FIN5416 Insurance Markets and Products (FOBUS)

Units 1.0 (Insurance and Actuarial Studie) Band 3A

Students are required to have access to a personal computer, e-mail capabilities and Internet access to USQConnect. Current details of computer requirements can be found at <http://www.usq.edu.au/business/aboutfob.htm>.

Synopsis

This course has been written from a financial planning perspective but can be taken by those with a general interest in risk management or by those specifically interested in the insurance aspects of financial planning. It does not contain any actuarial studies content. The general nature of risk and its management is explored, of which insurance is but one aspect. The economic output of insurance entities is discussed with reference to the life and general insurance industries, whose market structure is important from a pricing, conduct and performance perspective. The public face of insurance is its products, and most life, general, health and mandated policies are investigated with particular emphasis on legal and taxation aspects, as applicable to consumers and small business. The role and professional advice methodology of the insurance advisor is explored. Finally, regulation and compliance within the financial services sector in general and the insurance industry in particular is examined in some detail.