AIA NZ has released its latest Claims Compass, reporting $790 million in total claims paid to more than 789,000 New Zealanders for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The insurer says it accepted 91% of all claims received during the period. It paid:
- $257.73 million in life insurance claims
- $177.31 million in health insurance claims
- $142.45 million in trauma claims
- $108.69 million in income protection claims
- $21.35 million in total permanent disablement claims.
AIA NZ says claim payments were highest among customers aged 50 to 59, reflecting a life stage where serious illness, injury and income disruption are more likely to intersect.
The company’s Claims Compass puts a spotlight on heart disease noting that more than $93.5 million was paid to support customers with heart-related claims “…reflecting both how common heart disease is in New Zealand and the increasing complexity and cost of treatment.”
It says that according to the New Zealand Heart Foundation, heart disease claims the life of someone in New Zealand every 90 minutes – almost 7,000 people each year – making it the country’s single biggest killer.
AIA NZ Chief Customer Officer, Maddie Sherlock, says the figures highlight the real impact heart disease is having on individuals, families and communities.
“Heart disease often strikes people in the middle of their working lives, and its impact can be sudden and life-changing. These claims represent real people who need certainty, care and support.”
Heart‑related claims were most prevalent among men aged 40 to 69, who accounted for the largest share of heart claims in 2025. Heart attacks and heart disease made up the majority of claims, followed by diagnostic procedures and valve‑related conditions.
While women generally present as healthier overall, men were significantly more impacted by heart disease across most age groups.
AIA NZ says more than 195,000 New Zealanders are currently living with heart disease, which has been identified as one of the five major non-communicable diseases responsible for over 90% of deaths in New Zealand.
…$177.31 million related specifically to health insurance claims…
Of the $790 million paid in total claims in 2025, $177.31 million related specifically to health insurance claims. Alongside heart claims, AIA NZ continues to see growth in high‑value medical claims, including chemotherapy and complex spinal procedures.
It says several factors are contributing to rising claims costs across the industry, including:
- Pressure on the public health system, leading more customers to seek private treatment sooner
- Improved diagnostic capability and treatment options
- Medical inflation, with the cost of scans, procedures and hospital stays increasing faster than general inflation.
In response to rising claim volumes and medical inflation across the industry, Sherlock says AIA NZ is adapting its approach to help keep protection accessible and sustainable for customers.
“New Zealanders are benefiting from advances in medical treatment and earlier diagnosis, but these innovations often come at a higher cost.
“That’s why our focus is on continuing to evolve our products and services, including more targeted and flexible cover options, and greater investment in prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation, so customers can access timely, high‑quality care while we work to manage affordability over the long term,” she says.
Click here to see the Claims Compass.