Sun, 22nd Mar 2026

This podcast by Paige Estritori presents crucial updates in the Australian financial services industry, with a keen focus on insurance. Underwriting agency CHU is escalating its underwriting capacity from $300m to $690m to cover larger strata risks, responding to growing strata developments. Home insurance premiums rose drastically, with some insurers implementing hikes over 30%. The rise, triggered by supply chain inflation, increased claims costs, and severe weather, may leave 4% homes uninsured by 2030, a report by Climate Council predicts. Despite environmental and economic challenges, general insurance revenue is solid, growing to $20.1 billion, an APRA study highlights; but changes in life and private health insurance necessitate agility from insurers. From April, private health insurance premiums will rise by 4.41%, the highest increase since 2017, driven by rising healthcare costs and demand, prompting Australians to reassess their insurance plans.