Income Insurance Australia :: Podcasts

Income Insurance Australia Weekly News insights

Each week, we sift the Australian income protection landscape: policy and regulation updates, insurer moves, claim trends, and workplace risk stories. Get clear, plain-English takeaways, myth-busting context, and what changing rules may mean for employees, sole traders, and gig workers. It’s a trustworthy, industry-specific news wrap to keep your household income know-how sharp without the jargon. Expect concise interviews and pointers to credible sources so you can stay prepared.

This Week:

This week: a proposed ban on life insurers using genetic test results could impact premiums and underwriting; CareSuper will raise insurance fees from April and allow members to apply for income protection up to about 87% of income; NSW police charged three men over an alleged $1m workers comp invoice fraud; and adviser numbers edged higher, improving access to specialist income protection help. Practical notes: understand disclosure, waiting and benefit periods; check your super funds insurance notices and cover level; keep thorough records to support claims; and consider reconnecting with an adviser if you need tailored cover.

Read Full Transcript:

Hello and welcome to Income Insurance Australia Weekly News insights, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday 1 February 2026. First, a policy shift to watch. On Wednesday, the Financial Advice Association Australia warned that a proposed law to ban life insurers from using genetic test results in underwriting could lift premiums over time. The bill aims to give people confidence to get genetic tests without fear it will affect cover. For workers considering income protection, expect the rules around medical information to keep evolving; make sure you understand what your policy asks you to disclose, your waiting period, and your benefit period. Next up, changes inside super. CareSuper said on Wednesday it will lift insurance fees from 1 April and align policy terms, including a 12‑month exclusion for self‑inflicted injury. The fund also says members will be able to apply for income protection up to about 87% of current income, including super contributions, subject to caps. If you have default cover through super, check your funds notices and confirm your cover level still matches your budget and your job risks. Meanwhile, fraud pressures remain. On Friday, NSW police charged three men over an alleged $1 million workers compensation invoice scheme involving fake home‑help costs. Fraud pushes up scheme costs and can slow genuine claims. Keep clean records, use approved providers, and respond quickly to any claim verification requests so legitimate claims can move faster. Finally, access to advice is inching back. As of Friday, the national adviser headcount ticked up slightly to about 15,100 after big falls last year. That can make it easier to find a licensed specialist who understands income protection for niche or self‑employed roles. If youve struggled to get tailored help, it may be worth trying again. Thats the wrap. For clear guides, comparisons and a free assessment of your needs, visit income-insurance.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and stay safe out there.

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