Chatswood serves the life and health insurance sector in New Zealand with market intelligence, data, and bespoke consulting services. Some of these are provided in conjunction with Quality Product Research Limited - a subsidiary that brings you Quotemonster.
We believe that good decisions are more likely to occur when we have good information about the market environment in which we operate. Intuitive leaps and creative decisions are always required, of course, but the more they are based on a firm foundation of observation, the better they tend to be.
nib research finds more adults are staying on top of essential health screenings
Recent nib research has found that more adults are staying on top of essential health screenings, but costs remain a barrier.
Recent nib research has found that more adults are staying on top of essential health screenings, but costs remain a barrier. The research was carried out in February 2025 and surveyed 1,010 Kiwi, building on the last survey conducted in December 2023. Some of the key findings include:
An increasing number of adults are keeping up with necessary health screenings - up to date with eye checks (45% up from 43%), dental check-ups (36% up from 35%), and heart health screenings (31% up from 28%).
30% believe their health is better than their peers, up from 25% in 2023.
Financial concerns are increasingly preventing Kiwi adults from accessing health checks, with 36% citing cost as a barrier (up from 29%).
80% of those with health insurance are committed to health screening checks (vs 72% overall).
More parents feel clear about which screening checks their children need (72% up from 58% in 2023).
More parents believe an annual health check is essential for their children (84% up from 75% in 2023).
More children are staying up to date with common screening tests - hearing checks (54% up from 48%), dental check-ups (66% up from 55%), eye checks (57% up from 50%) and general health exams (59% up from 57%).
Rob Hennin, Chief Executive Officer at nib New Zealand, said
“Proactive health screenings can be lifesaving and it’s really encouraging to see that Kiwi are taking the reins when it comes to their wellbeing. It’s clear to see that accessibility and cost issues continue to be barriers.”
More news:
Jason Gunn announced as new AIA Vitality Ambassador
Gallagher introduce new fundraising initiative, Gallagher Club Kickback
Partners Life go live with “no signature required” for majority of policy administration processes
mySolutions roadshows run across May in Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland
mySolutions webinar 'Exclusive Small Business Group Health' is on 23 April
Financial Advice NZ are holding an Ethics Workshop on 8 May
TAP webinar 'Ready to see TAP in action?' 8 May
Westpac launches a pilot for a basic transactional bank account
Naomi Ballantyne honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
Naomi Ballantyne, chair of The Adviser Platform, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Financial Advice New Zealand Conference.
Naomi Ballantyne, chair of The Adviser Platform (TAP), was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) Conference.
“Her commitment to making financial advice accessible to more New Zealanders is evident in her continued efforts towards driving the importance of advice and innovation…Her tireless advocacy for the importance of financial advice is sure to inspire the new generation of advisers, leaders and entrepreneurs to walk in the path she has carved.”
Naomi’s career in the life insurance industry spans more than 40 years and includes founding two insurance companies, advocating for making financial advice more accessible for all New Zealanders, and spearheading initiatives aimed at supporting advisers through technology-driven solutions.
At TAP, Naomi has worked on embedding fintech solutions to streamline compliance and administrative processes, freeing up members to have more time to focus on clients; shares her invaluable expertise through TAP’s Insider Insights series; leads initiatives designed to empower and inspire female advisers; and is a regular presence at TAP events and conferences.
Ballantyne will lead TAPs inaugural Women in Advice event being held in July in Auckland, a full day event to empower, connect, and inspire female advisers and staff within the TAP community.
More news:
Swiss Re to exit Australia life market, Hannover Life Re to take over portfolio
Medicines Amendment Bill passes first reading
WellSouth encourages NZers to include Advanced Care Plans in their personal planning portfolios
Product changes at Chubb Life
Chubb Life introduce a Moderate Trauma Cover option, make enhancements to Assurance Extra Trauma Covers and Assurance Extra Business Life, Trauma, Complete Disablement and Monthly Disability Covers and change underlying premium rates.
Chubb Life have introduced a Moderate Trauma Cover option under Assurance Extra. Offering coverage for the same critical illness conditions, it is a more affordable alternative to Trauma Cover. Moderate Trauma Cover requires a higher level of severity to be met on 11 of the more common conditions to be eligible to claim. Customers have the option to take Moderate Trauma on its own or mix and match their cover level across both Trauma and Moderate Trauma Covers. They’ll also have the option to take out Continuous Trauma on both covers.
Chubb have also made enhancements to Assurance Extra Trauma Covers and Assurance Extra Business Life, Trauma, Complete Disablement and Monthly Disability Covers. Assurance Extra Trauma Covers have added a Newborn Children’s Benefit, Complimentary Children's Benefit conversion enhancement and added a feature allowing policyholders to convert Trauma Cover to Moderate Trauma Cover. Assurance Extra Business policies have had to Age 65 and to Age 70 level premium review periods added and the payment term options have been extended to include a two-year payment term for Replacement Labour.
Chubb Life has made changes to the underlying premium rates on their Specific Injury Cover under Assurance Extra, Assurance Extra Business, Business Assurance and Agribusiness Extra. The new underlying rates come into effect on 8 May 2025 and will see the average Specific Injury premium increase by $3.10 per month depending on gender, occupation and cover level.
They have also updated their non-medical codes and associated limits – reducing the number of medical code categories and removing several mandatory testing requirements, and making some improvements to limits.
Chubb Life have also extended their 15% Lifetime Reward and 2 months’ free cover for new policies or cover increases under an existing eligible policy until 31 March 2026.
More news:
Rob Hennin to step down as nib CEO
Steve Wright writes of how advisers need a mindset change away
Naomi Ballantyne to lead TAP's inaugural Women in Advice event
nib New Zealand launches Ultimate Life & Living product range
nib New Zealand has launched Ultimate Life & Living, a suite of six new insurance products available exclusively through advisers.
nib New Zealand has launched Ultimate Life & Living, a suite of six new insurance products available exclusively through advisers.
The six new products are:
Ultimate Life Insurance
Ultimate Trauma Insurance
Ultimate Income Protection Insurance (available in both Indemnity and Agreed Value)
Ultimate Mortgage Protection Insurance
Ultimate Total & Permanent Disability Insurance
Ultimate Waiver of Premium
nib is introducing a simplified application process. The updated system, nibAPPLY, will allow advisers to quote and submit applications for health, life and living insurance products simultaneously, improving efficiencies.
Advisers must complete product training and accreditation to offer the new products. nib offers online modules for both new and experienced advisers.
For a limited time, new customers get a $300 credit on their nib Ultimate Life & Living Insurance policy after paying for their first month or more when processed through nibAPPLY before 30 June 2025.
For a limited time, existing nib health clients can get 10% off their Health Insurance premiums when they bundle Health with Ultimate Life & Living Insurance, when any member on an eligible health policy is issued with a new Ultimate Life & Living Insurance policy (subject to meeting minimum premium criteria). The discount applies to the total health policy premium excluding the policy fee and the offer is available exclusively through nibAPPLY until 30 September 2025.
More news:
AIA bring back popular one month’s premium free campaign
New AIA Vitality Garmin reward
Naomi Ballantyne honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
Lifetime Group awarded Community Impact Award
AIA change reinstatement rules for policies lapsed for 180 days or more
AIA release updated Underwriting Guide
AIA have refreshed their conduct standards for advisers
The FMA wants to see advisers avoid burying disclosure in lengthy documents full of jargon
nib combine member engagement and digital transformation teams
Monsters in March off to a great start
We’ve kicked off our Monsters in March event series, thanks to the attendees, sponsors and speakers for making it happen.
We’ve kicked off our Monsters in March event series, holding the first session in Remuera on 18 March and the second session in Christchurch on 20 March. Thanks to the 150+ advisers that showed up to hear about personal insurance, business insurance or KiwiSaver advice. And thank you to all of our sponsors and speakers for making it happen.
Here’s a few photos from the events so far.
We’ll be holding a last on the North Shore in Auckland on 25 March – hope to see you there!
More news:
Fidelity Life will host a workshop at FANZ conference
mySolutions Member Benefits day is on 19 March
mySolutions webinar 'Artificial Intelligence: is it for you?' 26 March
Southern Cross Health Insurance appoint Russell Simpson Chief of Healthcare Partnerships
Registrations open for the Million Dollar Round Table’s Annual Meeting in Miami in June
Advisers originate about 70% of Kiwibank’s mortgages by volume
AM Best reaffirms Partners Life ratings
AM Best has reaffirmed the financial strength rating and the long-term issuer credit rating for Partners Life.
AM Best has reaffirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a” (Excellent) for Partners Life Limited, with the outlook for both remaining stable. AM Best categorises Partners Life’s balance sheet position as very strong.
More news:
TAP has launched a new AI Document Reader
Financial Advice NZ’s National Adviser Conference introduces sessions for new advisers
FSC Empower Women Networking Events 6 & 11 March
The Adviser Platform launch Insider Insights video series
68% of Australians are worried about paying for life insurance
Update to New Zealand Retirement Expenditure Guidelines released
Fidelity Life announce product enhancements and digital, service, and retention initiatives
At Fidelity Life’s Engage 2024 conference, Fidelity Life announced a range of product enhancements, digital, service and retention initiatives and other news.
Trauma and Life covers: The entry eligibility for the Inbuilt Child’s Trauma benefit has been reduced from two years to three months, allowing more families to receive early protection. A new, separate benefit specifically for newborns facing trauma has also been introduced. Fidelity Life will also trail a premium discount for defined exclusions on trauma covers in the coming months.
Condition Definitions: Refinements have been made for clarity, and Terminal Illness has been introduced as a defined condition across the trauma range, including Child's Trauma.
Bereavement and Child’s Funeral Benefits: The Bereavement Benefit has been increased from $15,000 to $25,000, and the Child’s Funeral Benefit has been increased from $3,500 to $15,000 for children aged 10 to 20.
Grief Counselling Benefit: A new benefit offering an additional $2,500 to the sum insured.
Financial Planning Benefit: Easier access by removing thresholds and extending the claim period.
New Specific Injury Cover: A low-cost solution that pays a lump sum for any of 30 defined injuries.
Live Chat: Quick and easy access to New Business and Underwriting teams via Adviser Centre.
New-Look E-App: A modern and intuitive user experience launching in March 2025. The E-App’s latest upgrade goes live later this month, with the new ‘share’ feature enabling advisers to send a link to their customers, allowing customers to complete all or part of the application on their own.
Dedicated Adviser Service Team: A team committed to servicing all adviser needs.
Enhanced Retention Tools: Including renewal reminders and automated SMS reminders for customers. There will be additional roles created too.
Expanding adviser support roles: Fidelity Life are creating new roles, including a National Partnership Manager for mid-sized and corporate firms, as well as an Auckland Business Manager and a Desk-Based Business Manager, to provide more tailored support and drive closer engagement.
Adviser Edge Programme: New additions to the programme include an invitation-only overseas study tour and new practice manager masterclasses for admin staff.
Grow Together programme: Coming in early 2025, the invitation-only Grow Together programme will provide dedicated, prioritised support across key areas including new business, underwriting, and retention. Advisers in the programme can expect to benefit from dedicated support resources, exclusive benefits, and access to a wide range of support tools and professional development opportunities.
Adviser Council: Fidelity Life are inviting advisers to express their interest in joining their Adviser council, which meets quarterly with Fidelity Life’s leadership team to discuss industry updates, share market trends, and provides objective feedback on their initiatives.
Adviser relationship survey: To better understand market perceptions and Fidelity Life are launching a bi-annual Adviser relationship survey to provide key insights into advisers' experiences and expectations and where Fidelity Life need to improve.
Group Solutions enhancements: From early 2025, Fidelity Life will be launching a quarterly industry insight, Group IQ; holding an annual onsite Group HQ conference for the top 30 group advisers; and launching a new group solution designed for small businesses, providing enhanced tools and technology for a smoother experience and better outcomes.
Bronwyn Kirwan, Fidelity Life's Chief Commercial Officer, said
"We are thrilled to introduce these new product enhancements and initiatives. They are a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing our advisers and customers with the best possible support and value.
These enhancements deliver more value, greater accessibility, and increased choice."
More info:
Chubb Life change underwriting process for Mortgage Repayment Cover
Partners Life are holding Summer Roadshows in November & December
AIA has launched new Specified Accidental Injury Cover product
AIA survey advisers around the need for terminal illness cover
AIA Vitality members can get up to 40% off Garmin and New Balance
The FSC has recorded a small deficit of almost $46,000 before tax over the 12 months to June 30
ICNZ has welcomed the passage of the Contracts of Insurance Bill
Financial Advice NZ's national adviser conference is on 1 - 3 April 2025
mySolutions webinar 'Why Chubb?' 27 November
Lyka Burr & Vincent Zhang join TAP's compliance and governance team
Unimed offer psychologist led introductory sleep workshops
Ashleigh Buchanan from Southern Cross Health Insurance named Emerging Leader of the Year
Fidelity Life announces growth plans
Campbell Mitchell, Fidelity Life Chief Executive, has told delegates at the Engage Conference the company’s intentions to grow to a $1 billion company.
Campbell Mitchell, Fidelity Life Chief Executive, announced the company’s intentions to grow to a $1 billion company in eight years time. Mitchell was speaking to delegates at Fidelity Life’s Engage Conference in Auckland.
Fidelity Life was the fastest growing life insurer in New Zealand in the period ending September 30, with 150% growth in new business year-on-year across the last two quarters.
More news:
mySolutions webinar 'New tools from Quotemonster' 13 November
nib release their top 5 health claims for August 2024
FSC Life Insurance Special Interest Group Networking Event is on 10 December
Tony Vidler says advisers need constant reinvention of value and service
TAP announce partnership with Bizcap
BNZ has announced a strategic partnership with BlinkPay
BNZ has made a net profit of $1.506 billion for the 12 months to 30 September 2024
Over half of the country's mortgages are due to have interest rate reset within six months
Survey finds 70% of millennials believe they may never be able to buy a home
The cost of living for New Zealand households has risen 3.8% over the past year
Southern Cross covers cochlear implants
Southern Cross Health Insurance (SCHI) has become the first New Zealand insurer to cover cochlear implant surgery for eligible adult members.
Southern Cross Health Insurance (SCHI) has become the first New Zealand insurer to cover cochlear implant surgery for eligible adult members. SCHI will cover one internal cochlear implant (excluding the external sound processor) for members who meet specific criteria which include:
· being at least 18 years old
· having severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in one ear
· having moderate or worse hearing loss in the other ear
· having a hearing aid fitted for the ear scheduled for the implant
Those an audiologist deems likely to develop this level of hearing loss within 24 months may also qualify.
More news:
Fidelity Life release average turnaround times for September 2024
Fidelity Life share key takeaways from customer engagement forum
Westpac and nib called out for poor customer satisfaction scores at the Consumer NZ Yeah, Nah awards
NZFSG launch ‘MyInduction’ Programme
mySolutions webinar 'Premium structures' 30 October
The Co-operative Bank is a finalist in the 2024 LearnX Awards
nib launches nib meno care
nib NZ has launched a new health management initiative, nib meno care, aimed at supporting women through the stages of perimenopause and menopause.
nib NZ has launched a new health management initiative, nib meno care, aimed at supporting women through the stages of perimenopause and menopause. The programme has been developed in collaboration with Dr Linda Dear, a specialist in menopause care.
nib members will be able to access expert advice on managing menopause symptoms – covering topics from lifestyle adjustments, to natural remedies and available medical treatments.
A 2023 survey Dear conducted found 64% of NZ women were unaware their symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and weight gain, were linked to menopause.
nib’s chief medical officer, Dr Rob McGrath, said
“Menopause is a personal journey, and no two women experience it the same way. That’s why we wanted to develop a tool to help women manage their symptoms on their own terms by making expert support easy to access and apply.”
More news:
ANZIIF welcomes Scott Hawkins as board member
The Adviser Platform rebrand and launch new website
NZFSG webinar 'Under the hoodie: Revealing the hackers' secrets' 22 October
FSC end of year celebrations dates announced: Auckland 26 Nov, Wellington 27 Nov
ACC’s latest annual report details an increase in claims and financial challenges