The Claims We Never Expect
When most people think about insurance claims, they often picture major accidents, serious illnesses later in life, or situations that happen to “other people”.
But in reality, many claims come from circumstances clients never saw coming - and often much earlier in life than expected.
At New Vision Financial Services, one of the most common things we hear is: “I never thought I’d actually need to use my insurance.”
And that’s exactly why these conversations matter.
Because many of the claims that have the biggest impact on families are not the dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime events people imagine. They’re often everyday situations that suddenly interrupt someone’s ability to work, earn an income, or care for their family.
Younger People Claim More Often Than Many Realise
One of the biggest misconceptions around personal insurance is that it’s only something older people need to think about.
But many claims happen to people in their:
20s
30s
40s
Often, these are the years when financial responsibilities are actually at their highest:
Mortgages
Young families
Business commitments
Rent and living costs
Dependants relying on their income
The reality is that illness and injury don’t wait until retirement age.
And when younger people experience unexpected health issues or time away from work, the financial impact can be significant because there may still be decades of income ahead that families rely on.
It’s Often Illness - Not Accidents
Many people assume ACC or accident-related support will protect them financially if something happens.
But a large percentage of insurance claims actually come from illness rather than accidents.
Conditions that can affect someone’s ability to work may include:
Cancer
Heart conditions
Autoimmune disorders
Chronic pain conditions
Severe infections
Mental health challenges
Neurological conditions
These are not rare situations affecting only a small group of people.
They affect everyday New Zealanders - often unexpectedly and without warning.
This is also why understanding the difference between accident cover and illness cover is so important.
Not Every Claim Is Permanent
Another common misconception is that insurance is only relevant for catastrophic or permanent disabilities.
But many claims involve temporary situations where someone simply needs time to recover.
For example:
A surgery requiring several months off work
Complications during recovery
An illness that temporarily impacts income
Rehabilitation after an injury
A period where returning to work immediately isn’t possible
Even temporary disruptions can create financial pressure very quickly.
Mortgage repayments, rent, groceries, utilities, and childcare costs don’t stop just because someone is unable to work for a period of time.
Sometimes, insurance isn’t about replacing a lifetime of income - it’s about creating breathing room while life stabilises again.
Mental Health Claims Are Becoming More Recognised
Mental health is an area many people still feel uncomfortable discussing, but it has become an increasingly important part of conversations around wellbeing and work capacity.
In some cases, mental health challenges can significantly affect a person’s ability to continue working temporarily or long-term.
These situations are often deeply personal and emotionally difficult for individuals and families.
They also highlight an important reality: Not all health challenges are visible.
And many people who appear to be coping on the outside may still be struggling significantly behind the scenes.
Appropriate financial support during these periods can help reduce additional stress while people focus on treatment, recovery, and stability.
The People Claiming Insurance Often Look Like Everyone Else
One of the biggest myths around insurance claims is the idea that claimants are somehow different from everyone else.
In reality, claims are often made by:
Working parents
Young professionals
Business owners
Tradespeople
Teachers
Nurses
Self-employed Kiwis
Families juggling everyday life
People who were healthy.
People who were busy.
People who never expected life to suddenly change direction.
That’s what makes insurance planning so important - not because we expect the worst, but because unexpected situations can happen to anyone.
Challenging the “It Won’t Happen to Me” Mindset
Most people don’t intentionally ignore risk.
Usually, life is simply busy.
Work is demanding.
Finances are stretched.
And it’s easy to assume serious illness or time away from work is something far off in the future.
But many claims begin with situations nobody planned for.
And while insurance can’t prevent difficult circumstances from happening, it can help reduce the financial pressure that often follows them.
Sometimes, the greatest value of insurance is not the payout itself - it’s the ability to focus on recovery, family, and stability without immediate financial panic.
Final Thoughts
The claims people never expect are often the ones that have the greatest impact.
Not because they are rare or dramatic, but because they interrupt everyday life in ways families never planned for.
Insurance isn’t about expecting something bad to happen.
It’s about having a plan in place if life takes an unexpected turn.
Because when the unexpected does happen, financial support and guidance can make an incredibly difficult time feel a little more manageable.
Glen Hatcher
Financial Adviser
New Vision Financial Services
Plan your future and let us help you have peace of mind along the way.