Stronger protections for Australians
The Life Code helps life insurers provide the protection that suits Australians when they need it most, in an accountable and transparent way.
What's new
The 2025 Life Code review has concluded
From 1 October 2025, the Life Insurance Code of Practice (Life Code) went through an independent review to ensure it continued to serve the best interests of Australians. A final report was provided to CALI on 30 June 2026. CALI will publish an industry response by 30 September 2026.
Australian Government to prohibit the use of genetic test results
On 11 September 2024, the Australian Government announced plans to prohibit the use of genetic test results in insurance underwriting. Federal legislation was introduced in November 2025 and new laws were passed in the Senate in April 2026. Australia’s life insurers fully support the move to ensure no one is deterred from taking a genetic test to proactively manage their health.
Life Code update – HIV/AIDS
This latest Life Code update introduces commitments regarding HIV and AIDS, reflecting advancements in medical treatment. Life insurers will no longer ask about sexual preferences or practices for underwriting purposes, and will treat HIV or AIDS like any other medical condition when determining coverage.
The Life Insurance Code of Practice
The Life Code is an initiative from the life insurance industry and establishes enforceable standards that life insurers agree to uphold to guarantee that customers can confidently purchase life insurance, knowing that their insurer will provide assistance when needed.
The Life Code encompasses all aspects of life insurance, including how products are designed, how they are sold, timeframes to communicate decisions with customers, the claims process and how complaints are resolved.
It includes commitments made by life insurers to consumers, setting higher standards than the law and has important protections for customers who are vulnerable, require financial assistance or who experience a mental health condition.
The current version of the Life Code is effective from 1 March 2025.
The current version of the Life Insurance Code of Practice is effective from 1 March 2025.
Life Insurance Code of Practice December 2024
From 12 December 2024 to 28 February 2025
Life Insurance Code of Practice September 2023
From 29 September 2023 to 11 December 2023
Life Insurance Code of Practice version 2.0
From 1 July 2023 to 28 September 2023
Life Insurance Code of Practice version 1.0
From implementation to 30 June 2023
Life Code compliance
The independent Life Code Compliance Committee (Life CCC) closely monitors and reports on the life insurance industry’s compliance with the Life Code and the conduct of individual insurers. Life insurers work collaboratively with the Life CCC to improve standards and promote industry best practice.
The Life CCC has powers to impose sanctions and financial penalties on life insurers. These measures have been developed in consultation with consumer groups to ensure they are appropriately robust.
Life Code subscribers
These organisations have committed to meeting the standards set out in the Life Code, helping to improve service for consumers and strengthen trust in Australia’s life insurance industry. The current subscribers list below shows organisations currently bound by the Life Code from 30 June 2017, unless otherwise noted.
Current subscribers
Acenda Group
AIA Australia Ltd
Allianz Australia Life Insurance Ltd
ART Life Insurance Ltd
Clearview Life Assurance Ltd
EML Solutions Pty Ltd
General Reinsurance Life Australia Ltd
Hallmark Life Insurance Company Ltd
Hannover Life Re of Australasia Ltd
HCF Life Insurance Company Pty Ltd
MetLife Insurance Ltd
Munich Reinsurance Company of Australasia Ltd
NobleOak Life Ltd
Pacific Life Re (Australia) Pty Ltd
RGA Reinsurance Company of Australia Ltd
SCOR Global Life Australia Pty Ltd
Swiss Re Life & Health Australia Ltd
TAL Life Ltd
Zurich Australia Ltd
Past subscribers
Asteron Life & Superannuation Limited
OnePath Life Limited
30 June 2017 – 31 July 2022
St Andrew's Life Insurance Pty Ltd
30 June 2017 - 17 June 2020
St George Life Limited
30 June 2017 - 20 September 2019
TAL Life Insurance Services Limited
formerly Westpac Life Insurance Services Limited
The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited
30 June 2017 - 31 March 2021
Integrity Life Australia Limited
1 July 2018 – 16 April 2025
MLC Limited
fully acquired by Acenda Group
Resolution Life Australasia Limited
fully acquired by Acenda Group
QInsure Limited
trading as ART Life Insurance Ltd