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.

Kelly O Kelly O

The FSC has released its latest Money & You research

The Financial Services Council (FSC) has released their latest research report, Money & You: Managing Risk Through Challenging Times, which explores the attitudes of New Zealanders towards risk management. Some of the key findings are below.

  • Only 41% of respondents had life insurance, 39% had health/medical insurance, 23% had trauma/critical illness insurance, 18% had total and permanent disability insurance.

  • For the 12 months to 30 September 2024, FSC industry data showed 1,521,740 health insurance policies and 4,145,287 life insurance products (one person may have more than one policy e.g. life insurance, income protection insurance and total and permanent disability insurance policies).

  • The majority (66%) who have life and health insurance consider it value for money.

  • The biggest drivers of taking out life and health insurance policies are peace of mind and worry about financial consequences.

  • The most common reason given for not having life and health insurance was that insurance is too expensive (74%), followed by being healthy and not seeing the need for it (14%), and not trusting insurance companies (13%).

  • Cost of living meaning people can no longer afford insurance was the top reason given for no longer having insurance across life, trauma or critical illness, income protection, total and permanent disability and health/medical.

  • For those without insurance, 64% would consider taking out an insurance policy if they had more money, 25% would take out an insurance policy if their health started declining and 18% would take out an insurance policy if they started a family. There is a gap in understanding of how insurance works, with only 3% of those who would consider taking out an insurance policy if their health started declining knew that they might not be able to get cover for certain health issues or they might face higher premiums because of them.

  • The majority of health (61%) and life (77%) insurance policies are paid by individuals, with the remainder being partially or fully subsidised by employers.

  • When it comes to health/medical insurance or life insurance being provided by employers, 54% really want this and a further 35% might possibly want this.

  • 45% of respondents have a poor understanding of the relationship between risk and return.

2,002 online survey responses were collected during March 2024 and were representative of the NZ consumer population in terms of age, gender and income.

It is worth noting that as a low engagement product, life and health insurance is something that respondents find hard to recall accurately. That leads to interesting results - this survey contains a probable over-estimate of the number of people who own health insurance, and a probable under-estimate of the number of people who hold life insurance. But the recalled level of cover is, in itself, interesting. For example, if you think you do not have life, trauma, or income insurance, but in fact you do, you or your estate may fail to claim when you may be eligible to do so.

Readers interested in contrasting these survey results with data on the eligible population should contact us.

More news:

Partners Life has decided to stop using its Customer Outcome Matrix

Southern Cross Health Insurance appoints Grant McIvor as chief digital officer

MAS looking for a Head of Technology Strategy and Architecture

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Fidelity Life open applications for training programmes

Fidelity Life has opened applications for Advice Masters, Professional Pathways, Practice Manager Masterclass and Career Connect.

Fidelity Life has opened applications for Advice Masters, Professional Pathways, Practice Manager Masterclass and Career Connect.

Applications are open for Advice Masters, Fidelity Life's intensive training and personalised professional development programme designed for experienced business owners in the financial services industry. The programme encompasses a wide range of topics: M&A; capital raising/funding strategies; high performance for business leaders; leading high performing teams; business strategy design and execution; governance; board craft; director skills and sustainability; business efficiency; technology and AI. The 30 available spots are by invitation only – interested people can talk to their business manager or apply here.

Professional Pathways is Fidelity Life's customisable extended training and development programme designed for motivated advisers, who are dedicated to growth and achieving their business goals. Over a 9-month period the programme will take participants through key topics – developing their business; advice and planning; business sales and growth; business efficiency. The programme consists of skills based workshops, self-paced learning through courses, resources and quizzes, online webinars and interactive online workshops.

Practice Manager Masterclass are targeted at admin staff and will help to improve workflow and productivity.

Career Connect is Fidelity Life's comprehensive education and skills programme designed to develop the next generation of financial advisers. Career Connect equips participants with relevant qualifications, practical skills and knowledge, and industry connections. The 2025 intake will commence in May and will run for 6 months. Applicants will be invited for an interview and the fee for the programme is approximately $1650.

 

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Health NZ proposing to lay off 1500 staff in restructure proposal

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Southern Cross creates new role to oversee hospital network

Southern Cross Healthcare has announced Roger Cronin as the new chief operating officer responsible for the organisation’s 10 wholly owned hospitals.

Southern Cross Healthcare has announced Roger Cronin as the new chief operating officer responsible for the organisation’s 10 wholly owned hospitals. The new role’s focus is on overseeing the operational performance of the hospitals and acting as a strategic link between the hospitals and the national support office.

Cronin was recently CEO of PresMed Australia, a private healthcare provider specialising in surgical day-stay procedures for ophthalmology and ENT patients. Cronin has held a variety of leadership roles in major public hospitals and has worked with the New South Wales Ministry of Health. Cronin will commence his new role in late November.

 

More news:

Westpac campaign highlights dangers of impulse buying and debt accumulation

mySolutions webinar 'Panel Discussion' 4 December

The IFSO Scheme welcomes changes introduced by the Contracts of Insurance Act 2024

Government announces funding for 50 new senior doctors, plus nurses and other health professionals

The RBNZ has cut the Official Cash Rate, taking it from 4.75% to 4.25%

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Fidelity Life announce incoming Board Chair

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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.

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

Susan Taylor says a fresh solution to liability gaps needed

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Kelly O Kelly O

Chubb launches underwriting chat service

Chubb has launched a new chat function on their adviser hub site that allows advisers to ask the underwriting team questions.

Chubb has launched a new chat function on their adviser hub site that allows advisers to ask the underwriting team questions. Once the conversation is completed a chat transcript is able to be downloaded, for advisers to submit with the application or save to their customer files. You can find out more on their quick guide and their explainer video.

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Partners Life release claims statistics

Partners Life have released historical and current claims statistics.

Some interesting statistics have been released by Partners Life around claims. Since Partners Life launched in 2011:

  • Partners Life have paid out more than 70,000 claims worth more than $1.25 billion.

  • Their biggest monthly disability claim paid was for $1,617,691

  • The longest running claim paid for monthly disability cover was 4,068 days and the average claim length was 293 days

  • Partners Life paid 13,379 monthly disability cover claims totalling $225,954,755

  • Their biggest life cover claim paid was for $2,964,706

  • Partners Life paid 1422 life cover claims totalling $334,281,111

  • Partners Life paid 51,827 private medical cover claims totalling $353,468,683

  • Their biggest private medical cover claim paid was for $982,800

  • Partners Life paid 3,948 trauma cover claims totalling $357,357,574

  • Their biggest trauma cover claim paid was for $3,218,899

For the year ended 31 March 2024, Partners Life

  • paid 93% of claims

  • paid $51,020,381 of monthly disability cover claims cost across 3,332 claims paid

  • paid $61,130,350 of life cover claims across 208 claims paid

  • paid $71,705,905 of private medical cover claims across 12,891 claims paid

  • paid $66,106,600 of trauma cover claims across 655 claims paid

 

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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:

AIA to increase premiums

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

New report outlines improvements to the KiwiSaver scheme

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Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector

FMA publish speech by CEO Samantha Barrass; RBNZ publish speech by Assistant Governor Karen Silk; Hon Andrew Bayly’s September diary released; RBNZ publish bulletin on banking funding developments; The Budapest Convention and Related Matters Legislation Amendment Bill had its first reading; FMA publishes guidance; APRA publish Annual Report; The committee stage of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Amendment Bill was completed; new Privacy complaints guide; RBNZ release voluntary Climate-related Disclosure; ASIC announces new appointments; The Contracts of Insurance Bill was read a second time; Commerce Commission Commissioner reappointed; RBNZ delay November FSR.

15 oct 2024 - The FMA has published the speech by FMA Chief Executive Samantha Barrass at the Institute of Financial Professionals New Zealand Conference 2024. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/speeches-and-presentations/speech-by-samantha-barrass-at-infinz-20242024/

16 Oct 2024 - RBNZ publish Assistant Governor Karen Silk's speech 'Transmission of monetary policy to financial conditions' from the Citi Australia and New Zealand Investment Conference. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/10/transmission-of-monetary-policy-to-financial-conditions

16 Oct 2024 - Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hon Andrew Bayly August 2024 diary released  with the following potential financial services sector related meetings noted:

  • 4 Sep 2024 – ATTEND: Financial Education Roundtable (invitees)

  • 4 Sep 2024 – SPEAK: Financial Services Council Annual Conference Gala Dinner (conference delegates)

  • 11 Sep 2024 – MEET: NZBA (Roger Beaumont)

  • 13 Sep 2024 – MEET: BNZ CEO (Dan Huggins)

  • 16 Sep 2024 – ATTEND: NZ Banking Association Council Meeting (Council Members)

  • 23 Sep 2024 – ATTEND: Westpac Einvoicing customer event (Invited guests)

  • 23 Sep 2024 – CALL: FMA CEO (Samantha Barrass)

  • 23 Sep 2024 – ATTEND: Financial Service Federation Dinner (Invited guests)

  • 24 Sep 2024 – MEET: Privacy Commissioner (Michael Webster)

  • 24 Sep 2024 – ZOOM: XRB (Michelle Embling, and April Mackenzie)

  • 25 Sep 2024 – MEET: Banking Ombudsman (Nicola Sladden)

  • 26 Sep 2024 – MEET: Commerce Commission (Commerce Commission Officials)

  • 26 Sep 2024 – MEET: NZBA (Roger Beaumont and Miles Erwin)

  • 27 Sep 2024 – CALL: Westpac CEO (Catherine McGrath)

  • 30 Sep 2024 – ZOOM: Commerce Commission (Commerce Commission Officials)

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2024-10/Proactive%20Diary%20Release%20Sept%2024%27%20Hon%20Andrew%20Bayly.pdf

16 Oct 2024 - RBNZ publish a Bulletin which provides an overview of bank funding and mortgage rate pricing developments in recent years. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/10/monetary-policy-pass-through-to-bank-funding-costs-and-mortgage-rates

16 Oct 2024 - The Budapest Convention and Related Matters Legislation Amendment Bill had its first reading and was referred to Select Committee. https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/f2d3b46e-56c2-41cd-0edd-08dcdb5e62cc?Tab=history

16 Oct 2024 - The FMA has published guidance which explains their interpretation of the law, to promote consistent market practices and ensure the requirements of section 212 (Initial steps in winding up of registered scheme) and section 213 (Winding-up report) of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (FMC Act) are met.  https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/guidance-library/winding-up-requirements-for-registered-schemes/

16 Oct 2024 - The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has published its Annual Report for the 2023-24 financial year. https://www.apra.gov.au/news-and-publications/apra-publishes-2023-24-annual-report

16 Oct 2024 - The committee stage of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Amendment Bill was completed.  https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/daily-progress-in-the-house/daily-progress-for-wednesday-16-october-2024/

16 Oct 2024 - The office of the Privacy Commissioner has published 'Handling privacy complaints: a step-by-step guide'. https://privacy.org.nz/publications/guidance-resources/handling-privacy-complaints-a-step-by-step-guide/

17 Oct 2024 - The RBNZ has released its first voluntary Climate-related Disclosure - Ngā Whakapuaki e Pā ana ki te Āhuarangi for FY2023/24, outlining their progress in understanding, monitoring, and managing climate-related risks. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/publications/reports/2024/climate-related-disclosure/data/climate-related-disclosure-2023-24

17 Oct 2024 - ASIC announce appointments to the ASIC Executive Leadership team: Peter Soros as Executive Director Regulation and Supervision; Chris Savundra to the role of Executive Director Enforcement and Compliance. https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2024-releases/24-226mr-appointments-to-the-asic-executive-leadership-team/?altTemplate=betanewsroom

17 Oct 2024 - The Contracts of Insurance Bill was read a second time. https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/019dad64-3f9e-46b8-5cd9-08dc67f794e8?Tab=history

18 Oct 2024 - The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has confirmed that Dr Derek Johnston has been reappointed for a second term as a Commissioner at the Commerce Commission. https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/dr-derek-johnston-reappointed-to-the-commerce-commission

18 Oct 2024 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s November Financial Stability Report (FSR) for 2024 has been moved to 5 November. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/10/financial-stability-report-moved-to-5-november

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What does a business version of the healthy futures report mean?

Southern Cross’s business edition of the 2024 Healthy Futures Report focuses on employee health and wellbeing.

We took a look at Southern Cross’s business edition of the 2024 Healthy Futures Report, which focuses on employee health and wellbeing. There are clear links between wealth and health, as the old saying has it. Whether one causes the other and in which direction the arrow of causality points is unexplored. We think it’s probably more complicated than this simple pairing of factors, although if someone becomes wealthy, they often become healthier. Likewise, if someone has the misfortune to become chronically ill, they usually get poorer. But these two are probably joined by other factors which may also have some power to affect outcomes – like education while young, health while a child, and current environment.

What employers can do to help is limited – but is appreciated by staff. At Quality Product Research Limited we offer seven of the eleven key suggestions made (soon to be expanded to eight) – we like that we can do that – but people use or do not use them pretty much as they please.

Key takeaways for us from the survey results:

  • 89% of respondents said it was important to them to work for a company that supports the health and wellbeing of their staff.

  • 55% of respondents’ employers were doing well in supporting their employees.

  • The top ten initiatives employers could invest in were wellbeing leave (36%), lunch or break room (29%), flu vaccinations (26%), healthy food options (25%), activities promoting good mental health (23%), workplace massage (23%), Employee Assistance Programme (22%), health assessments (21%), subsidised membership to off-site facilities (21%) and stress management programmes (20%).

  • 88% of employees think having a good work-life balance is important, with a third considering taking steps to improve their work-life balance.

  • Making use of flexible working hours (43%) and switching off from work when finished for the day (43%) were the most common means of managing work-life balance. Conversely, having a high work load (60%), financial pressures (40%) and not having flexible working hours (40%) were cited as most commonly as reasons for poor work-life balance.

  • 51% of workplaces offer flexible working arrangements, down from 54% in 2022; 60% of employees make use of flexible working hours most weeks and an additional 26% utilise it sometimes.

  • Only 45% of kiwis rate themselves as happy with their financial situation; 91% cite cost of living as one of their top concerns and 58% worry about not having enough money to support themselves or their families.

  • 84% of New Zealanders are concerned about not having good, affordable access to healthcare, up 8% from 2022.

  • Kiwis don’t feel they are getting enough sleep (60%) or exercise (62%).

  • New Zealanders without health insurance were more likely to be less happy with their health, financial situation, mental wellbeing, fitness levels, weight of themselves and their children, exercised less on average and were more likely to be stressed.

Southern Cross highlight a series of initiatives workplaces could take to improve employee wellbeing, including:

  • offering education on stress management and financial management;

  • offering free fruit or healthy food in breakrooms;

  • encouraging employees to make use of flexible working if it’s offered;

  • offering health assessments;

  • educating employees on the importance of flu vaccinations;

  • offer opportunities for physical exercise, through work place team sports, sports day or subsidies for gyms or exercise equipment;

  • encouraging employees to take their annual leave;

  • training leaders to identify those at risk of burn-out;

  • offering wellbeing leave;

  • providing employee assistance programmes and educating employees on what it is and hot to use it;

  • offering subsidised health insurance.

1,463 employees were surveyed for this report in March 2024.

 

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Jon-Paul Hale talks about CPI & income protection claims

Resonate 2024: Navigating Innovation event 7 November

Amanda Bridge has joined Apex Advice as Adviser Manager

NZ banks begin rollout of the confirmation of payments service from November 2024

Centrix’s latest ‘Credit Indicator Report' finds 461,000 people are behind on their payments

The Monetary Policy Committee cut the Official Cash Rate to 4.75%

BNZ has launched a new security feature aimed at combating online scams

October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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