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| Significant Increase in Health Insurance Premiums Anticipated for 2026 21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Health insurance premiums are set to experience a substantial increase in 2026, with projections indicating a global rise of 10.3%. This marks the third consecutive year of significant hikes, following increases of 10% in 2025 and 9.5% in 2024. These figures are highlighted in WTW's 2026 Global Medical Trends report, underscoring the persistent inflationary pressures affecting insurers and employer-sponsored health plans worldwide. - read more |
| Private Health Insurers Under Scrutiny for Profits Amid Rising Premiums 21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Recent analyses have brought to light significant concerns regarding the profit margins of private health insurers in Australia, especially in the context of rising premiums. The Australia Institute has highlighted that major insurers are reporting substantial profits while simultaneously increasing premiums, a situation that has sparked criticism and calls for greater transparency within the industry. - read more |
| Health Minister Puts Private Health Insurers on Notice Over Pricing Practices 21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Health Minister Mark Butler has issued a stern warning to private health insurers in Australia, cautioning them against employing underhanded tactics to increase premiums. This comes in response to findings from the Commonwealth Ombudsman, which revealed that some insurers have been closing old policies and introducing more expensive new ones, effectively circumventing regulatory limits on premium hikes. - read more |
| AUSactive Unveils Comprehensive Insurance Solution for Fitness Professionals 21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori AUSactive, Australia's leading body for the exercise and active health sector, has announced the launch of a new insurance product tailored specifically for fitness professionals. This initiative, developed in collaboration with global insurance broker Marsh, aims to provide enhanced protection while offering lower premiums compared to existing market options. - read more |
| Health Insurers to Include Natural Therapies in Coverage from 2026 21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori In a significant policy shift, Australian health insurers will begin offering rebates for a range of natural therapies, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and the Alexander Technique, starting early 2026. This change follows legislative amendments allowing these therapies to be covered under private health insurance for the treatment of health conditions or as part of health management programs. - read more |
| Rising Fitness Industry in Australia Opens Doors for Insurance Brokers 21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian fitness industry has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by an increasing health consciousness among Australians. Reports indicate that nearly half of young Australians regularly visit gyms or health centres, reflecting a cultural shift towards prioritising fitness and wellbeing. - read more |
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| The Single Parent’s Guide to Securing Your Child’s Financial Future Single parenting brings with it a mosaic of responsibilities and challenges, not least of which is securing a stable financial future for your child. The rollercoaster of raising a child alone often means that planning for the future can take a back seat to the day-to-day demands of parenting. Unexpected illnesses and injuries can compound these challenges, causing stress to multiply and plans to go awry. - read more
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| Disability Income Protection: What Every Hotel Operator Needs to Know Running a café is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. With the hospitality industry being fast-paced and ever-changing, café owners often face unique financial challenges. Operating in an industry that is both physically demanding and unpredictable can sometimes lead to unforeseen circumstances that affect the stability and success of your business. - read more
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| The Importance of Disability Income Protection Programs for Cafe Owners Running a cafe is more than just a business; it’s a passion for many. However, for cafe owners, the risk of an injury or illness that could interrupt their ability to work is a genuine concern. Disability income protection is crucial as it provides financial security if you're unable to earn an income due to health issues. - read more
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| What Hospitality Business Owners Need to Know About Income Protection Insurance The Australian hospitality industry is renowned for its vibrancy, yet it also faces significant challenges. With fluctuating demand, seasonal changes, and unpredictable external factors such as economic downturns and pandemics, hospitality businesses often operate in a high-risk environment. For hotel operators, the stakes are even higher due to substantial investments in property, staff, and customer service. - read more
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| Understanding Life Insurance Needs: A Guide for Australian Families Life insurance is a financial product designed to provide peace of mind by offering a safety net for your loved ones in the event of your passing. The primary purpose of life insurance is to ensure that your family is financially protected, allowing them to maintain their standard of living even without your income. - read more
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| Income Protection Insurance: Balancing Cost with Adequate Coverage Income protection insurance is a critical safety net for anyone who relies on a steady paycheck to meet their financial obligations and maintain their lifestyle. It offers a replacement income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, ensuring that your financial responsibilities can be met even when you're not at your earning best. In today's fast-paced world, income protection has become an essential consideration for the modern working individual. - read more
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