The basics

Insurance is all about answering one important question: How can you protect yourself and the people you care about if life throws an unexpected twist (like death or serious illness) your way?

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. We’ll take a look at four serious risks that you and your family could face, and then identify the insurance option that you can use to protect yourself. 

RISK 1 - you need to have hospital treatment

Recovering from a major health problem requires quick access to quality treatment. NZ’s public health system provides good services for emergency situations (like a car crash) – but for other health problems (even very serious ones, like cancer treatment), there are long waiting lists.

Key question: What would a long wait for diagnosis or treatment mean for you? How would this impact on your life, job, family?

Insurance option - Health Insurance
This pays for the cost of private hospital treatment, so you can avoid public waiting lists and have treatment when and where you need it.
Find out more about health insurance >

RISK 2 - you're unable to work due to sickness or injury 

Take a second to think about where your income goes – bills, living expenses, making plans for your future? Over your life your income (or your ability to earn) is an enormous asset.

Key question: What if you got sick and couldn’t work for a month, for a year, for the rest of your life? What would the impact of this be? Who else would be affected?

Insurance option – Income Protection
This pays a percentage of your income if you’re unable to work because of sickness or disability. It means you can get by even if your health lets you down.
Find out more about income protection >

RISK 3 - you suffer a serious, life changing health problem

These heath problems (like cancer, heart disease, stroke) can be sudden and will certainly have a huge impact on the way you live. 

Key question: If you suffered one of these conditions what would the financial impact be – and how would you and your family cope?

Insurance option – Trauma Insurance
This pays a lump sum if you suffer certain major health problems - like cancer, heart disease, stroke. This can help with debt, providing for family, readjustment costs, etc.
Find out more about trauma insurance >

RISK 4 - you die

Coping with the loss of a loved one is hard enough, without having the additional burden of financial worries.

Key question: What would happen if you passed away tomorrow? Do you have people who are financially dependent on you, or debts that your loved ones would struggle with?

Insurance option – Life Insurance
This pays a lump sum if you die. Usually used to pay off debt and help loved ones survive financially.
Find out more about life insurance >