Our mission is to ensure Australians view life insurance and the industry as accessible, understandable and trusted. The Life Insurance Code of Practice (Life Code) is an initiative from the life insurance industry and was created to help life insurers provide the protection that suits Australians when they need it most, in an accountable and transparent way.

The Life Code 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 Life Code can be viewed here (recently updated 1 March 2025).

Consumers and their advocates can find out more in this brochure.

Life Code update (1 March 2025)

This latest Life Code update introduces commitments regarding HIV and AIDS, reflecting advancements in medical treatment. We 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, accompanied by a consumer fact sheet on our website.

The HIV and life insurance consumer fact sheet can be viewed here.

Genetic testing

On 11 September 2024, the Australian Government announced plans to prohibit the use of genetic test results in insurance underwriting.

Australia’s life insurers fully support the move to ensure no one is deterred from taking a genetic test to proactively manage their health.  

Medical consent

Industry guidance on wording for medical consent can be viewed here.

Family and domestic violence

The Best Practice Guide for Family and Domestic Violence can be viewed here.

Life Code Subscribers

See the full list of Life Code Subscribers here.