This year’s three focus areas
Life
Our customer claims data gives us unique insight into the reasons people live longer and the reasons lives are lost.
Physical health
As a provider of critical illness solutions, we have insights into the most significant physical health risks facing people in the UAE.
Mental health
This year, for the first time, the report also shines a spotlight on mental wellbeing in the UAE, an area of growing importance for individuals, families and communities.
The true value of life is measured by the moments we share, the relationships we nurture, and the people whose hopes and dreams depend on us.
This year’s report marks the 14th edition of our annual Customer Claims Report, and it reflects how our understanding of risk continues to evolve. This year, we have broadened the lens to include mental health in the UAE, recognising its growing impact on how people live, work, and care for others.
Our claims data, together with recent events in the region, are powerful reminders that life is inherently uncertain. Acting early is not just practical planning; it is an expression of love and responsibility, for ourselves and for those who rely on us. It’s about making conscious choices today, so that when uncertainty does arise, we are better prepared to protect what matters most.
Shilpa Chitanand
Head of Retail Distribution
Things that stand out
The paradox of living longer and dying sooner
The youngest age for a death claim is down by two years (25 years), while the oldest age for a death claim in up by ten years (90 years) since 2020.
Women face a growing heart-health risk
Deaths caused by heart attacks and strokes among women are now four times higher than in 2020.
Growing reliance on critical illness protection
3 out of every 5 claims are for critical illness protection reinforcing the importance of financial readiness during a serious illness.
Mental health is a growing but often invisible health burden
1 in 7 people in the UAE could be living with a mental health condition by the year 2030.
Read the report in Arabic.
Decoding death claims
By looking at what causes deaths, we learn about the risks we face. Having this knowledge helps you have those difficult conversations and take early action to protect yourself and the ones who love you.
How death differs by gender
Male death causes
Female death causes
The paradox of living longer and earlier death
Read the report in Arabic.
The uncertainty of physical health
Critical illness benefits are designed to financially support you if you face a serious illness, allowing you to access funds from your policy.
Gender matters
4 out of every 5 women have claimed for cancer
1 out of every 2 men have claimed for heart attacks and strokes
Physical health challenges arrive at life’s most demanding stage
Understanding the probability of cancer
Read the report in Arabic.
Probabilities for male
Probabilities for female
As Head of Claims for Zurich Middle East, I see the value of life when its most real, at moments when families are facing loss and relying on us to stand by our promise.
Our claims data shows that uncertainty is affecting people earlier than many expect, including a growing number of women, often at stages of life when their responsibilities are at their greatest - caring for families, building careers, and supporting parents.
These experiences remind us that the value of life cannot be reduced to numbers or statistics alone. It’s about being there with certainty and financial support when it matters, so families can focus on what truly counts, even in the most difficult moments they will ever face.
Deepak Gaur
Head of Claims
The matter of mental health
Age matters
Millennials
of millennials are living with a mental health condition
Gen-Z
Gen-Z individuals in the UAE are living with a mental health condition.
Mental health matters and the support received from the UAE
Our government
The UAE government has embedded wellbeing and mental health into national strategy, demonstrating a strong commitment to systemic improvements, stigma reduction, and community care.
Family and community
Individuals receive an average of 1,275 hours of informal care per year, primarily from family and community members.
Family cohesion and strong community networks form the pillars of support in the UAE.
Businesses
Mental health-related sick leave averages only 0.2 days per year per employee in the UAE. Forward-thinking employers across the UAE are stepping up to support their people’s wellbeing with initiatives.
Read the report in Arabic.
Complete wellbeing at the core of UAE National Strategy
2026 has been pegged as the “Year of the Family” in the UAE, pushing the intrinsic value of the strength of bonds. Extending the same ethos, the country is focusing on comprehensive social wellbeing goals with projects like
- National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031
- Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing
- Happiness Meter (Dubai)
- Abu Dhabi’s 24/7 mental health support hotline
In the UAE, strong government policies, supportive families and communities, along with engaged employers play a critical role in safeguarding mental wellbeing.
When these forces align, stigma is reduced, access to care is strengthened, and people are better equipped to live meaningful, resilient, and productive lives. Mental health underscores the value of life beyond longevity; it encompasses quality of life, deeper human connections and our ability to thrive.
Zurich proudly supports the UAE’s efforts, sharing global best practices and innovative solutions to contribute to a future where wellbeing is accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone.
Dr. Khatchik Kinoyan
Chief Underwriter
Focus on women’s physical health, mental wellbeing and financial preparedness
1 in 10 women claiming living benefits for heart disease were smokers.
Our claims records show there is a higher likelihood for female smokers to be exposed to a heart disease claim than it is for men.
50%
of critical illness claims in women are for breast cancer highlighting its prevalence and the importance of early detection and financial preparedness.
16% prevalence in women
Mental health conditions are rising faster amongst women than men in the UAE. Most common causes are anxiety, depressive and mood disorders.
3 out of 5 insured women have life cover below $200,000.
The average life cover for men is 88% higher than the average life cover for women.
Building your trust, one claim at a time
Trust is built through action, not words. At Zurich, we deliver on our promise through every claim we pay, providing financial certainty and reassurance when our customers need us the most.
Over the last three years in the UAE, we’ve paid USD 227 million in claims.
Keeping your trust is a responsibility we take seriously and a promise we’re committed to upholding, every step of the way.
We’ve accepted 97% of all our applications.
We may accept your application, even if you have pre-existing conditions.
This will be subject to further underwriting which could expose you to additional premiums, underwriting rating, or addendums to your policy.
We want to insure as many people as we can, but unfortunately, we may sometimes need to decline coverage.
Trust us to pay you, promptly, wherever you are
When uncertainty rises, we all tend to reflect more deeply on the true value of life, the future we’re working towards, and the dreams of people who matter most to us.
At Zurich, we understand that risk and uncertainty is part of life; and we know the power of a plan. Building a financial safety net through life insurance and critical illness cover is about giving yourself and your loved one’s confidence to move forward, even when life inevitably takes an unexpected turn.
When you’re choosing your life insurance partner, look for trust, transparency, and shared values. Just as you show up for the people you care about, you need a company that will show up for you, when it matters most. Because when the moment comes, the promise needs to work.
Take your first step and talk to a financial adviser, because a life worth living, is a life worth insuring.
Rayner Britto
Head of Retail Business
