The report revealed that cancer remains the top cause of insurance claims across all categories for AIA NZ.
In 2023, AIA NZ disbursed $133.9 million in life insurance claims related to cancer, with total cancer claims amounting to $244.1 million.
This data highlights the significant impact of cancer on New Zealand’s healthcare system and underscores the necessity of preventive health measures.
The detailed breakdown of cancer claims in 2023 is as follows:
AIA NZ chief customer officer Angela Busby noted the widespread impact of cancer in New Zealand.
“Almost every New Zealander will have some experience with cancer throughout their lifetime – whether that’s personally or through a friend, neighbour, or loved one. In 2023, a third of our cancer claims were for breast cancer, with melanoma and other skin cancers accounting for 20% of claims,” she said.
She stressed the importance of regular screenings and preventive actions, highlighting that early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
The AIA NZ 5590+ report identified five modifiable behaviours – smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and environmental interactions – that contribute to five non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer. These NCDs are responsible for 90% of deaths in New Zealand.
Cancer, as the leading cause of death and serious illness in New Zealand, sees 71 new diagnoses each day.
Busby said the claims data emphasises the importance of investing in health promotion and prevention strategies to address cancer and other NCDs.
“They’re the main cause of death and disability worldwide, yet the main risk factors associated with them are largely preventable,” she said.
AIA NZ insures over 800,000 New Zealanders and uses its claims data to understand population health trends and identify areas where additional support is needed to reduce the burden on the healthcare system. In 2023, it accepted 92% of all claims received, disbursing $734.8 million to policyholders and their families.
Life insurance claims made up 42% of the total claims, amounting to $263.5 million, while health claims totalled $143.1 million. The data also revealed an increased risk of serious illness with age, with claims for customers aged 50 to 59 significantly higher than those for younger age groups.
Busby said AIA NZ is committed to fostering healthier lifestyles through initiatives like AIA Vitality, a health and wellbeing program designed to encourage preventive health measures.
“At AIA NZ, we’re committed to helping people live healthier, longer, better lives, by using our unique claims insights to design our own investments in preventative health measures for customers, relieving demand-side pressure on the public health system,” she said. “The program shows members how healthy they are, providing tools that encourage preventative steps to improve health and wellbeing, with rewards to motivate them on their journey.”
Early this year, the insurer rolled out an updated version of its AIA Vitality app, with features aimed at improving the user interface and support for those focused on improving their health and wellbeing.
