Life insurance in New Zealand

How is life insurance offered in New Zealand?

Let’s be honest; Kiwis aren’t average. The way we speak, live our lives, and prepare for a rugby match is one-of-a-kind. We’re different to the rest of the world, so our life insurance should be too.

Thankfully, life insurance has come a long way here in New Zealand. Some providers are now offering policies designed just for our way of life, which can make a big difference when you’re looking for the right option.

Here’s how local life insurance providers can offer great value:

• Lower premiums for non-smokers: only 13% of New Zealanders smoke regularly and that number is dropping every year² (no wonder our land is so clean). On top of their clothes smelling better, this means a lot of Kiwis could be eligible for lower premiums if they’re non-smokers. Double-win!
• Advanced payout for a funeral or tangi: funerals can be expensive in New Zealand so paying for one on short notice can add a lot of additional stress on loved ones at a time when they really don’t need it. For those following Maori customs, there’s the added cost of a tangi which involves up to three days of gathering. This is why some insurers offer a partial payment in advance to help your family cover these immediate costs, subject to submitting all the requested documents, even if their claim is still being assessed.
• Backed by local underwriters: it’s good to know the people who have your back are home-grown. Having your life insurance policy backed by a trusted, local underwriter means you can be sure your family’s future is in safe hands.

Should I consider how long I might live when getting life insurance?

There’s no sure way to know how long you’ll live but it’s still worth crunching some numbers when looking into life insurance. This can give you a rough idea of how to set up your policy to give you the best possible value.

Like most great countries, life expectancy has grown in New Zealand since the 1980s. This means Kiwis are living longer than ever before (you’re welcome, rest of the world). Recent data suggests that men in New Zealand live up to 80 years while women reach an average of 84 years before the big sleep.³ These figures can change based on individual factors but keep in mind that numbers can’t hurt you – it’s your lifestyle, medical history, and other personal factors that will decide how long you live.

Life expectancy is a good indicator of longevity but don’t overthink it. Life insurance is best understood as a risk management product and is intended to help reduce the devastating financial impact on your family should you unexpectedly pass away. This is especially important if you have young kids or other financial dependents, or significant debts like a mortgage.

You can never really predict what life will throw at you in the long run, so it’s better to be prepared regardless of how long you think you might stick around. Plus, it’s always good to know the people who make your life worth living will have enough money to carry on the life you’ve built for them when you’re gone.