Your cover is arranged
You choose an amount and policy structure based on your needs, circumstances and budget, subject to insurer acceptance.
Looking for life insurance in NZ? IFO Peace of Mind Advice helps you understand your options and choose cover around your family, financial commitments and budget. Start by exploring how Life Cover works and what to discuss with an adviser.
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Common reasons people consider Life Cover
Benefits and eligibility depend on the insurer, policy terms and an accepted claim.
Life Cover is personal insurance that can provide a lump-sum payment if you pass away or meet the policy’s terminal illness definition.
The payment can give your family financial breathing room during a difficult time, helping them make decisions without the same immediate financial pressure.
In simple terms
Life Cover is designed to help the people you leave behind maintain financial stability when they need support most.
The basic journey
You choose an amount and policy structure based on your needs, circumstances and budget, subject to insurer acceptance.
A claim may be made following death or a terminal illness that meets the definition in the policy wording.
The benefit is paid according to the policy’s terms and ownership arrangements, giving the recipient flexibility in how it is used.
Exact definitions, exclusions, premiums and ownership options vary by insurer and policy. An adviser can explain these before you apply.
When considering life insurance in NZ, start with the financial commitments your family would face without you. For example, these might include a mortgage, everyday living costs and future education expenses.
Protect the foundation
Help reduce or repay financial commitments so your family has fewer ongoing obligations to manage.
Maintain everyday stability
Provide money for everyday expenses and future family needs while loved ones adjust to changed circumstances.
Meet immediate needs
Help meet immediate costs at a difficult time without placing the same financial pressure on family members.
Your cover amount is personal
The appropriate amount and structure of cover depend on your circumstances, goals, existing protection, affordability and insurer requirements.
Eligibility for life insurance in NZ varies between insurers. Your age is one factor, but health, occupation, lifestyle and the cover requested also matter.
Starting responsibilities
Applying while your health is good may provide more options as your financial commitments begin to grow.
Worth considering when taking on debt, sharing expenses or beginning to support other people.
Growing commitments
Mortgages, children and shared household costs commonly make this an important time to arrange or review Life Cover.
Review the amount after buying a home, having children or when income and family responsibilities change.
Changing priorities
Cover may still be available, but premiums, underwriting, entry ages and the length of cover can vary more between insurers.
Comparing insurers and reviewing the purpose and affordability of cover becomes especially important.
Beyond your age
Your age is only one part of the picture
Availability is not guaranteed. The insurer assesses each application individually under its current underwriting criteria and policy terms.
When comparing life insurance in NZ, look beyond the cover amount. Some policies include additional features, while others offer them at an extra cost.
May allow your sum insured to increase periodically to help reduce the effect inflation can have on the value of your cover.
Important: The premium will generally increase when the cover amount increases. The calculation and ability to decline an increase depend on the policy.
May let you increase cover after specified life events without new medical underwriting, helping the policy respond as commitments grow.
Important: Qualifying events, evidence, timeframes, age limits and maximum increases are set by the insurer’s policy terms.
May waive eligible policy premiums if you become disabled and meet the benefit definition, helping your cover remain in place.
Important: This may cost extra. Disability definitions, waiting periods, eligible premiums and the waiver duration vary.
Your adviser can compare how these features differ between available insurers and explain any additional cost.
There is no single amount that suits everyone. A useful starting point is to consider your mortgage and other debts, funeral costs, the income your household would need, future goals such as education, and any savings or existing cover already available.
Many Life Cover policies include a terminal illness benefit that may pay the Life Cover amount early when the policy definition is met. The definition, evidence required and other terms vary between insurers, so the wording of the particular policy matters.
Yes, it may be possible to hold more than one policy. Each application is subject to the insurer’s requirements, including evidence of the amount of cover needed and full disclosure. Any accepted claim is assessed under the terms of each policy.
The premium depends on factors such as your age, health, smoking status, occupation, cover amount, premium structure and optional benefits. Comparing policies on both value and suitability—not price alone—can help you choose cover that works for your needs and budget.
This generally depends on how the policy is owned and any beneficiary or nomination arrangements available under it. Because ownership can affect who controls the policy and receives a payment, it is worth setting the policy up carefully from the beginning.
You may be able to reduce your cover, but increasing it will often require a new application and health assessment. Some policies include a future-insurability option that may allow an increase after an eligible life event, within stated limits and conditions.
Not always. A health questionnaire may be enough for some applications, while an insurer may request medical records, tests or an examination depending on factors such as your age, health history and the amount of cover requested.
Exclusions or limitations can apply—for example, a suicide exclusion period or exclusions relating to particular medical conditions, activities or travel. Incomplete disclosure can also affect a claim. Your policy schedule and wording show the terms that apply to your cover.
We provide warm, clear and personalised insurance advice to help you understand your options and protect what matters most.
We start with your family, financial responsibilities, priorities and budget, then consider suitable options from the insurers we work with.
We take time to understand the people and commitments you want to protect, including your loved ones, home, income and future plans.
We explain the cover, costs, key terms and trade-offs in straightforward language, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Our relationship does not end when cover begins. We can help with policy reviews, changes and support through the claims process when needed.
Tell us what you want to protect, and an adviser can help you explore suitable next steps.
Recommendations are based on the information you provide. Eligibility, premiums, exclusions and policy terms are determined by the insurer.
Our advisers help you understand life insurance in NZ. First, we listen to your priorities. Then, we explain available options and the differences that matter to your circumstances.








Tell us a little about what you are considering. One of our advisers can learn about your circumstances and help explain Life Cover options that may be suitable for your needs and budget.