Choosing the right insurance policy in Australia can be overwhelming. With dozens of providers and hundreds of plans across categories like health, car, life, and home insurance, it’s no wonder Australians turn to comparison sites for help. One of the biggest names in this space is iSelect — but how good is it really?
In this unbiased iSelect review, we’ll explore what the platform offers, how it compares with alternatives, and whether it’s the best option for your insurance needs in 2025.
What is iSelect?
iSelect is an Australian-owned comparison platform that helps users compare a wide range of financial and utility products. These include:
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Car Insurance
- Home & Contents Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Electricity & Gas
- Internet Plans
- Credit Cards and Loans
Since launching in 2000, iSelect has helped millions of Australians make better financial decisions by offering side-by-side comparisons of policies and pricing.
How iSelect Works
The iSelect process is simple:
- You visit the iSelect website and choose the product category you want to compare.
- You fill in a few basic details like your age, location, and preferences.
- iSelect returns a list of options from partner providers that match your needs.
- You can compare features, premiums, and benefits — and either sign up online or request a call from an advisor.
iSelect’s service is completely free for consumers. They make money through commissions from insurers when someone purchases a product through their platform.
iSelect Insurance Comparison Categories
1. Health Insurance
iSelect is best known for helping Australians find affordable private health insurance. It partners with major health funds like Bupa, nib, HBF, and others to provide quotes for hospital and extras cover.
2. Life Insurance
Through partnerships with trusted insurers, iSelect allows users to compare life cover, income protection, and total permanent disability (TPD) insurance. The platform offers options for different life stages and family needs.
3. Car Insurance
iSelect lists quotes for comprehensive, third-party, and CTP (Compulsory Third Party) car insurance. You can compare premiums, excess levels, and inclusions like roadside assistance and rental car cover.
4. Home & Contents Insurance
From landlord policies to renter cover, iSelect gives you a snapshot of what’s available — including protections for fire, flood, theft, and accidental damage.
5. Travel Insurance
For overseas trips or domestic travel, iSelect offers comparisons for single-trip, multi-trip, and annual travel insurance, with filters for COVID cover, adventure sports, and medical evacuation.
Pros of Using iSelect
✅ Saves Time
Instead of visiting individual insurer websites, you get multiple quotes in one place within minutes.
✅ Free & Convenient
There’s no charge to use iSelect, and you can either complete your purchase online or get personalized advice by phone.
✅ Trusted Brands
iSelect works with reputable Australian insurers, ensuring that users are comparing legitimate and trusted products.
✅ Phone Support
Unlike some comparison sites, iSelect offers access to real consultants who can explain policy details and help tailor coverage.
Cons of Using iSelect
❌ Not All Providers Are Listed
iSelect only displays options from partner insurers. Some of the best deals in the market may not be shown.
❌ Commission-Based Model
While iSelect claims to be impartial, its revenue model may influence which policies are promoted or prioritized in listings.
❌ Limited Filtering Options Online
Some detailed filters (e.g., pre-existing conditions, niche cover) are only accessible through phone consultations.
Is iSelect Really Unbiased?
Despite offering a transparent comparison experience, it’s important to remember that iSelect:
- Only compares brands it partners with
- May earn more commission from some insurers than others
- Doesn’t always show “best value” by default
This doesn’t mean the platform is dishonest, but it does mean you should take results as a starting point, not the final word. It’s wise to do an independent quote comparison with non-partner insurers before making a decision.
How iSelect Compares With Alternatives
Here’s a quick comparison of iSelect vs. other popular insurance comparison platforms in Australia:
| Feature | iSelect | Compare The Market | Canstar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Car Insurance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Life Insurance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Limited |
| Travel Insurance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Phone Consultation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Reviews & Ratings | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Is iSelect Worth Using in 2025?
Here’s who should consider using iSelect:
- First-time buyers of insurance who want a quick overview of the market.
- Busy individuals who prefer a one-stop-shop for comparisons.
- People looking for health or life insurance, where iSelect offers strong support.
- Anyone wanting to speak with a human advisor, especially for life and income protection.
You might want to skip iSelect if:
- You’re only interested in the absolute cheapest deal and want to include non-partner providers.
- You’re comfortable navigating insurer websites directly and negotiating better deals.
Tips for Using iSelect Effectively
- Use iSelect as a research tool, not the final decision-maker.
- Always compare policies by features, not just price.
- Contact insurers directly for a custom quote if you’re unsure.
- Ask for a call-back from an iSelect advisor to clarify terms or exclusions.
- Double-check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before signing up.
Final Verdict: How iSelect Stacks Up
iSelect remains one of Australia’s most user-friendly and comprehensive comparison platforms, especially for health and life insurance. The ability to speak to licensed consultants gives it an edge over purely online comparison tools.
However, as with any commission-based aggregator, the comparison may not be exhaustive. So while iSelect is an excellent starting point, it’s smart to double-check with other platforms and providers before committing.
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is iSelect free to use?
Yes, iSelect is completely free for users. It earns money through commissions from insurers when a user signs up through the platform.
❓ Can I trust the quotes on iSelect?
You can trust the quotes are accurate for the listed providers. However, not all insurers are included, so it may not show the best deal available in the market.
❓ Is iSelect better than Compare The Market?
Both platforms are similar, but iSelect offers stronger phone support, while Compare The Market may include more user reviews.