Life moves fast - make sure you have the right cover
Your 40s are a balancing act. You might be deep into your career, juggling family life, and managing financial responsibilities. With so much going on, it’s easy for life insurance to fall off the radar. But now’s a smart time to think about what you’re protecting. Life doesn’t always go to plan and asking “what if?” can help you prepare for the unexpected.
Planning ahead in your 40s can make a real difference. We understand affordability matters, and we’re here to help you find the right balance between cost and coverage. As your life evolves, your insurance can too - so you can keep pace with your goals and protect what matters most.
The insurance cover you have now may have suited your needs when you took it out, but does it still reflect your needs today?
To review and make changes to your cover, please speak to your financial adviser or contact our Customer Solutions team on 0800 808 267.
You can view your current level of cover and your premium details in My Resolution Life.
Protect what you’ve built
Protect loved ones
Provide peace of mind or support to your partner and family
Cover remaining debts
Help with mortgage, school fees or credit card payments
Protect your lifestyle
Maintain your quality of life if your income is impacted
Your insurance guide: Stay in control - review your insurance
A guide to life insurance for over 40s
Learn more about the benefits of life insurance for those in their 40s.
Download As life changes, so do your insurance needs
It’s a good idea to review your cover regularly to make sure it suits your current needs.
Review your insurance Cost-conscious? Here are some ways to keep it affordable.
Looking for ways to manage premium costs? There are flexible options that can help you stay covered while reducing your premiums. Learn more here.
-
Consider adjusting your cover
As life changes, you can adjust your cover. You may need more or less cover as before and there are options to reduce your cover to lower your premiums, while still keeping protection in place.
Speak to your financial adviser or contact our Customer Solutions team on 0800 808 267. View your current level of cover and your premium details in My Resolution Life.
-
Increase the waiting period (income protection)
A waiting period is the period of time between first becoming unable to work because of injury or sickness, and when you become eligible for an income protection benefit. You may have accumulated extra leave such as sick, annual or long service leave that can provide an income buffer if you are unable to work due to injury or sickness. By increasing your waiting period, for example from 30 days to 60 or 90 days (longer waiting periods are available), you may reduce your premium.
Speak to your financial adviser or contact our Customer Solutions team on 0800 808 267 to review your policy.
-
Restructure your insurance from standalone to linked
If you have life, total & permanent disability and/or trauma insurance, you can choose to make the covers either standalone plans or link them under the same plan. Standalone plans generally have a higher premium than linked cover.
If a benefit under a linked option (such as a TPD or trauma option) is paid, that payment reduces the sum insured of each linked cover (such as a life insurance plan) for that insured person. For example, you have $1.25 million in a Life Insurance Plan and $250,000 on a linked trauma option. If you made a trauma claim and the full benefit of $250,000 is paid, your Life Insurance Plan will be reduced to $1 million.
Alternatively, under a standalone plan, if a benefit is paid it does not impact any other insurances you may have.
Speak to your financial adviser or contact our Customer Solutions team on 0800 808 267 to review your policy.
-
Opt-out of inflation adjustments
As life changes, you may not need as much cover as before. Reducing your cover amount could lower your premiums, while still keeping protection in place. Speak to your financial adviser or contact our Customer Solutions team on 0800 808 267. View your current level of cover and your premium details in My Resolution Life.
We generally offer an automatic annual increase of your cover to keep up with the rising cost of living (unless you choose to ‘opt out’ of the adjustment). This ‘inflation adjustment’ or ‘CPI adjustment’ increases your sum insured by either a fixed percentage or the increase to the consumer price index (CPI) (depending upon the terms of your policy). We’ll apply whichever of these is higher, which means you’ll get more cover but also pay higher premiums. Learn more about inflation adjustments here.
You can opt out of this increase either for a year or permanently, with the change taking effect from the next policy anniversary. Please refer to your Policy Document and Policy Schedule for the full terms and conditions that apply to your cover.
Common misconceptions (and what’s actually true)
Myth: I’m spending money on something I might never use.
Fact: Life insurance isn’t just about the worst-case scenario – it’s about peace of mind. It’s a financial backup plan that ensures your family won’t face hardship if the unexpected happens.
Myth: It’s not worth the cost and I’m better off spending my money elsewhere.
Fact: You can often adjust your cover to make premium payments more affordable, while still staying protected.
Myth: I don’t need life insurance in my 40s if I’m healthy.
Fact: Many claims happen in your 40s – it's a key time to stay protected. At Resolution Life, 22% of income protection claims and 22% of trauma insurance claims are made by customer in their 40s1.
Understand what you may be giving up before cancelling
Cancelling your cover now may mean:
- Losing cover that may leave your loved ones without a financial safety net.
- If you seek cover at a later stage, you may need to complete underwriting, including medical tests. This may result in facing exclusions or higher premiums (loadings) if your health has changed since you first applied.
- Maybe being ineligible for new cover, if your health circumstances change or you are above entry age for the cover.
You’ve maintained your cover for a reason – ensure it still meets your needs.
1Claims data is derived from Resolution Life New Zealand Claims Analysis 2025.
Important information
The content of this website is for information only, it does not contain any financial advice or other professional advice or make any recommendations about a financial product or service being right for you. The information provided by Resolution Life Australasia Limited ABN 84 079 300 379, NZ Company No. 281363, AFSL No. 233671 (Resolution Life), is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before taking any action, you should always seek financial advice or other professional advice relevant to your objectives, financial situation and needs, as well as consider the policy document for the product. Any guarantee offered in the product is only provided by Resolution Life.
Resolution Life does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of material on this website nor accepts any liability or responsibility for any acts or decisions based on such information.
Resolution Life can be contacted at resolutionlife.co.nz/contact-us or by calling 0800 808 267.
