Assisted living insurance
Assisted living contents insurance is often an affordable option ideal for a scaled-down lifestyle.
If you're living in an assisted living facility or a nursing home, you most likely brought with you a few cherished items of monetary value. Assisted living contents insurance can cover these belongings if they are lost, damaged or stolen.
What is assisted living contents insurance?
Assisted living contents insurance is basically a scaled-down version of apartment cover. Similar to anyone living in apartments, people in assisted living residences don't own the property itself, and therefore don't need building insurance. However, a number of people in assisted living establishments have fewer personal belongings than people in apartments as many of the furnishings and fixtures belong to the facility.
What is covered under assisted living contents insurance?
At the moment, Apia is the only Australian brand that offers assisted living insurance. According to their PDS, you are covered for up to $1,000 per item for items and belongings that you own and keep at your residence. These include:
- Furniture and furnishings
- Household goods, clothing, leisure/sporting equipment and other personal effects
- Medical equipment and motorised wheelchairs/mobility scooters that do not require registration
- Belongings that you normally wear or carry (but only when they are kept in your dwelling)
- Portable electronic, photographic and optical equipment and accessories
If you have items that you want covered when you carry them outside of your residence, you also have the option of individually insuring these as add-ons to your assisted living contents cover. These belongings can include:
- Handbags, wallets, jewellery and watches
- Phones, laptops and tablets
- Sporting equipment (but not while in use)
What is not covered by assisted living contents?
Assisted living contents insurance does not cover all types of belongings. Items that are not covered include:
- Cash, credit cards and vouchers
- Audio and video media, including hard copies
- Motor vehicles
- Tools
There are also a number of general exclusions where your claim may be denied for items that would typically be covered under normal circumstances. Examples include situations where you’ve broken the law, destroyed an item while cleaning with chemicals or failed to install safety precautions (such as fire alarms and balconies) where required by law. Make sure to read the policy PDS to find out exactly what's excluded.
What events am I covered for with assisted living insurance?
Assisted living contents insurance should cover you for the following:
- Fire. If your contents are lost or damaged due to fire including bushfire, your assisted living contents insurance can provide financial protection.
- Storm. This insurance covers loss or damage caused by a storm, including violent winds, hail, snow, rain, thunderstorms, cyclones and tornadoes.
- Lightning. Your contents will be covered when damaged by lightning, or by a power surge caused by lightning.
- Flood. Assisted living contents insurance protects you against loss or damage caused by water that has escaped the normal confines of large bodies of water including lakes, rivers, creeks and dams.
- Earthquake and tsunami. This benefit ensures that you are covered against loss or damage from an earthquake or tsunami.
- Water and oil leaks. When water or oil leaks or overflows from appliances or other household items, assisted living contents insurance covers you for the resulting loss or damage.
- Theft or burglary. Assisted living contents insurance covers you against loss or damage caused by theft, attempted theft or burglary (except when you've invited the person into your home).
- Malicious acts and vandalism. You will be covered if your contents are damaged due to vandalism or a malicious act (except acts committed by you, another resident of your property or someone you've invited into your property).
- Riots or civil commotion. If a riot, civil commotion, or industrial or political disturbance results in loss or damage to your contents, you will be covered.
- Explosion. You will be covered for lost or damaged contents in the event of an explosion.
- Impact damage. Assisted living contents insurance covers you against impact from objects such as falling trees or power poles, and motor vehicles.
- Damage by an animal. Your contents will be protected in the event an animal destroys or damages your contents (excluding damage caused by insects, vermin and rodents).
Why you can trust Finder's home insurance experts

We're free
You pay the same as buying directly from the home insurer. Better still, we regularly run exclusive deals that you won't find on any other site – plus, our tables make it easy to compare policies.

We're experts
We've researched and rated dozens of policies as part of our Finder Awards. We provide unique insights and our in-house experts regularly appear on Sunrise, 7News and SBS News.
We're independent
Unlike other comparison sites, we're not owned by an insurer. That means our opinions are our own and we work with lots of home insurance brands, making it easier for you to find a good deal.

We're here to help
Since 2014, we've helped 150,000+ people find home insurance by explaining your cover options simply and clearly. We'll never ask for your number or email. We're here to help you make a decision.More guides on Finder
-
Bushfire Statistics Australia
Stats and facts on bushfires in Australia.
-
Home insurance WA
Learn about the unique risks that Western Australia faces and how to get home insurance that is right for your circumstances.
-
Flood insurance
Most home insurers automatically cover floods but make sure you take out cover at least 72 hours before an event.
-
Honey home insurance review
Honey home insurance is a startup that's doing things a little differently.
-
Laptop insurance
Here are several contents insurance options that will protect your laptop anywhere you take it.
-
Home fire insurance
Fire insurance will help you replace your home and everything in it if you lose it all to fire.
-
How much does home insurance cost in Australia?
Discover what impacts the cost of home insurance and how to get the right protection with this handy guide.
-
Home insurance WA
Learn about the unique risks that Western Australia faces and how to get home insurance that is right for your circumstances.
-
Bushfire insurance
Compare policies that cover bushfires, including smoke damage and accommodation due to evacuation.
-
Storm damage insurance
Protect your home against storm, flood and rainwater damage with the help of this comprehensive guide.
Ask an Expert