Key Challenges Facing Australian Insurers in 2026

Premium Affordability, Cybersecurity, and Talent Acquisition Top the List

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As 2026 unfolds, Australian insurers are grappling with three immediate pressures: rising premium costs and shrinking insurability, ongoing cyber and data risks, and increasing difficulty in hiring and retaining skilled workers.

According to industry feedback cited in Gallagher Bassett’s upcoming 'The Carrier Perspective: 2026 Claims Insights' report, premium affordability and insurability have become the leading concerns for insurers, linked to rising inflation, increasing climate-related losses, and regulatory pressures.

Cyber and data security remains a major concern, with malicious or criminal attacks accounting for 59% of reported data breaches in the first half of 2025.

Workforce issues have also moved higher up the agenda, with the difficulty of attracting and retaining employees now the third-ranked challenge for 2026.

These challenges underscore the need for insurers to adapt and innovate in response to a rapidly evolving risk landscape.

Published:Monday, 8th Jun 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

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Beneficiary:
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