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Interim Review Highlights Strengthened Consumer Protections in Life Insurance

Independent Assessment Aims to Enhance Industry Standards and Trust

Interim Review Highlights Strengthened Consumer Protections in Life Insurance?w=400

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The interim report of the ongoing review of Australia's Life Insurance Code of Practice (Life Code) has been released, receiving positive feedback from the country's life insurers.
Led by financial sector expert Peter Kell, the review involved extensive engagement with the community, consumer advocates, and regulators to ensure the Life Code remains robust, relevant, and trusted.

Initiated on October 1, 2025, the independent review aims to assess and enhance the Life Code to better serve the interests of Australians. The Life Code sets out mandatory standards for life insurers in areas such as product development, claims handling, and complaints management, going beyond legislative requirements to promote best practices within the industry.

For business owners and stakeholders, the strengthening of the Life Code is a significant development. Enhanced consumer protections and clearer industry standards contribute to greater transparency and trust in life insurance products. This is particularly important for businesses seeking reliable coverage to safeguard their operations and key personnel.

The review's interim findings suggest that the Life Code is on track to evolve in line with contemporary consumer expectations and regulatory landscapes. As the review progresses, it is expected to introduce measures that further align industry practices with the needs of policyholders, ensuring that life insurance remains a dependable component of financial planning for businesses and individuals alike.

Published:Saturday, 2nd May 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

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Insurance News

Interim Review Highlights Strengthened Consumer Protections in Life Insurance
Interim Review Highlights Strengthened Consumer Protections in Life Insurance
02 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The interim report of the ongoing review of Australia's Life Insurance Code of Practice (Life Code) has been released, receiving positive feedback from the country's life insurers. Led by financial sector expert Peter Kell, the review involved extensive engagement with the community, consumer advocates, and regulators to ensure the Life Code remains robust, relevant, and trusted. - read more
Swiss Re Suspends New Life Insurance Operations in Australia
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Regulators Assess Life Insurers' Progress on Premium Practices
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The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have released an update on the progress life insurers have made in addressing issues related to premium increases, product design, and disclosure and marketing materials. This follows previous notifications amid growing concerns that frequent, large, and unexpected premium increases may not have been applied in accordance with policy terms and may not have met reasonable policyholder expectations. - read more


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Knowledgebase
Beneficiary:
The person or entity designated to receive the death benefit from a life insurance policy.