How are life insurance premium increases regulated in Australia?

Life insurance premium increases in Australia are regulated by APRA and ASIC, with recent strengthened oversight following industry concerns about unexpected premium hikes. Insurers must comply with several requirements when increasing premiums: they must have actuarially justified reasons for increases based on claims experience, ageing demographics, improved medical technology extending life expectancy, or rising medical costs. They must provide advance notice to policyholders (typically 30-60 days before increase takes effect), clearly explain reasons for increases in communications, and justify increases if challenged by regulators. APRA and ASIC released specific guidance in 2024 regarding premium increases, requiring life insurers to review past premium increases and ensure compliance with regulatory expectations, provide clear disclosure in marketing materials about potential for future premium increases, design products that don't lead to premium shock (sudden large increases) for policyholders, and consider fairness to both current and future policyholders when setting premiums. For stepped premium policies, annual increases are expected as you age and are outlined in your PDS – these are not considered 'premium increases' in the regulatory sense. However, increases beyond normal age-based stepping, or changes to level premium policies, require justification and disclosure. If you receive a premium increase notice and believe it's unjustified or excessive, you can request a detailed explanation from your insurer, shop around for alternative coverage (though switching may require new underwriting), reduce your sum insured to maintain affordable premiums, switch from level to stepped premiums (or vice versa) if available, or lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) if unsatisfied with the insurer's response. Monitoring your premiums annually and reviewing whether your coverage remains appropriate and competitively priced is prudent practice.