The average life cover for men is 88% higher than the average for women.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In a stark warning for women across the Middle East, a new consumer report by Zurich International Life Ltd. Middle East reveals a worrying rise in early-onset heart disease and critical illnesses, coupled with an alarming gap in insurance coverage that could leave most financially vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the latest Customer Claims Paid Report 2025 by Zurich International Life Ltd., part of Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich), the number of heart attack and stroke-related death claims among women has risen by 50% since 2020. The increase is particularly worrying because it comes alongside growing lifestyle risk factors such as smoking and inactivity, which are becoming more common among women of all age groups. Interestingly, 1 in 10 women who claimed living benefits for heart disease were smokers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The report is based on living and life cover benefits claims made against Zurich\u2019s retail and group life policies between 2022 and 2024, highlighting a notable shift in both the profile and preparedness of claimants. Zurich paid customer claims amounting to more than USD 241 million this year, compared to last year\u2019s USD 210 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet even as the risks climb, awareness and insurance coverage are reportedly lagging. The report said that three out of five women have life cover below USD 200,000. Also, the average life cover for men is 88% higher than the average life cover for women. For households where women contribute to family income or lead financially, this could create serious vulnerabilities when life takes an unexpected turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life crises are striking younger than ever<\/p>\n\n\n\n People might think life-altering events such as cancer, critical illness, or death only happen later in life. However, Zurich’s data shows a different story unfolding across the UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life cover claims have been made by individuals as young as 27, and critical illness claims from the age of just 23. Most strikingly, a child critical illness claim was filed for a 9-year-old, highlighting the harsh reality that no age group is immune. This shift toward younger claimants reveals a gap in perception, as many still see insurance as something to consider later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those families without cover, the loss of a parent or breadwinner can create immediate financial stress. Rent, school fees, debts, and daily living costs continue, even when income stops. Zurich\u2019s report highlights how common these situations are becoming. Cancer and heart disease remain the leading causes of death claims in the region, together accounting for almost 50% of all such claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zurich\u2019s latest data also reveals just how early these critical moments are occurring. The average age for a life cover claim is now just 52, and for terminal illness claims, just 51. While the oldest death claim came at 80, the youngest was only 27 years old. These are not figures traditionally associated with end-of-life planning, yet they increasingly reflect today\u2019s reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn life’s most challenging seasons, we stand as a reliable partner, providing essential support to families when they need it most,\u201d said Shilpa Chitanand, Head of Retail Distribution at Zurich Middle East. \u201cOver the past three years, we\u2019ve paid 98% of life claims across 73 countries, and when all documents are in place, most claims are settled within 72 hours. Timely support can make a real difference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The time to prepare is now<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Zurich\u2019s claims data points to rising health risks and earlier diagnoses, it also signals a shift in consumer behaviour. More residents in the Middle East are beginning to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families. Yet despite growing awareness, comprehensive protection is still the exception, not the norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLooking at the benefit payout figures for the year, we\u2019ve seen a sharp year-on-year increase in life and critical illness claims, possibly the most significant jump since 2020,\u201d emphasised Shilpa. \u201cThis reinforces two truths – the need for protection has never been higher, and too many families are still acting too late.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The data paints a clear picture: health risks are rising and affecting both men and women at younger ages, with consequences that can be financially devastating. Yet, despite the growing risks, financial preparedness remains insufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it’s the unexpected diagnosis of a critical illness, the sudden loss of a loved one, or the rising cardiovascular risks faced by women, the financial impact can be severe for families without the proper protection in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe time to act is now. Regular health check-ups, managing lifestyle risks, and most importantly, securing comprehensive insurance coverage for both life and critical illness can make a huge difference,\u201d added Shilpa.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 1 in 10 women who claimed living benefits for heart disease were smokers, according to a new report by Zurich International Life Ltd. The average life cover for men is 88% higher than the average for women. In a stark warning for women across the Middle East, a new consumer report by Zurich International Life Ltd. …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9605,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"yoast_head":"\n