Hello

We have a variety of pieces for you in today's newsletter. On the product front the latest stats from the Health Funds Association paint a positive picture of the health insurance market and also Russell Hutchinson asks a question: What is trauma for?

The latest news in the move towards greater adviser regulation is some discussion papers on complaints scheme. Since we posted the story earlier in the week we have also added links to the discussion documents. These should be read by all advisers.

The final story in the newsletter is a piece where the ISI suggests the days of commissions are numbered. While the comments relate to investment products, particularly superannuation, one wonders when insurance products will be brought into the argument.

Insurance News

Health insurers boost premium income amid rising claims
Premium incomes for health insurers rose last year as the rising cost of healthcare pushed up claims by policy holders. More


Long queue forms for complaints schemes
Up to five organisations have already expressed interest in forming external dispute resolution bodies for the financial services industry, according to Evelyn Cole, Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA) head of consumer policy. More


Days of earning commission numbered: Arkinstall
The days of earning commissions from selling investments are nearly over. That's the view if Investment Savings and Insurance Association chief executive Vance Arkinstall. More

Opinion: Russell Hutchinson

What is trauma for?
Sometimes people get you thinking - Noel Vaughan, who started up Pinnacle Life - got me thinking recently about trauma insurance. Noel asked "what's it for?" More