Opinion:  In a reported complaint to her insurer and FSCL, a person apparently paid premiums totalling $37,000 over 17 years, for a funeral benefit of $10,000.  Although the complainant was paid compensation by the insurer (the basis for such compensation and its value is unknown to me) the client also made a complaint to FSCL against their adviser, who ‘sold’ them the policy in 2007!  The adviser agreed to pay $500.

[Opinion] Recent reports in Good Returns by AIA speak of the fact that many advisers are experiencing high levels of stress. Some advisers and FAPs I speak with tell me that one cause of stress and anxiety for them is uncertainty about what is expected of them when giving advice.

[Opinion] Steve Wright asks how much do life and health advisers need to know about medical conditions in order to provide suitable advice?

[Opinion] Unless you are a tax expert you should not give tax advice.  But does this mean life and health insurance advisers can simply ignore tax when it comes to giving advice?

[Opinion] Steve Wright argues it's time that health insurance claim benefits are indexed.

The FMA has flagged suitability of advice is something it will focus on. Steve Wright digs into the issue to explore what suitable advice means for risk advisers.

Steve Wright suggests it’s time to rethink trauma policies so they are more equitable rather providing wind fall gains to some policyholders.

Steve Wright examines the FMA's FAP monitoring report and explains where FAPs and advisers need to lift their game.

Funding cancer drugs – has there ever been a better time to demonstrate the value of health insurance?

Steve Wright says there are valuable lessons for advisers from a recent complaints ruling in Australia.

Steve Wright has dug deeper into the Contracts of Insurance Bill which is before Parliament and examined the proposed changes to non-disclosure.

OPINION: Steve Wright has read the Contracts of Insurance Bill which was introduced to Parliament last week and outlines seven potential changes facing advisers and insurers.

Steve Wright gives his views on statements of advice as they related to life and health insurance.

Steve Wright asks: Is the illusion of knowledge holding your business back by preventing you from growing your skills as an adviser?

A Dispute Resolution Scheme has highlighted the importance of product knowledge for advisers. In a complaint against an insurance adviser, FSCL has suggested that “…  a key insight for insurance advisers is to ensure you are familiar with the policies you are recommending, so you can identify exclusions that might be relevant to your client.”