Insurance Finder

Insurance is a grudge purchase so I like to make sure I'm getting something extra in return for paying premiums. Sometimes that's money off my Woolies shop or Qantas Points. Other times, it's 50% off gym memberships and cinema tickets. Basically, I want some good stuff I can enjoy now in addition to financial protection should something go wrong.

Gary Ross Hunter
Insurance expert and senior writer

Here's a health insurance tip you won't hear from the health funds – you don't need hospital and extras cover from the same insurer. But, it can still be a good idea to bundle. A combined policy from a single fund is easier to manage, and can get you access to some one-off joining deals. However, splitting your cover can sometimes get you policies that suit you better, for a lower overall cost.

Tim Bennett
Health insurance

Comparing at least 5 insurance quotes from different providers has always been my go-to when it comes to finding a great value policy. Where possible, I'll try to pay for premiums upfront. Many insurers make you fork out more if you choose fortnightly or monthly payments.

James Martin
Insurance expert & editor

During the life insurance application, don't get put off if the insurer asks you heaps of questions about your health and medical history – in the long run, it's usually a good thing. Cover will be more tailored to you and it'll be much clearer what you can and can't claim for. If the insurer doesn't ask any questions (e.g. the policy isn't fully underwritten), some health conditions, including pre-existing conditions, are often automatically excluded.

Francesca Guerrera
Life & pet insurance

Think about the single, most important thing that you want covered and look for a policy that covers that. It will most likely cover a bunch of other things too, but trying to find cover for 'everything' can get overwhelming very quickly.

Jessica Prasida
Home & travel insurance

Trying to get the best value insurance for your circumstance can seem overwhelming. With so many coverage options and price differences it can be hard to know which products to consider and how to compare them. Thankfully, the Finder Insurance Awards can help take the hassle out of doing everything yourself. Our products experts first select the features they believe are the most relevant, and then analysts like myself create a mathematical comparison model that scores each product according to its prices and features. This takes out as much bias and complexity as possible so that you can be assured that you can make the best financial decision for yourself.

Saranga Sudarshan
Insurance insights analyst

As someone who spends his life helping Aussies by analysing the insurance and financial space and talking about it in the media, I can tell you that insurance is a little-understood space that can save you – or cost you – hundreds of dollars. If you go to the dentist twice a year, a standard extras policy can pay for itself and you'll still have money left over for the physio.

Taylor Blackburn
Personal finance and insurance specialist