Legislation

Insurance policies are contracts regulated by both Commonwealth legislation and common law. The main Acts regulating insurance are:

Health insurance policies are also regulated by Commonwealth legislation. The main Acts regulating health insurance are:

Contacts

There are a number of organisations that provide assistance with regard to complaints and resolving disputes between consumers and insurers. Contact details for these organisations are provided below. Not all organisations provide the same type of service or cover the same types of insurance products. For further information on the most relevant organisation for your particular type of insurance dispute see Complaints against insurance companies.

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority

Prudential regulator of the Australian financial services industry. Oversees banks, credit unions, building societies, general insurance and reinsurance companies, life insurance, friendly societies and most members of the superannuation industry.

Australian Securities Investment Commission

Regulator of the Australian financial services industry. Oversees banks, credit unions, building societies, general insurance and reinsurance companies, life insurance, friendly societies and most members of the superannuation industry. ASIC provides information to consumers and can deal with complaints from consumers about misconduct by service providers.

Insurance Law Service (Financial Rights Legal Centre )

Provides free legal advice to anyone in Australia (but does not assist businesses or insurers) on all types of insurance law matters. Some representation available but this is strictly means and merit tested.

Australian Financial Complaints Authority

Formerly the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Credit and Investments Ombudsman.

National external dispute resolution scheme. Provides free advice and assistance to consumers to aid them in resolving complaints relating to the financial services industry, including banking, credit, loans, general insurance, life insurance, financial planning, investments, stock broking, managed funds and superannuation trusts.

HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC)

Community legal centre which specialises in HIV related legal matters.

Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO)

Available to members of a private health fund. Provides an independent service to assist consumers with health insurance problems and enquiries.