Company Overview
Partners Life is proudly 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, established in 2011 as a challenger brand in the life insurance market. With headquarters in Wellington, they've grown to become one of New Zealand's leading locally-owned life insurers, serving over 70,000 Kiwi families. Their mission is straightforward: provide quality, affordable life and trauma insurance with a focus on local service and community values.
Unlike many competitors owned by large Australian or international corporations, Partners Life keeps all operations, claims processing, and decision-making in New Zealand. This local focus allows them to understand the unique needs of Kiwi families and operate more efficiently, passing savings on to customers through competitive premiums. Their trauma insurance product is designed specifically for the New Zealand market and healthcare system.
Key Facts:
- • Founded: 2011 (14 years in NZ)
- • Ownership: 100% New Zealand-owned
- • Customers: 70,000+ New Zealand families
- • HQ: Wellington, New Zealand
Financial Strength:
- ✓ A+ rating from AM Best
- ✓ Strong growth since establishment
- ✓ Solid capital base and reserves
- ✓ Kiwi-focused investment strategy
Coverage Analysis
Conditions Covered
Partners Life trauma insurance covers 40 conditions, focusing on the most common and impactful trauma events that affect New Zealanders. While fewer than premium providers like AIA (44) or Chubb (46), their coverage includes all essential conditions responsible for 95%+ of trauma claims. The focus is on quality over quantity - covering what matters most to Kiwi families.
🫀 Cardiovascular Conditions (7)
- ✓ Heart Attack - All myocardial infarctions with troponin elevation
- ✓ Stroke - Permanent neurological damage from cerebrovascular accident
- ✓ Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery - Open-heart surgical procedure
- ✓ Heart Valve Replacement - Surgical valve replacement
- ✓ Cardiomyopathy - Severe heart muscle disease requiring significant treatment
- ✓ Aorta Graft Surgery - Major artery repair or replacement
- ✓ Chronic Heart Failure - Permanent severe heart function impairment
🎗️ Cancer Conditions (5)
- ✓ All Invasive Cancers - Any malignant tumor beyond the original site
- ✓ Benign Brain Tumor - Non-cancerous growth requiring surgery/radiation
- ✓ Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia - RAI Stage 1 or higher
- ✓ Carcinoma in Situ - Early-stage cancer (partial benefit)
- ✓ Early Prostate Cancer - Stage A diagnosis (partial benefit)
🧠 Neurological Conditions (7)
- ✓ Multiple Sclerosis - Confirmed diagnosis with symptoms
- ✓ Parkinson's Disease - Progressive neurological disorder
- ✓ Motor Neurone Disease - Progressive nerve cell degeneration
- ✓ Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia with permanent impairment
- ✓ Bacterial Meningitis - Brain/spinal cord infection with complications
- ✓ Encephalitis - Brain inflammation from infection
- ✓ Dementia - Severe permanent cognitive decline
🏥 Organ & Other Conditions (21)
- ✓ Major Organ Transplant - Heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas
- ✓ Kidney Failure - Requiring permanent dialysis or transplant
- ✓ Liver Failure - End-stage chronic liver disease
- ✓ Chronic Lung Disease - Permanent severe respiratory impairment
- ✓ Aplastic Anemia - Bone marrow failure requiring treatment
- ✓ Chronic Liver Disease - Permanent severe liver damage
- ✓ Primary Pulmonary Hypertension - Severe lung blood pressure
- ✓ Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Severe autoimmune disease
- ✓ Systemic Sclerosis - Progressive connective tissue disease
- ✓ Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis - Disabling joint disease
- ✓ Blindness - Permanent total loss of sight
- ✓ Deafness - Permanent total hearing loss
- ✓ Loss of Limbs - Amputation or complete loss of use
- ✓ Paraplegia - Permanent lower body paralysis
- ✓ Quadriplegia - Permanent four-limb paralysis
- ✓ Loss of Speech - Permanent inability to speak
- ✓ Severe Burns - 20%+ of body surface area
- ✓ HIV (Occupational) - Work-related infection
- ✓ Medically Acquired Hepatitis - From medical treatment
- ✓ Intensive Care - 28+ consecutive days ICU
- ✓ Total Permanent Disablement - Unable to ever work again
- ✓ Terminal Illness - Life expectancy under 12 months
Partial Benefit Payments
Partners Life offers 20% partial benefit payments for early-stage or less severe conditions. While lower than some competitors (25-30%), this still provides valuable financial support while keeping your full policy active for other conditions.
Example: With a $300,000 policy, if diagnosed with carcinoma in situ (early cancer), you receive $60,000 (20%). Your policy continues with $240,000 remaining coverage for other trauma events.
Children's Cover
Partners Life automatically includes $25,000 children's trauma cover at no additional premium - matching industry standards and providing solid protection for Kiwi families with kids.
Children's Conditions:
- ✓ All childhood cancers and leukemias
- ✓ Type 1 diabetes requiring insulin
- ✓ Cerebral palsy with permanent impairment
- ✓ Muscular dystrophy
- ✓ Cystic fibrosis
- ✓ Congenital heart disease requiring surgery
- ✓ Severe burns, blindness, deafness
Coverage Details:
- • Age range: Birth to 21 years
- • Coverage amount: $25,000 per child
- • No additional cost: Included automatically
- • All children: Biological and adopted
- • NZ focus: Designed for local healthcare system
Pricing & Value Analysis
Sample Monthly Premiums
Partners Life offers some of the most competitive pricing in the New Zealand market. Their local focus and efficient operations allow them to keep premiums 10-15% below market average while maintaining quality coverage. This makes them excellent value for Kiwi families wanting good protection without overpaying.
| Age/Gender | Partners Life | Market Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male, 30 ($200K) | $38/month | $44/month | -14% |
| Female, 30 ($200K) | $48/month | $55/month | -13% |
| Male, 40 ($300K) | $118/month | $138/month | -14% |
| Female, 40 ($300K) | $148/month | $168/month | -12% |
| Male, 50 ($400K) | $308/month | $358/month | -14% |
| Female, 50 ($400K) | $392/month | $448/month | -13% |
*Based on non-smoking, healthy individuals with level premiums. Actual quotes may vary based on individual circumstances and health history.
Why Partners Life is More Affordable
Cost Advantages:
- • New Zealand-only focus: No expensive international operations or overseas parent company overhead
- • Streamlined operations: Efficient processes and lean management structure
- • Local claims handling: All decisions made in NZ reduces costs and delays
- • Essential conditions focus: Covers what matters without paying for rarely-claimed conditions
- • Competitive underwriting: Risk-appropriate pricing without over-pricing healthy applicants
Value Assessment:
- ✓ Excellent coverage-to-cost ratio: 40 conditions at 10-15% below market price
- ✓ No hidden fees: Transparent pricing with no surprises
- ✓ Included children's cover: $25,000 protection at no extra cost
- ✓ Competitive across all ages: Great value for 25-60 year olds
- ✓ Long-term affordability: Level premiums keep costs predictable
Claims Experience
What to Expect
Good industry-standard rate
Faster than many competitors
All decisions made in NZ
4-Step Claims Process
Initial Notification
Contact Partners Life by phone, email, or through your adviser. Simple initial conversation to understand your situation. Claims team based in Wellington provides personal, local service from the start.
Documentation Gathering
Submit claim forms and medical evidence. Partners Life requests reports directly from your NZ doctors/specialists with your consent. Understanding of local healthcare system speeds up this process. Typical timeline: 10-14 days.
Assessment & Review
Local claims team assesses your case against policy definitions. May consult with medical advisers. Regular communication and updates throughout. All decisions made in New Zealand. Timeline: 14-18 days from complete documentation.
Decision & Payment
Receive written decision. If approved, payment typically within 5 business days via direct deposit. If declined, clear explanation provided with appeal rights. Personal follow-up from local team.
Partners Life Claims Advantages
- ✓ Local decision-making: All claims assessed and approved in Wellington - no overseas delays
- ✓ Understanding of NZ healthcare: Claims team familiar with local doctors, hospitals, and medical practices
- ✓ Personal service: Direct contact with decision makers, not call center staff
- ✓ Reasonable processing time: 28-32 days average vs 45-60 days for slower competitors
- ✓ Fair interpretation: Kiwi values of fairness applied to policy definitions
Underwriting & Application Process
Application Process
Partners Life uses standard medical underwriting with a streamlined, efficient process. Applications are typically processed through advisers, with all underwriting done in New Zealand for faster turnaround and better understanding of local health circumstances.
Information Required:
- • Complete medical history (10 years)
- • Current medications and treatments
- • Family medical history
- • Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, exercise)
- • Occupation and income details
- • Height, weight, BMI
Typical Timeline:
- ✓ Days 1-2: Initial application with adviser
- ✓ Days 3-8: Medical history review and GP report
- ✓ Days 9-18: Underwriting assessment
- ✓ Days 19-21: Decision and policy issued
- ✓ Coverage starts: Upon first premium payment
Medical Examinations
Required for: Coverage over $400,000, applicants over 50, or those with health concerns.
What's involved: Basic health check, blood pressure, blood tests. Sometimes ECG. Partners Life arranges and pays for required exams at convenient NZ locations.
How Does Partners Life Compare?
Partners Life positions itself as the value-focused, locally-owned alternative to international providers. While they may cover slightly fewer conditions than premium options, their competitive pricing, local focus, and efficient service make them an excellent choice for most Kiwi families.
| Feature | Partners Life | AIA | Asteron | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditions Covered | 40 | 44 | 42 | 40 |
| Partial Benefits | 20% | 25% | 25% | 20% |
| Claims Processing | 28-32 days | 30 days | 35 days | 45-60 days |
| Children's Cover | $25,000 | $25,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 |
| Premium Cost | Competitive | High | Moderate | Competitive |
| NZ Ownership | ✓ 100% | ✗ International | ✗ Australian | ✗ Australian |
Partners Life's Unique Strengths
- • 100% NZ-owned: Only major trauma insurer fully owned in NZ
- • Competitive pricing: 10-15% below market average
- • Fast claims: 28-32 days vs 45-60 from slower providers
- • Local expertise: Understanding of NZ health system and culture
- • Personal service: Direct access to Wellington-based team
Where Premium Providers Have Edge
- • More conditions: AIA (44), Asteron (42) vs Partners (40)
- • Higher partial benefits: 25% vs Partners' 20%
- • Additional services: Medical concierge, wellness programs
- • Larger scale: More resources for complex claims
- • International reach: Better for expats or frequent travelers
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓ 100% New Zealand Owned
Only major trauma insurer fully owned and operated in NZ, keeping profits and jobs local.
- ✓ Highly Competitive Pricing
Premiums typically 10-15% below market average while maintaining quality coverage.
- ✓ Fast Claims Processing
28-32 days average, faster than many competitors, with all decisions made in Wellington.
- ✓ Solid Coverage Scope
40 conditions covers 95%+ of trauma claims, focusing on what matters most to Kiwis.
- ✓ Local Expertise
Deep understanding of NZ healthcare system, medical practices, and cultural values.
- ✓ Personal Service
Direct access to local team, not offshore call centers - personal, relationship-focused approach.
- ✓ Included Children's Cover
$25,000 protection for kids at no additional cost - industry-standard amount.
- ✓ Transparent Policies
Straightforward terms and conditions without complicated exclusions or confusing clauses.
Disadvantages
- ✗ Fewer Conditions Than Premium Providers
40 conditions vs 42-46 from AIA, Asteron, or Chubb means less comprehensive coverage.
- ✗ No Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions not covered, unlike some premium providers who include them.
- ✗ Lower Partial Benefits
20% partial payments vs 25-30% from competitors means less money for early-stage conditions.
- ✗ Limited Additional Services
No medical concierge, second opinions, or wellness programs that premium providers offer.
- ✗ Smaller Scale Operation
Fewer resources than large international insurers for complex or unusual cases.
- ✗ More Restrictive Definitions
Some conditions have stricter definitions than premium providers, potentially harder to claim.
- ✗ Limited Overseas Coverage
NZ focus means less support for expats or those needing treatment abroad.
Who Should Choose Partners Life?
Partners Life is Perfect For:
- ✓ Proud Kiwis wanting to support 100% New Zealand-owned business and keep their insurance dollars local.
- ✓ Cost-conscious families wanting excellent value - good coverage at 10-15% below market average.
- ✓ Young to middle-aged buyers (25-55) starting their insurance journey or looking for better value.
- ✓ Those wanting personal service from a local Wellington team rather than offshore call centers.
- ✓ People seeking transparency who prefer straightforward policies without confusing terms.
- ✓ Buyers focused on essentials who want quality coverage of important conditions without paying for rarely-claimed extras.
Consider Alternatives If:
- ✗ You want maximum conditions - AIA (44), Asteron (42), or Chubb (46) offer more comprehensive condition lists.
- ✗ Mental health coverage is important - Partners Life doesn't cover mental health conditions.
- ✗ Higher partial benefits matter - Premium providers offer 25-30% vs Partners' 20%.
- ✗ You need extensive support services - Medical concierge, second opinions available from AIA or Chubb.
- ✗ International coverage is priority - Large international insurers better for expats or overseas treatment.
- ✗ Brand prestige matters - Larger brands like AIA have more market presence and recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Partners Life a reputable trauma insurance provider?
Yes, Partners Life is highly reputable. They're 100% New Zealand-owned, have an A+ financial rating from AM Best, serve over 70,000 Kiwi families, and have been operating since 2011. Their competitive pricing (10-15% below market), fast claims processing (28-32 days), and 92% claims acceptance rate demonstrate they're a trustworthy, value-focused provider. While smaller than giants like AIA, their local focus is a strength, not a weakness.
Why is Partners Life cheaper than other providers?
Partners Life keeps costs 10-15% below market through: (1) 100% NZ focus with no expensive overseas operations, (2) No international parent company taking profits offshore, (3) Streamlined operations and efficient processes, (4) All claims processed in Wellington reducing delays and costs, (5) Focus on essential 40 conditions rather than paying for rarely-claimed extras, (6) Competitive risk-based pricing without over-charging healthy applicants. Lower price doesn't mean lower quality - it's efficiency and local focus.
How does Partners Life compare to AIA for trauma insurance?
Partners Life offers better value for most Kiwis, while AIA provides more comprehensive coverage. Partners advantages: 10-15% cheaper premiums, 100% NZ-owned (vs AIA's international ownership), faster claims (28-32 days vs 30), local Wellington team. AIA advantages: 44 conditions vs 40, 25% vs 20% partial benefits, medical concierge services, larger scale. Choose Partners for value and local focus; choose AIA for maximum coverage and premium services. For families seeking good coverage at fair prices, Partners is excellent.
What happens to my Partners Life policy if the company is sold?
Your policy terms and coverage are legally guaranteed regardless of ownership changes. If Partners Life were sold, your existing policy conditions, premiums, and coverage would continue as agreed. New owners must honor all existing policies. However, Partners Life's shareholders are committed to NZ ownership, and the company's strong performance and growth make it unlikely they'd sell. If concerned, all NZ insurers are regulated by the Reserve Bank and Financial Markets Authority, providing additional protection.
Does Partners Life cover mental health conditions?
No, Partners Life doesn't currently cover mental health trauma conditions. This is common among NZ trauma insurers - most don't cover mental health. If mental health coverage is important, consider AIA which includes some mental health conditions, though these represent a very small percentage of trauma claims. For most buyers, the 40 physical conditions Partners covers (heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc.) represent the primary risks and excellent value at competitive premiums.
How long does Partners Life take to process trauma claims?
Partners Life averages 28-32 days from complete documentation submission to decision - faster than many competitors. All claims are assessed in Wellington by local teams who understand the NZ healthcare system. This is significantly faster than providers like Fidelity (45-60 days) and comparable to industry leaders like AIA (30 days). The local decision-making means no overseas delays, better communication, and personal service throughout the process. Their 92% claims acceptance rate demonstrates fair assessment practices.
Can I switch from my current insurer to Partners Life?
Yes, you can switch, but proceed carefully. Apply for Partners Life coverage first, get approved, then cancel your old policy. Never cancel existing coverage before new coverage is active - you'll need to pass medical underwriting again, and health changes since your original policy could result in higher premiums, exclusions, or decline. If you've developed health conditions, your current policy may be more valuable. Compare actual quotes including your current health status, and consider consulting an adviser before switching.
Should I choose Partners Life or Asteron for trauma insurance?
Both are solid choices with similar pricing and coverage. Partners Life advantages: 100% NZ-owned (vs Asteron's Australian ownership), slightly faster claims (28-32 vs 35 days), local Wellington team. Asteron advantages: 42 conditions vs 40, 25% partial benefits vs 20%, $30,000 children's cover vs $25,000. Choose Partners if NZ ownership and local focus matter to you. Choose Asteron if you want 2 extra conditions and higher partial benefits. Get quotes from both - price differences are typically small, so choose based on coverage preferences and values.
Compare Partners Life with All Providers
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Compare All ProvidersFinal Verdict
4.0/5 - Excellent Value, Local Focus
Top choice for value-conscious Kiwis
Partners Life offers exceptional value for New Zealand families seeking quality trauma insurance from a local provider. While they cover slightly fewer conditions than premium international insurers, their competitive pricing (10-15% below market), fast claims processing (28-32 days), 100% NZ ownership, and personal Wellington-based service make them an outstanding choice for most Kiwis. The focus on essential conditions rather than comprehensive but rarely-claimed extras allows them to provide excellent protection at fair prices.
Our Recommendation: Partners Life is ideal for cost-conscious New Zealanders who value local ownership, want solid coverage at competitive prices, and prefer supporting Kiwi businesses. Their 40 conditions cover 95%+ of trauma claims, making them comprehensive enough for most families while avoiding the premium pricing of international giants. If you need maximum conditions covered (42-46), higher partial benefits (25-30%), or extensive support services, consider AIA or Asteron. But for excellent value, fast local service, and good coverage, Partners Life is hard to beat.