Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
Paige Estritori recaps four Australian insurance stories for 19 February 2026: hail‑driven claims prompt a major insurer to review hail‑risk pricing; NSW launches a parliamentary inquiry into removing the Emergency Services Levy; private health premiums rise about 4.5% amid downgrading pitfalls; and a national SME survey highlights the time‑saving and claims benefits of using brokers. Listeners are encouraged to review cover, confirm inclusions, and compare policies at insuranceonline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its 19 February 2026.
First, storms are still shaping the market. A major insurer says hail losses hammered first‑half earnings and its reviewing how it prices hail risk. That could mean premium shifts in hail‑prone postcodes. If youre in a hail belt, compare home and motor policies and excess options now so youre not paying for gaps you dont need—or missing cover you do.
Next up, New South Wales has opened a parliamentary inquiry into removing the Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, from insurance. Five alternative funding models will be tested, with equity and affordability in focus. Nothing changes yet, but any reform could alter how NSW premiums are built. Keep cover current, and be ready to review when the final model lands.
Meanwhile, private health premiums are set to rise by about four and a half per cent, the biggest lift since 2017. Many customers who downgraded from gold to cheaper tiers are discovering exclusions—especially around accident cover and joint replacements. Before switching, read the policy summary, ask the fund to confirm inclusions and waiting periods, and compare side‑by‑side so a cheaper premium doesnt turn into a bigger bill.
And for small and medium businesses—SMEs—fresh national research of more than 400 owners finds strong trust in brokers, with most saying brokers improve risk management, help at claim time, and save hours across renewals. If your operations or revenue have changed this year, a broker review can help right‑size cover and reduce underinsurance.
Thats it for this week. For free, fast quotes and access to independent brokers nationwide, head to insuranceonline.com.au and get a tailored comparison in minutes.
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.
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