Cyber Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Swiss Re Suspends New Life Insurance Operations in Australia

Addressing the Sustainability Challenges of 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:Saturday, 2nd 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

HESTA Announces Significant Insurance Fee Reductions and Enhanced Member Protections
HESTA Announces Significant Insurance Fee Reductions and Enhanced Member Protections
10 May 2026: Paige Estritori
HESTA, a prominent Australian superannuation fund, has unveiled a series of changes aimed at providing more accessible and affordable insurance coverage for its members. Effective from 1 July 2026, these adjustments include an average 12% reduction in insurance fees across all cover types, encompassing death, total and permanent disablement (TPD), and income protection cover. - read more
APRA Implements Reforms to Strengthen Longevity Product Market
APRA Implements Reforms to Strengthen Longevity Product Market
10 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has finalised amendments to its prudential standards concerning the capital treatment of longevity products, including annuities. These reforms, set to take effect on 1 July 2026, are designed to bolster the market for retirement income products by supporting innovation and reducing unnecessary regulatory constraints, all while maintaining robust prudential safeguards. - read more
Acenda Introduces Lifestream: A New Guaranteed Income Solution for Retirees
Acenda Introduces Lifestream: A New Guaranteed Income Solution for Retirees
10 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Acenda Life has expanded its offerings in the retirement market with the launch of Lifestream, a guaranteed income product designed to provide retirees with predictable, lifelong income. This initiative addresses the challenges posed by increasing life expectancies and rising living costs, offering a solution that enhances financial confidence for Australians entering retirement. - read more
Australian Insurance Market Sees Decline in Premium Rates
Australian Insurance Market Sees Decline in Premium Rates
10 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurance landscape is undergoing a notable shift, characterized by a softening market and declining premium rates. This trend is largely attributed to heightened competition among insurers and improved financial performance within the industry. - read more
Executive Departures at Chubb and AIG Reshape Australian Insurance Landscape
Executive Departures at Chubb and AIG Reshape Australian Insurance Landscape
10 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurance sector is witnessing significant leadership transitions, with notable departures at two major global insurers, Chubb and AIG. These changes are poised to influence market dynamics and competitive strategies within the industry. - read more


Cyber Insurance Articles

Case Studies: The True Impact of Cyber Attacks on Australian Small Businesses
Case Studies: The True Impact of Cyber Attacks on Australian Small Businesses
As we delve into the digital era, the number of cyber threats that challenge Australian small businesses is significantly on the rise. Cyber attacks have become more sophisticated, frequent, and continue to disrupt the operations of small enterprises, often with devastating consequences. The need to fortify defenses against such threats has never been more paramount. - read more
Assessing Your Data Vulnerabilities: A Checklist for Australian Businesses
Assessing Your Data Vulnerabilities: A Checklist for Australian Businesses
In today's rapidly evolving cyber landscape, Australian businesses must prioritize data security more than ever before. As companies continue to digitize operations and store sensitive data electronically, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has become paramount. This introduction lays the foundation for understanding the criticality of protecting your company's most valuable asset—its data. - read more
Cyber Insurance Claims: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Cyber Insurance Claims: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Cybersecurity incidents are a growing concern for small businesses. These incidents can have disastrous consequences on the affected businesses and their customers. Cyber insurance policies provide a form of financial protection for small businesses in the event of a cyber-attack. This article will provide an overview of cyber insurance claims and its importance for small business owners. - read more
Cyber Security Checklists: Keeping Your Small Business Safe
Cyber Security Checklists: Keeping Your Small Business Safe
In today's digital age, cyber security has become a critical aspect for small businesses in Australia. As more operations move online, the potential for cyber threats increases. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, making it essential to understand and address these risks proactively. - read more
Strengthen Your Defences: Implementing Effective Cybersecurity Protocols
Strengthen Your Defences: Implementing Effective Cybersecurity Protocols
In today's digital age, understanding the cyber threat landscape in Australia is not just important—it's essential. Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and are affecting businesses and individuals at an alarming rate. Common types of cyber attacks include phishing, ransomware, and data breaches, each with the potential to cause significant harm. The impact of cybersecurity breaches on both the economy and the reputation of affected entities is profound, ranging from financial loss to long-lasting reputational damage. - read more

Knowledgebase
Coinsurance:
A percentage of the cost of a covered healthcare service that you pay after you have paid your deductible.