AIA says in its latest Claims Compass that it paid out $790 million in total claims for the year ended December 31, supporting more than 789,000 New Zealanders.
Of this total, 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.
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 very 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 at a time when it matters most.”
Spotlight on heart claims
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.
Heart Foundation Medical Director, Dr Gerry Devlin says that while there have been significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, it remains the leading cause of death in New Zealand.
“The prevalence of heart disease reinforces the importance of awareness, prevention, early detection and access to timely treatment.
“Heart disease occurs in both men and women, tending to affect men at a younger age,” says Dr Devlin, “but understanding personal risk factors and seeking regular check-ups can make a real difference.”
More than 195,000 New Zealanders are currently living with heart disease[2], which has been identified as one of the five major non‑communicable diseases responsible for over 90% of deaths in New Zealand.
Rising health claims and growing complexity of care
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.
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,” Sherlock says.
Supporting customers across life’s challenges
In 2025, AIA NZ provided claims support across a wide range of health, life and income protection needs. This included:
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.
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