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Understanding insurance

How life insurance can support your family

Life is unpredictable. If something happened to you, would your family be OK financially? Life insurance offers protection so your loved ones can stay on their feet. Here’s how it works – and how to choose cover that fits.

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Planning for the unexpected

Life is full of milestones – buying a home, starting a family, changing jobs. With each new chapter comes greater responsibilities, especially when others depend on your income. 

That’s where life insurance comes in. If something happens to you, life insurance helps protect you and your loved ones from financial hardship. It’s a policy that pays out a lump sum if you pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Life insurance is designed to help cover things like: 

  • Mortgage or rent payments 
  • Everyday living costs 
  • Childcare or school fees 
  • Outstanding debts 
  • Funeral, legal, and medical expenses.

It’s a way to protect your family’s future, support their financial wellbeing, and help them maintain stability during tough times. Beyond the numbers, there’s also something deeply reassuring about knowing your loved ones will be taken care of – even if you’re not there to do it yourself.


Life insurance options for families of all kinds

Life insurance isn’t just for one type of household. Here are a few examples of where it can make a real difference:


Growing families

As your family grows, so do your financial responsibilities. Life insurance can help make sure your kids are cared for, should the worst happen. 


Blended families

If you’ve remarried or have stepchildren, life insurance can help ensure that everyone in your blended family is financially supported if something happens to you.


Single working parents

When you’re the sole breadwinner, your income is critical. Life insurance can help protect your children’s future and offer some peace of mind along the way.


Stay-at-home parents

For stay-at-home parents, life cover can assist with things like paying off debts, the cost of childcare, or other financial assistance for your loved ones.

How to choose the best life insurance cover for your family

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much life insurance you need. The right cover depends on your family, lifestyle, and financial goals – all key parts of your overall financial wellbeing. Here are five key things to consider:


1. Your expenses

Who relies on your income, and what would it take to keep things running smoothly if you weren’t around? Think about your mortgage or rent, groceries, utilities, and other everyday costs.

Could your family keep living in the same home? Would your partner need to work more, or could they continue part-time or stay at home?

If both parents work, it’s usually a good idea for each to have their own policy – especially if your household depends on two incomes.


2. Future costs and goals

Costs tend to rise over time, especially with kids. Think school fees, university, uniforms, and other education costs. You’ll also need to factor in childcare and after-school care costs if your partner needs to work.

What about the lifestyle you want for your family? Sports, holidays, home maintenance? Life insurance can help your loved ones keep enjoying these things, even if you’re not there.


3. Your budget

In a perfect world, you’d have all the cover you need, but it’s important to find a balance that works for your budget.

Our trusted insurance partner, Chubb Life, can help you find affordable life insurance options that suit your needs. Starting early, when you’re younger and healthier, could help keep costs lower. This is because premiums are typically lower at a younger age, and you’re less likely to have health issues. If you do have health conditions, you may face premium loadings, which can make it more expensive if you apply later in life.

You can also look for options that let you pay flexibly to suit your finances. With Chubb Life, you can choose whether you pay your premiums fortnightly, monthly, or annually.


4. Your debt

Debts like mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards usually don’t disappear if something happens to you. Life insurance can help make sure your family isn’t left with those repayments.


5. Your health and lifestyle

Life cover provides financial protection in the event of terminal illness or death. If you work in a high-risk job or have a family history of health issues, it’s worth considering additional types of cover, like critical illness or income protection, which can help protect you in case of serious illness or injury.

If you’re unsure how much cover you need, tools like the Chubb Life Needs Analysis Tool can give you a good estimate.


Adjusting your cover over time

Families change, so it’s important your insurance keeps up. It’s a good idea to review your policy regularly so your cover keeps pace with your changing needs and lifestyle. 

If you have more children, take on new financial commitments, or go through a major life event (like buying a house or separating from a partner), you may need to make some updates to your cover.

Getting started

Life insurance isn’t just a financial tool – it can help provide peace of mind for you, security for the people you love, and help support your family’s financial wellbeing.

Whether you're new to life insurance or reviewing your current policy, it's worth exploring the best life insurance options for you and your household.


Want to apply for life insurance with Chubb Life?

To get a quote and buy, you can get started in the ANZ goMoney app or use Chubb Life’s online tool.




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More on understanding insurance

Important information

This is a summary only of cover and features that may be available.

Our insurance solutions are underwritten by third party insurers. All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions set out in the applicable policy document. ANZ is not responsible for the content, accuracy or availability of information on any third-party website linked above. No member of ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited (ANZ) or its related companies guarantees the underwriters and insurers, or any of the products issued by them. ANZ may receive commission on any policy it arranges or on any referral to Chubb Life Insurance New Zealand Limited (Chubb Life).

This material is for information purposes only. Please talk to us if you need financial advice about your situation and goals or about our products and services. See our financial advice provider disclosure (PDF 39.9KB).

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