Australia to Explore European Flood Insurance Schemes Amid Rising Coverage Challenges

Australia is set to explore international flood insurance schemes as challenges in securing coverage in high-risk areas grow.

Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino revealed that Australia will assess models like Flood Re in the UK and several European approaches in countries such as Italy, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

This move comes amidst increasing difficulties for high-risk properties to obtain insurance coverage.

Addressing ABC Radio National Breakfast, Dr Mulino highlighted the growing accessibility issue within high-risk insurance markets, emphasizing the need to analyze overseas schemes. He noted that the Hazards Insurance Partnership is already enhancing cooperation between the government and the industry in data sharing to support risk mitigation. However, a significant number of Australians remain unable to secure adequate insurance, prompting further investigation into international solutions.

The Minister pointed out that approximately 230,000 properties and between 60,000 to 80,000 small businesses are at flood risk, leading insurers to shy away from offering flood coverage as an optional add-on. This has resulted in an increasing number of households and businesses struggling to secure complete insurance coverage.

Having recently returned from a European tour engaging with major insurers like Lloyd’s, Munich Re, Swiss Re, Marsh McLennan, Aon, and Allianz, Dr Mulino stated it is premature to comment on the efficacy of these overseas schemes. Nonetheless, he believes that the diverse strategies observed could serve as a valuable evidence base for refining Australia's approach.

Dr Mulino also noted that the US implements flood schemes in certain regions such as California and Florida, though not all have yielded positive results. This complexity underscores the importance of a careful evaluation of each scheme’s impact before adaptation.

In Australia, the Insurance Council has proposed a comprehensive 10-year, $30.15 billion mitigation fund, advocating for it to be backed by federal and state governments from Queensland, NSW, and Victoria. There is also a call to ensure the $200 million annually allocated for the Disaster Ready Fund is both sustained and adjusted for inflation.

Published:Wednesday, 22nd Oct 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Australia to Explore European Flood Insurance Schemes Amid Rising Coverage Challenges

22 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia is set to explore international flood insurance schemes as challenges in securing coverage in high-risk areas grow. Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino revealed that Australia will assess models like Flood Re in the UK and several European approaches in countries such as Italy, France, Germany, and Switzerland. This move comes amidst increasing difficulties for high-risk properties to obtain insurance coverage. - read more

Life Insurance Sector to Develop New Mental Health Claims Framework

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

A significant update is on the horizon for mental health claims within the Australian life insurance sector. The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has announced the creation of a new assessment framework. This move will be developed in collaboration with consumer advocates, medical specialists, and other key stakeholders. The forthcoming plan aims to establish minimum standards for evaluating claims, ensuring that they are based on consistent and evidence-based criteria. - read more

WFI and AgCarE Join Forces to Reward Sustainable Farming Practices

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has partnered with AgCarE, a certification program developed by AgForce, to offer premium reductions to farmers who achieve AgCarE certification. This collaboration aims to enhance financial, environmental, and social outcomes for Australian farmers and rural communities. - read more

Rising Insurance Costs Challenge Australian Farmers as Extreme Weather Intensifies

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian farmers are confronting a significant surge in insurance premiums, a trend largely attributed to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Over the past few years, many farmers have reported that their insurance bills have more than doubled, with annual premiums exceeding $100,000. - read more

Diversifying Small Farms Open New Avenues for Insurance Brokers

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The landscape of Australian agriculture is evolving as small commercial farms increasingly diversify their operations to enhance income and sustainability. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for insurance brokers, as new ventures introduce complex risk management needs. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Business Insurance Articles

Is Your Business Fully Protected? Top Signs It’s Time to Renew Your Liability Insurance

As a business owner, one of your top priorities is safeguarding your enterprise from unforeseen events that could lead to financial liabilities. Liability insurance is the cornerstone of this protection, offering a safety net against claims that could otherwise derail your business's financial stability. However, it's not just about having insurance; it's crucial to ensure your coverage is current and adequate for your evolving business requirements. - read more

Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals

For tradesmen and trade professionals, venturing into the world of business comes with its set of challenges and risks. Among the myriad of precautions to consider, one critical safeguard stands out for its ability to protect both the tradesperson and their clients: Public Liability Insurance. This form of coverage is not just a safety net; it is a cornerstone of a responsible business practice within the trade industry. - read more

The Importance of Public Liability Insurance in the Australian Labour Hire Industry

The Australian labour hire industry has seen a significant rise in recent years, and with this growth, comes new and unique risks that companies in this industry must be prepared to navigate. One such risk is the potential for accidents or damages to occur in the workplace, which is where public liability insurance comes in. This article will explore the definition of public liability insurance and why it is so important for labour hire companies in Australia. - read more

The Cost of Safety: How Much Public Liability Insurance Does Your Australian Business Need?

As a business operating in Australia, understanding the ins and outs of public liability insurance is not just recommended, it's essential. This type of insurance serves as a safeguard, protecting your business against the financial repercussions of lawsuits and claims arising from third-party injuries or property damage due to your business operations. In a world where one unintended mishap can lead to costly legal battles, public liability insurance stands as your first line of defense. - read more

Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?

Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection for both businesses and individuals, safeguarding them against potential claims for personal injury or property damage that occur as a result of their operations or services. In an increasingly litigious society, having this coverage can mean the difference between staying afloat financially and facing business closure due to unexpected claims. - read more

Start Here !

Knowledgebase

Insurance Deductible:
the amount that an insured is required to contribute toward an insurance claim as stipulated in an insurance policy. Otherwise known as the "policy excess".

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party intermediaries, insurers and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for vaidating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.