to a total or partial disablement arising from either an accident or a sickness.
