How Health Affects Life Insurance Premiums in New Zealand 2025
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ToggleWhy Your Health Matters in Life Insurance
When you apply for life insurance in New Zealand, you’re not just filling out a form — you’re telling a story. That story is built around risk: how long you’re expected to live and how likely your insurer will need to pay a claim. Understanding how health affects life insurance premiums in New Zealand is essential if you plan to protect your family’s financial future.
Insurers use this risk to calculate your life insurance premium — the amount you pay each month or year. The healthier you are, the lower your risk, and your premiums will likely be more affordable.
That’s why health is among the most influential factors in determining your policy cost.
How Health Impacts Your Premium
Here’s how your health affects life insurance premiums behind the scenes — and why it matters to every Kiwi applicant.
- If you’re in excellent health (no chronic illness, healthy weight, non-smoker), insurers consider you a low-risk applicant. That usually means standard or even discounted rates.
- On the other hand, if you have health challenges like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or mental health issues, you may face loadings (increased premiums) or even exclusions (conditions the policy won’t cover).
Insurers aren’t trying to be unfair — they simply assess how much financial risk is involved in covering you.
💡 Real-Life Insight: Amanda and Jack’s Story from Rotorua
Let’s look at a practical example many Kiwis can relate to:
Amanda, a 31-year-old web designer from Rotorua, applied for a $300,000 life insurance policy. She’s a non-smoker, exercises regularly, and has no medical history. Her monthly premium? Just $27.
Her partner, Jack, however, is a 33-year-old electrician. He smokes occasionally and has borderline high blood pressure. When he applied for the same coverage, his premium was $62 per month—more than double Amanda’s.
Why? Because Jack’s health factors put him in a higher-risk category.
This side-by-side example shows how even small lifestyle choices — like quitting smoking or exercising regularly — prove how health affects life insurance premiums over time.
👉 Want a full breakdown of available policy types? Read our guide to life insurance policies in NZ.
✅ Pro Tip: Your Health Is Changeable — So Are Your Premiums
The good news? You’re not locked into high premiums forever.
Most New Zealand life insurers allow you to request a premium reassessment if your health improves. For example:
- Quit smoking for 12 months? Ask to be reclassified as a non-smoker.
- Lost weight and lowered your BMI? Submit updated medical reports.
- Controlled your blood pressure or cholesterol? Ask for a health-based review.
Being proactive about your health doesn’t just make you feel better — it can save you money, too.
Ready to See What You Could Save?
Want to know how your current health impacts your premiums?
Compare life cover from New Zealand’s top insurers in just minutes — tailored to your health, budget, and lifestyle.
🔎 Try our Compare Life Cover Tool — it’s free, fast, and made for Kiwis like you.
You don’t need to guess what you might pay. Get accurate quotes, see what options fit your health profile, and apply online — all in one place.
For more guidance on choosing the right insurer, check out our Best Life Insurance Providers in NZ.
What Insurers Look for in Your Health & Premiums
When you apply for life insurance in New Zealand, insurers aren’t judging your lifestyle or penalising you for your health choices — they’re performing a risk assessment. They aim to understand the likelihood of paying out on your policy, so they dig deep into your health story.
Here’s a breakdown of the top health-related factors insurers evaluate, why each one matters, and how they might affect your premiums:
Factor | Why It Matters |
Medical History | Past illnesses (like cancer, diabetes, or surgeries) can signal long-term health risks. Stable and well-managed conditions may still be accepted with standard premiums, while ongoing or serious issues could mean exclusions or loadings. |
Body Mass Index (BMI) | A BMI under 18.5 or over 30 is associated with higher risks like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A healthy BMI often qualifies you for better rates. |
Smoking/Vaping Status | Tobacco and nicotine use significantly increase your risk of cancer, stroke, and respiratory illness. Smokers can pay up to 70% more for the same cover. |
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol | High blood pressure and cholesterol increase cardiovascular risk. However, many insurers still offer fair rates if well-managed with medication and lifestyle changes. |
Mental Health History | Insurers look at the stability of conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Long-term, managed mental health doesn’t automatically mean higher premiums. |
Family Medical History | A family history of heart attacks, cancer, or diabetes can influence your perceived genetic risk significantly if multiple close relatives were affected at a young age. |
Current Medications | Medications give insurers insight into any underlying conditions—whether asthma, high blood pressure, or diabetes—and how well they’re being managed. |
Lifestyle Choices | Drinking, exercise habits, diet, and sleep affect overall health. A balanced lifestyle can improve your application and even lower your premiums with some providers. |
Every element listed here — from BMI to lifestyle choices — directly influences how health affects life insurance premiums during underwriting in NZ.
👉 Learn more about how BMI is used in New Zealand health assessments
Real-Life Example: James & Holly from Wellington
James, 40, works in IT and applied for a $500,000 life cover policy. Despite a history of anxiety, he had been stable for over five years, regularly saw a GP, and maintained a consistent treatment plan. His application was approved at a standard premium of $43/month.
His wife, Holly, 38, was declined by a previous insurer due to unmanaged sleep apnoea. But after using a CPAP machine for 18 months and improving her weight, she reapplied — and got approved for the same coverage with just a 10% loading.
These examples show how honest disclosure, lifestyle improvements, and good health management can benefit you—even with pre-existing conditions.
✅ Pro Tips to Improve Your Health Risk Rating
- Stop smoking: After 12 months of being smoke-free, you may be eligible for non-smoker rates (up to 50% lower).
- Lose excess weight: Reducing your BMI from 32 to 28 can shift you from a high-risk category.
- Manage chronic conditions: Proving consistent control (through regular tests or GP notes) helps reduce loadings.
- Keep mental health in check: Long-term stability, therapy participation, and medication adherence reflect positively during underwriting.
📌 Bonus Tip:
Some NZ insurers—like AIA with its Vitality Programme—reward healthy behaviour with ongoing discounts, gym subsidies, or cashback. Regular exercise, attending annual check-ups, or maintaining good sleep hygiene could save hundreds over time.
💬 Call to Action:
Wondering how your current health status affects your premiums?
Use our Compare Life Cover tool to get instant, tailored quotes based on your health and lifestyle. No pressure. Just clarity.
Take the guesswork out of underwriting — and get coverage that fits your story.
Health Conditions That Can Increase Life Insurance Premiums (And What You Can Do About It)
Not all health conditions are treated equally when applying for life insurance in New Zealand. Some result in minor price increases, while others may lead to exclusions, loadings (extra charges), or, in rare cases, declined applications.
But here’s the good news — many insurers reward improvement. If your health stabilises or improves over time, you can often request a reassessment and reduce your premium.
The following table shows how health affects life insurance premiums based on real medical conditions that Kiwis face and how insurers evaluate them.
Condition | Typical Impact on Premium | What You Can Do to Reduce It |
Type 2 Diabetes | +25% to +50% loading | Keep HbA1c under control (≤7%). Get regular check-ups and supply updated reports from your GP or endocrinologist. |
High Blood Pressure | +10% to +25% | Take medication as prescribed, maintain a low-sodium diet, and exercise regularly. Provide consistent BP readings. |
Obesity (BMI > 30) | +30% or more | A sustained 5–10% weight loss can move you into a lower BMI bracket. Consider joining a wellness programme. |
Smoking / Vaping | Up to +70% | Be smoke-free for 12 months. Ask your insurer about reclassification once you’ve quit. |
Cancer History | Varies by type/stage | Wait 1–5 years after remission. Regular specialist check-ins help support your case for reassessment. |
Mental Health | Variable | Maintain treatment compliance, attend therapy, and keep good records showing stability (e.g., no hospitalisations). |
Sleep Apnea | +15% if untreated | Show consistent CPAP machine usage (if prescribed). Submit reports from your sleep specialist. |
Real-Life Example: How James Reduced His Life Insurance Premium
James, a 50-year-old project manager from Nelson, applied for life cover and was given a 20% loading due to borderline hypertension and high cholesterol.
Instead of settling for the increased premium, he took action. He worked with a dietitian, reduced his salt intake, and walked 5 km daily. After 18 months of improved health and stable readings, James provided updated medical reports to his insurer.
Result? His premium was reduced to standard rates, saving him over $450 annually.
💡 Pro Tip:
Many insurers in NZ offer policy reassessments after health improvements — but they won’t always advertise them. Ask directly. You may need medical documentation, but the savings can be substantial.
✅ Take Control of Your Health, Your Cover, and Your Costs
Your current health isn’t a final sentence — it’s a snapshot in time. Whether you’re managing diabetes, recovering from cancer, or simply trying to quit smoking, there are always opportunities to improve your policy terms.
You don’t need to be perfect — you need to start. Compare today and take charge of your life insurance in the future.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Can You Still Get Covered?
Yes — absolutely. A pre-existing medical condition doesn’t mean life insurance is off the table. But it’s one of the clearest ways that health affects life insurance premiums — especially depending on how well-managed the condition is.
Most insurers in New Zealand offer coverage for individuals with medical histories, provided you’re upfront and your condition is reasonably well-managed.
The key is transparency and stability.
Insurers want to know how well your condition is being treated, what your ongoing health looks like, and how likely it is to impact your life expectancy. That means underwriting will take a closer look at your specific situation — but coverage is still well within reach.
What Helps You Get Approved with a Pre-Existing Condition?
If you’re living with a condition like asthma, diabetes, anxiety, or even a history of cancer, here’s what can improve your chances of approval and reduce loadings:
✅ Consistent Medical Management
Demonstrate that your condition is controlled with regular treatment, check-ups, or medication. A well-managed chronic illness is seen as less risky than an untreated one.
✅ Up-to-date specialist Reports
If you’re seeing a specialist, their report can provide valuable context. It can explain stability, treatment adherence, and prognosis — all important underwriting factors.
✅ Recent Test Results
Providing recent bloodwork (e.g., HbA1c for diabetes, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure logs) can reinforce your case.
✅ No Recent Hospitalisations or Flare-ups
A clear recent history with no emergency visits or relapses often works in your favour.
Real-Life Example: Tina’s Story
Tina, a 38-year-old marketing consultant from Wellington, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her early 20s. For years, she assumed she’d never be approved for life insurance — until she finally decided to apply.
Here’s what worked in her favour:
● She had been stable for over 4 years
● She has not been hospitalised since her early 30s.
● Her psychiatrist provided a letter confirming consistent therapy and medication adherence.
Her insurer approved her for $400,000 of life cover, with a minor premium loading and no mental health exclusions. Tina now pays a bit more than the average, but she has peace of mind and complete protection.
Concerned about major illness or injury? Visit Compare Trauma Insurance NZ to explore critical illness cover options.
Standard Conditions NZ Insurers Often Cover (With Proper Management):
Condition | Notes on Coverage |
Asthma | Usually covered if mild/moderate and well-controlled |
Type 2 Diabetes | Often accepted with loadings; control is key |
Anxiety/Depression | Stability and treatment history matter |
High Blood Pressure | Accepted if well-managed with meds and monitoring |
Cancer in Remission | Some providers accept after 2–5 years of clear post-treatment history |
Autoimmune Disorders | Case-by-case depending on severity and activity |
💡 Pro Tip: Work With a Specialist or Comparison Tool
Some insurers are more lenient than others regarding pre-existing conditions — but you won’t know unless you compare. Using a trusted life insurance adviser or an innovative online comparison tool can help match you with the provider best suited to your medical profile.
Next Step: Compare and Apply With Confidence
Don’t let your health history stop you from protecting your family’s future. Many Kiwis secure great life insurance cover despite pre-existing conditions — all it takes is the correct information and approach.
👉 Your story isn’t over — it’s just getting stronger. Start comparing covers today.
Lifestyle Habits That Affect Life Insurance Premiums
Regarding life insurance in New Zealand, your lifestyle is as important as your medical history. Insurers assess your habits because they reveal how proactive you are about managing long-term health risks. Even if you’re in good health, certain behaviours could increase your chances of future illness or injury — which means a higher premium.
The good news? Positive lifestyle changes don’t just help your health — they can also significantly lower your life insurance costs.
👉 Also looking to protect your health more directly? Compare health coverage at our other site: Compare Medical Insurance NZ.
How Lifestyle Impacts Your Premiums (And What You Can Do)
Lifestyle Habit | Premium Impact | Actionable Fix |
🚬 Smoking or Vaping | Up to +70% increase | Quit altogether for 12+ months, then request a reassessment. |
🍷 Heavy Alcohol Use | Higher premiums or even policy decline | Reduce intake and seek support or counselling if needed. |
⚠️ High-Risk Hobbies | May trigger exclusions or loadings | Be honest. Compare insurers — some are more flexible with adventure sports. |
🛋️ Sedentary Lifestyle | Indirectly affects BMI, blood pressure, etc. | Set weekly goals: walk 3x a week, track steps, or try a beginner-friendly gym. |
Real Kiwi Example: Kylie’s Premium Drop
Kylie, a 39-year-old freelance designer from Tauranga, used to vape socially on weekends. Although she didn’t consider herself a “regular smoker”, her insurer classified her as one, which added nearly $34/month to her premium for a $400,000 policy.
Motivated by both health and savings, Kylie quit smoking and vaping altogether. After 13 smoke-free months, she provided a written declaration and updated GP notes to her insurer. The result? She was reclassified as a non-smoker, and her monthly premium dropped by over 40% — saving her more than $400 per year.
Take Control: Improve Habits, Improve Rates
Changing your lifestyle isn’t just good for your body — it could be your most brilliant financial move this year. Even minor improvements can dramatically reduce your long-term insurance costs.
✅ Quit smoking or vaping and keep a record of the date.
✅ Track physical activity and aim for at least 150 minutes/week.
✅ Review your alcohol intake and seek support if needed.
✅ Replace high-risk hobbies with safer alternatives if desired
What’s Next?
Want to see how your current lifestyle might impact your premiums — or check how much you could save after changing?
Start today. Your healthier choices unlock lower premiums, better coverage, and peace of mind for your family. Compare Life Cover to know more.
What Is Medical Underwriting in New Zealand Life Insurance?
Medical underwriting is the core process insurers use to evaluate your health risks and determine how much you’ll pay for life insurance. It’s not meant to be invasive or judgemental — it’s simply how insurers ensure they’re offering the right policy at the right price based on your health profile.
This is where the rubber meets the road — underwriting is the part of the process where health affects life insurance premiums most directly.
Whether you are applying for your first life insurance policy or increasing your coverage, understanding how underwriting works can help you prepare, reduce surprises, and even lower your premiums.
What Happens During the Medical Underwriting Process?
Here’s what to expect step-by-step when you apply for life cover in New Zealand:
Step | What It Involves |
Health Questionnaire | You’ll answer questions about your current and past medical conditions, surgeries, medications, family health history, smoking habits, alcohol use, and lifestyle. |
GP Reports | For more extensive policies or chronic conditions (like diabetes or hypertension), your insurer may request a summary from your GP or specialist. |
Lab Work or Nurse Visit | Higher-value policies (typically $500K+) may require blood tests, blood pressure checks, or a brief physical exam from a nurse. |
Risk Assessment | The underwriter uses all this info to assess your life expectancy and how likely you are to make a claim. This determines your pricing tier. |
Offer of Terms | Based on the evaluation, you’ll receive either standard rates, a premium loading (extra cost), or exclusions for specific conditions. |
Why Transparency Matters
Complete disclosure = policy protection.
Withholding or forgetting to mention a health issue could lead to delayed or denied claims in the future. It’s far better to be upfront and honest, even if it means a slightly higher premium — your loved ones deserve certainty.
📌 Real Kiwi Case:
Derek, a 42-year-old teacher from Dunedin, didn’t mention his sleep apnea during his application. Years later, his insurer discovered it when his family filed a claim—and unfortunately, the payout was delayed for over eight months due to a breach in disclosure. Had Derek included it, his policy would’ve cost $14 more monthly, but the payout would have been swift and certain.
📌 Tip: To better understand your health and treatment options, visit HealthInfo from the Ministry of Health NZ.
What Can You Do to Prepare?
The better prepared you are, the smoother your underwriting experience will be. Here’s how to get ready:
●Gather recent bloodwork and GP visit summaries.
● Disclose all medications, even if they seem minor.
● Be honest about mental health or lifestyle changes.
● Mention any family history of serious illness.
● Ask your adviser what’s considered a “material fact”.
Pro Tip: You can request a copy of your GP notes to check what’s on record. This is especially useful if you’re unsure about past diagnoses or want to avoid surprises.
Can Underwriting Be Revisited Later?
Yes! You’re not locked into your rate forever.
If your health improves (e.g., you lose weight, quit smoking, or stabilise a condition), many insurers in NZ allow you to request a new health assessment, potentially lowering your premiums.
Ready to See What Your Health Info Means for Pricing?
Try our Compare Life Cover Tool to:
● Get real-time, personalised quotes
● Compare how different insurers treat your health profile.
● Explore policies with fewer medical requirements.
● Apply online in under 5 minutes.
Bottom line?
Medical underwriting might sound clinical, but it’s about telling your health story clearly and honestly — so you and your family are protected when it truly matters.
How to Lower Your Life Insurance Premiums Even if Health Affects Them
Your health doesn’t need to be flawless to secure affordable life coverage. What matters most to insurers in New Zealand is how well your health risks are managed over time. Even if you were initially given a loaded premium due to a medical condition or lifestyle factor, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever.
In fact, many insurers encourage reassessments if one’s health improves—this could lead to actual, long-term savings.
👉 Are you a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner? Check our guide on life insurance for self-employed Kiwis to see how your work life affects your coverage.
📆 When Should You Request a Reassessment?
You may qualify for lower premiums if any of the following applies:
Health Change | Why It Matters |
Quit smoking for 12+ months | Most NZ insurers will reclassify you as a non-smoker, reducing premiums by up to 50–70%. |
Reduce your BMI (Body Mass Index) | Weight loss reduces risks for heart disease, diabetes, and more — insurers reward this. |
No longer on long-term medications | Indicates improved health and lower dependency on treatment. |
Mental health stability | If your condition is well-managed and you’ve had no recent hospitalisations, reassessment is possible. |
Better control of chronic conditions | Conditions like asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, when well-controlled, may qualify for reduced rates. |
Example Trigger:
If you were paying higher premiums due to Type 2 Diabetes but have since lowered your HbA1c levels, lost weight, and stayed medication-stable, your insurer may reduce or even remove your loading.
Step-by-Step: How to Reassess Your Premium
- Collect updated health records:
○ GP reports
○ Specialist letters
○ Blood pressure logs, BMI changes, HbA1c results, cholesterol readings
- Contact your insurer or adviser:
Let them know you’ve had health improvements and would like to request a reassessment. - Compare updated quotes:
Use comparison tools or speak with a broker to see if another provider may now offer you a better rate. - Consider switching insurers (carefully):
Ensure the new policy is approved and active before cancelling your old one. - Join wellness programmes:
Programs like AIA Vitality offer discounts, cashback, and health incentives for meeting activity goals, attending checkups, or maintaining healthy habits.
🗣️ “I didn’t think it would matter, but losing the weight and showing them my results made all the difference.” — a self-employed Kiwi
💡 Pro Tips to Save More
- Bundle your insurance: Some providers give discounts for combining life, trauma, and health insurance.
● Switch payment frequency: Annual payments often come with small discounts compared to monthly payments.
● Review your riders and add-ons to avoid unnecessary extras. You might be paying for coverage you no longer need.
● Review every 12–24 months: health, finances, and family needs change. Make sure your policy still fits your life.
Ready to Lower Your Premium?
You don’t have to stay locked into high premiums just because of your past. If your health has improved — or you’ve simply gotten smarter about managing it — it’s time to act.
Use our Compare Life Cover Tools to compare insurers.
Remember: Your life evolves — your insurance should evolve with it.
Health Impact Comparison Table
Every health profile tells a story, which significantly determines what you’ll pay for life insurance in New Zealand. While these are estimates, they help paint a clear picture of what different health situations can mean for your monthly premium.
To help visualise how health affects life insurance premiums, here’s a comparison of typical monthly rates for different health profiles in New Zealand.
Health Profile | Monthly Premium Estimate | What Insurers Consider |
Excellent Health (BMI 22, Non-Smoker, Active) | $28–$35 | You may qualify for “preferred” or even discounted rates. This profile includes a healthy weight, no medication, no chronic illness, and a low-risk lifestyle. It is ideal for applicants under 40. |
Type 2 Diabetes (Well-Controlled) | $45–$65 | Most insurers will apply a 25–50% loading unless the condition is very stable. You’ll need recent HbA1c results, a GP statement, and proof of regular monitoring. Some providers may exclude complications. |
Light Smoker (Under 10 per day) | $60–$90 | Smoking is one of the most significant cost drivers. Even social or occasional smokers are classified as “smokers”. You can be reclassified as a non-smoker after 12 months of being smoke-free, which can cut your premiums in half. |
Sleep Apnea (CPAP Treated) | $40–$55 | Insurers want assurance that the condition is being managed. Demonstrating CPAP compliance or specialist letters can significantly lower risk. Untreated cases may face loadings or partial exclusions. |
Depression / Anxiety (Well Managed) | $35–$50 | Mental health is no longer a deal-breaker. Standard rates may still apply if the condition is stable, well-documented, and hasn’t led to hospitalisations. Some insurers are now more inclusive in their underwriting. |
Cancer Survivor (5+ Years in Remission) | $50–$80 | Coverage depends on the type of cancer, how aggressive it was, and the time since treatment. Skin cancer (non-melanoma) may have no impact, while breast or bowel cancer survivors may need specialist approval after 5+ years. |
High BMI (35 or more) | $70–$100+ | Obesity (especially a BMI over 40) raises red flags. It’s often linked with heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders. Some providers will impose a heavy loading—or decline cover altogether. Proving weight loss efforts may help. |
🔍 Real Kiwi Example
Leah (38, from Palmerston North) had well-managed Type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 28. Initially quoted at $62/month for $500,000 cover, she improved her A1C and submitted her updated bloodwork six months later. Her revised premium came down to $47/month, saving her $180 per year.
📌 Key Takeaways
● Not all conditions are treated equally
● Documentation is everything.
● Lifestyle improvements matter.
Ready to Find the Best Policy for Your Health Profile?
Your health is unique, and so is your policy. Whether you are in perfect shape or managing a condition, you can still secure affordable coverage.
👉 Use the Compare Life Cover Tool to:
✅ Check real-time premium estimates.
✅ Filter providers by flexibility with pre-existing conditions.
✅ Apply in minutes — no pressure, no jargon
🔁 And remember: review your cover every 12–24 months — your health might have changed more than you think.
FAQs – Quick Answers for Curious Kiwis
1. How does health affect life insurance premiums in New Zealand?
Your health is one of the most critical factors insurers consider. Conditions like diabetes, high BMI, mental health history, and smoking can lead to higher premiums or exclusions.
2. Can I get life insurance in NZ with a pre-existing condition?
Absolutely. Most Kiwi insurers offer cover for people with pre-existing health issues. You might pay a higher premium or face exclusions, but many conditions like asthma, diabetes, and anxiety are still eligible for full coverage if managed well.
3. Will quitting smoking lower my life insurance premiums?
Yes. If you quit for 12+ months, most insurers in NZ will reclassify you as a non-smoker — which could reduce your premiums by up to 50–70%.
4. Should I undergo a medical exam to get life insurance in NZ?
Not always. Many policies under $300,000 only require a health questionnaire. More significant policies or those with complex health conditions may require GP records or lab results.
5. What happens if my health improves after getting a life insurance policy?
You can request a reassessment. If you’ve quit smoking, lowered your BMI, or stabilised a chronic condition, your insurer may reduce your premiums.
6. What lifestyle habits can impact my premiums in New Zealand?
Smoking, drinking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and high-risk hobbies like skydiving can all affect your rate. Healthier habits = lower long-term premiums.
👉 Unsure what’s true or false when it comes to cover? Don’t miss our myth-busting article: Life Insurance Myths in New Zealand.
🟩 Final Thoughts: Your Health, Your Story, Your Power
Life insurance isn’t just about protecting your finances — it’s about protecting your story.
✅ You can get covered — even with pre-existing conditions.
✅ You can lower your premium by living better.
✅ You can feel confident by comparing wisely and acting early.
Now that you understand how health affects life insurance premiums, it’s time to use that knowledge to your advantage and get the coverage you deserve.
Use the Compare Life Cover Tool to see real-time quotes from NZ’s top insurers.
Your future deserves protection — and it starts with this one step.