Comminsure
Company Overview
CommInsure was formerly the life insurance arm of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and has been a well-known name in Australian insurance for decades. In 2021, CommInsure’s life insurance business was acquired by AIA Australia, one of the country’s largest and most innovative life insurers. While the CommInsure brand is still recognised, policies are now underwritten and managed by AIA Australia.
As of today (2025), CommInsure policyholders continue to receive support through AIA, benefiting from global expertise, strong financial backing, and award-winning life insurance services. The transition reflects a broader strategy to deliver improved customer outcomes, digital innovation, and a seamless insurance experience for Australians.
Key Information
Key Information - CommInsure Life Insurance
- Underwriter: CommInsure Life Limited (part of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Group)
- Maximum Sum Insured: (Varies depending on the specific product and individual circumstances; confirm with CommInsure)
- Types of Cover Generally Offered:
- Term Life Insurance (provides a lump sum on death or terminal illness)
- Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance (provides a lump sum if the insured meets the definition of TPD)
- Income Protection Insurance (provides a regular income if the insured is unable to work due to illness or injury)
- Critical Illness Insurance (provides a lump sum if the insured is diagnosed with a specified critical illness)
- Advance Payout Option: Availability may vary; check with CommInsure
- Inflation Protection: May be available as an option; confirm with CommInsure
- Family & Multi-Policy Discounts: Availability and details vary; contact CommInsure
- Waiting Periods: Vary depending on the specific cover and condition, e.g., suicide exclusion periods
- Medical Requirements: Vary based on age, cover amount, and health history; may include questionnaires or medical exams
- Application Process: Likely available through various channels, including online, phone, and potentially through Commonwealth Bank branches
- Cooling-Off Period: A standard cooling-off period typically applies
- Life Insurance Code of Practice: CommInsure is expected to adhere to the Life Insurance Code of Practice, but it's always good to confirm
History and Milestones
Comminsure History and milestones
CommInsure has a rich heritage in Australia's life insurance sector, evolving through significant milestones:
- 2017: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) announced the sale of its life insurance business, CommInsure Life, to AIA Group Limited.
- 2019: AIA Australia and CBA entered into a Joint Cooperation Agreement, allowing AIA to manage CommInsure Life operations while awaiting final regulatory approvals.
- 2021: The acquisition was completed on April 1, with AIA Australia fully integrating CommInsure Life into its operations.
- 2022: AIA Australia sold CommInsure's superannuation and investments business to Resolution Life, focusing on core life and health insurance services.
Today, CommInsure operates under AIA Australia, continuing its commitment to providing quality life insurance solutions to Australians.
Key Strengths
CommInsure: Key Strengths
- Part of a Major Financial Institution: CommInsure is part of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Group, one of Australia's largest financial institutions. This association provides CommInsure with:
- Financial stability: The backing of a major bank generally implies financial strength and the ability to meet long-term financial obligations.
- Brand recognition and trust: The Commonwealth Bank brand is well-known and trusted by many Australians, which can give CommInsure a strong foundation of customer confidence.
- Extensive distribution network: CommInsure can leverage the bank's customer base and distribution channels, including branches and online platforms, to reach a wide audience.
- Established History: CommInsure has been operating in the Australian market for a significant period, indicating experience and a degree of market knowledge.
- Product Range: CommInsure offers a range of life insurance products, including:
- Life cover
- Income protection
- TPD insurance
- Critical illness cover This allows them to cater to various customer needs and financial goals.
- Focus on Customer Service: Like most major insurers, CommInsure emphasizes its commitment to customer service, though specific details on their performance in this area would require further research.
- Digital Capabilities: In today's market, having strong digital platforms for online applications, policy management, and claims processing is important. CommInsure, as part of a major bank, likely invests in its digital capabilities.
Awards and Recognition
CommInsure – Awards and Recognitions
CommInsure has been a long-standing and trusted name in the Australian life insurance industry. Prior to becoming part of AIA Australia, CommInsure received several prestigious awards for product innovation, customer service, and excellence in life insurance delivery. Below is a summary of CommInsure’s most notable recognitions.
ANZIIF – Life Insurance Company of the Year
CommInsure was recognised by the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) as Life Insurance Company of the Year, a significant achievement reflecting its leadership in claims, service, and customer outcomes.
2010 – AFA / Plan for Life Life Insurance Company of the Year
- Winner – Life Insurance Company of the Year (Joint award with Tower Australia) This award highlighted CommInsure’s strong position across financial strength, product design, pricing, and adviser support.
2014 – Money Magazine’s Best of the Best Awards
- Best Innovative Insurance Product – Home Insurance CommInsure received this award for its innovation in product development, demonstrating its ability to respond to changing customer needs with fresh, forward-thinking solutions.
2013 – Australian Teleservices Association Awards
- Winner – Contact Centre of the Year (Finalist category) CommInsure’s customer service team was recognised for excellence in service delivery, operational efficiency, and customer engagement.
Historical Industry Recognition
CommInsure consistently maintained:
- Strong adviser relationships
- A high profile in group and retail life insurance markets
- Competitive product offerings that were well-rated by research houses such as Canstar and Chant West during its peak operating years
Why these awards matter for CommInsure
CommInsure’s recognitions represent a legacy of excellence in the Australian life insurance space. While the CommInsure brand is now under the management of AIA Australia, the values that drove its success — product innovation, adviser support, and customer care — continue to influence the delivery of services to existing policyholders today.
Why Choose Comminsure
✓ Trust and Stability
CommInsure has decades of experience in the Australian market and was originally part of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, one of the most trusted financial institutions in the country.
✓ Backed by AIA Australia
Since 2021, CommInsure has been fully integrated into AIA Australia — one of the nation’s leading life insurers — providing greater innovation, financial strength, and access to a broader range of services.
✓ Customer Service
CommInsure has been recognised for excellence in customer support, including awards for its contact centre operations and claims handling.
✓ Comprehensive cover options
CommInsure offered straightforward policy options designed to cover life, TPD, trauma, and income protection — helping Australians safeguard their families without unnecessary complexity.
✓ Strong claims support
CommInsure had a long history of fair and timely claims payouts, and existing policyholders continue to benefit from AIA’s strong claims philosophy and dedicated support.
✓ Health and Wellness Programs
Policyholders transitioning into AIA’s ecosystem may gain access to AIA Vitality, a leading health and wellbeing program offering rewards and discounts for healthy living.
Features and Benefits
Lump sum death benefit
CommInsure Life Insurance pays a lump sum to your beneficiaries in the event of your death, helping your family manage debts, living costs, or future expenses during a difficult time.
Terminal illness benefit
If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness (typically with a life expectancy of 12–24 months), CommInsure policies include an early payment option, allowing you to access your benefit while still living.
Advance funeral payment
CommInsure offers a funeral benefit advance, providing a portion of your insured amount (usually up to $10,000) to help cover immediate funeral and related expenses shortly after a claim is lodged.
Guaranteed renewable policies
As long as premiums are paid, your CommInsure policy is guaranteed to renew each year, regardless of changes to your health, lifestyle, or occupation after the policy begins.
Built-In indexation (Inflation Protection)
CommInsure policies may include automatic indexation, increasing your sum insured annually to help your cover keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.
Optional Extras – TPD, Trauma & Income Protection
CommInsure offered optional add-ons such as Total and Permanent Disability (TPD), Trauma/Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection, enabling you to build a more tailored insurance package.
Special Promotions & Discounts
Life Insurance Compare Australia
CommInsure does not currently have any special promotions with Life Insurance Compare, however you can use the comparison tool to compare CommInsure Life Insurance policies with other providers.
Pros and cons of CommInsure Life Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong heritage and brand trust – Originally backed by Commonwealth Bank, a trusted Australian institution. | No longer issuing new policies under CommInsure – Brand is now closed to new customers; policies are maintained under AIA. |
| Policies now supported by AIA Australia – Customers benefit from AIA’s global scale, technology, and customer service. | Limited digital experience under legacy CommInsure – Older policies may not have access to AIA’s full suite of digital tools. |
| Straightforward policy options – Clear benefits and flexible cover types including life, TPD, trauma, and income protection. | Policy updates or changes may be restricted – Modifying cover could require transitioning to a new AIA product. |
| Terminal illness and funeral benefit included – Helpful features available within standard life cover. | Health-based discounts and wellness programs not included in older policies – AIA Vitality benefits may not apply. |
| Award-winning service history – CommInsure was previously recognised for customer service and claims support. | May lack some modern features – Compared to newer policies, CommInsure’s legacy policies might not offer the latest innovations. |
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
CommInsure – Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
CommInsure has historically supported sustainability and corporate responsibility through both its own initiatives and those of its parent organisations — first under the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), and now as part of AIA Australia. The company’s commitment to ethical conduct, community investment, and long-term wellbeing continues through AIA’s broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy.
Environmental Sustainability
Under the AIA Australia umbrella, CommInsure life insurance policies are now part of a business committed to:
- Reducing carbon emissions across operations
- Minimising paper usage through digital transformation
- Supporting climate-resilient communities through education and insurance solutions
Community Investment
While part of CBA, CommInsure contributed to numerous community programs, including disaster relief, financial education, and mental health awareness. Today, those efforts continue through AIA’s initiatives such as:
- The AIA Embrace Wellbeing platform
- Community grants focused on preventative health and longevity
- Support for mental health research and public education campaigns
Ethical Governance
CommInsure and its successors are governed by strict codes of practice, including:
- Life Insurance Code of Practice (through AIA Australia)
- Transparent claims handling processes
- Ethical business conduct and customer-first commitments
AIA’s ESG Commitment (as the current policy manager)
AIA Australia — now managing CommInsure policies — has an established Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework that focuses on:
- Healthier, longer, better lives for Australians
- Sustainable investing practices aligned with long-term value
- Responsible insurance product design and delivery
CommInsure’s legacy of corporate responsibility continues today under AIA, ensuring customers remain supported not only through protection products, but also through a long-term commitment to community wellbeing and sustainability.
Technology and Innovation
CommInsure Technology and Innovation -
Legacy Innovation
Prior to its transition to AIA, CommInsure focused on delivering practical technology solutions to enhance claims processing, improve customer service, and simplify policy management. Notably:
- CommInsure developed automated claims systems for faster resolution
- Their tele-underwriting platform improved application efficiency
- Integration with Commonwealth Bank systems allowed for streamlined customer support
Innovation Under AIA Australia
Since the acquisition, CommInsure policyholders now benefit from AIA Australia’s advanced technology infrastructure, including:
- Digital claims tracking and online lodgement portals
- Access to AIA Vitality, a leading wellness and rewards program linked to health data and wearable tech
- Secure, paperless communications and policy servicing via AIA’s customer portal
Data-driven underwriting & risk assessment
AIA uses advanced analytics and digital underwriting tools to assess risk more accurately, price policies fairly, and improve long-term policy sustainability — all of which now support CommInsure policyholders.
Adviser support tools
This section is not specifically for everyday users, but rather for advisors who still service CommInsure legacy policies. With the Advisor support tools, they canaccess:
- Real-time quoting and policy comparison platforms
- Online client engagement tools
- Integrated CRM support via AIA’s adviser portal
CommInsure’s transition to AIA has allowed its policyholders and advisers to benefit from a broader, future-ready ecosystem of digital life insurance services — combining the trust of a legacy brand with the innovation of a global leader.
Claims Process
Notify AIA of the claim
CommInsure policyholders should contact AIA Australia to begin the claims process. You can notify AIA via phone, email or online.
2. Receive a claims pack
AIA will provide a tailored claims pack based on the type of cover and claim. This includes:Claim forms to complete, a checklist of supporting documents and contact details for your assigned claims consultant.
3. Submit required documents
You’ll need to complete and return the forms along with relevant documents such as: medical certificates or specialist reports, proof of identity, death certificate (for life cover claims), financial information (for income protection claims)
4. Claim assessment
A dedicated claims consultant will review the claim and documentation, then liaise with medical or legal professionals if needed - and lastly, keep you informed of progress and expected timelines
5. Outcome and payment
Once assessed, AIA will provide a written decision. If the claim is approved:Lump sum benefits (e.g. Life, TPD, Trauma) will be paid to the nominated beneficiary or policyholder. Ongoing benefits (e.g. Income Protection) will be paid in line with the policy terms
6. Ongoing Support
AIA offers additional support such as return-to-work assistance (for Income Protection) as well as bereavement support (for life cover claims) and ongoing communication with your consultant
Partnerships & Affiliations
Commonwealth Bank
CommInsure originated as the life insurance division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. In 2019, AIA Australia entered into a 25-year strategic distribution agreement with CBA, allowing AIA to offer its life insurance products through CBA's extensive network. This partnership ensures that CommInsure policyholders benefit from AIA's expertise while maintaining access to services through CBA channels.
AIA
In April 2021, CommInsure's life insurance business was officially transferred to AIA Australia, a leading life and health insurer. This affiliation provides CommInsure policyholders with access to AIA's comprehensive range of products, services, and wellness programs, including AIA Vitality.
AIA -Health and Wellbeing
Product Disclosure Statement
CommInsure Life Insurance Product disclosure statement (PDS)
Summary
CommInsure Protection offers a range of life insurance products designed to provide financial security. These products include options for life cover, income protection, and disability cover. This information is a summary; refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for complete details.
- Product Issuer: The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited (CMLA)
- Underwritten by: The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited (CMLA)
- Part of: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Group
- In Cooperation with: AIA Australia Limited (AIA)
- Product Name: CommInsure Protection
Types of Cover
CommInsure Protection includes the following key product types:
- Total Care Plan: A life insurance product. (Note: Total Care Plan Super and SMSF Plan are closed to new customers)
- Income Care: An income protection product.
- Income Care Plus: An enhanced income protection product.
- Income Care Platinum: A premium income protection product.
Key Features and Benefits (General)
- The products offer a range of cover options including Life Insurance, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance, Income Protection, Trauma Cover, Business Overheads Cover and Accidental Death Cover
- Financial advice is recommended to choose the most suitable insurance
- Cooling-off Period: 30 days
- Duty of Disclosure: Applicants must adhere to duty of disclosure requirements
Important Information
- Eligibility for Total Care Plan, Income Care, Income Care Plus and Income Care Platinum products is limited to those with a Continuation option, Option to convert benefit or entitlement to apply for a replacement CMLA policy.
- Agreed value and guaranteed agreed value income protection policies are not available from 1 April 2020.
Contact and Support
- Phone: 13 1056 (8 am - 6 pm AEST/ADST, Monday to Friday)
- Where to Find the PDS: The Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is essential for detailed information.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is general information only, which means it doesn't consider your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider how appropriate CommInsure Life Insurance is for you by carefully reading this PDS and comparing your options before making a decision..
Target Market Determination
TMD content to come