Insurance Advisors NZ | Life, Health, Rural & Business Insurance

Insurance advice for people.
Personal, business & rural

What do we do?

We foster long-term relationships with our clients

Why choose Thrive?

Frequently asked
questions

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• What's the difference between an insurance adviser and buying direct from an insurer?

  When you buy direct from an insurer or bank:

  • You only see ONE company’s products
  • You’re limited to their pricing and policy terms
  • No one advocates for you during claims
  • You handle all policy reviews and changes yourself

  When you work with Thrive Financial:

  • We compare policies from 10+ different insurers
  • We find the best cover at the most competitive price
  • We advocate for you if claims are declined or disputed
  • We provide ongoing policy reviews at no extra cost
  • Our service is completely free (insurers pay us, not you)

  Think of us as your personal insurance expert – we do the research, comparison, and negotiation so you don’t have to. And because insurers pay us the same commission whether you go direct or through us, you pay exactly the same premium but get expert advice included.

• How often should I review my insurance?

  We recommend reviewing your insurance:

  Annually – We’ll proactively contact you each year to check if anything’s changed in your life

  When major life events happen:

  • Getting married or having children
  • Buying a house or investment property
  • Starting or selling a business
  • Significant salary increase
  • Diagnosis of a health condition
  • Approaching retirement

  Every 3-5 years minimum – Even if nothing major has changed, insurance products evolve, new providers enter the market, and better options may be available.

  Many of our clients discover they’re either over-insured (paying for cover they don’t need) or under-insured (gaps in their protection) when they haven’t reviewed in several years. We make this easy with free annual reviews.

• What happens if I need to make a claim?

  This is where Thrive Financial really proves its value. Making a claim can be stressful, especially if you’re dealing with serious illness, injury, or the death of a loved one. Here’s how we help:

  • Contact us immediately – Call 0800 234 555 or email admin@thrive.kiwi
  • We handle the paperwork – We’ll gather required documents and complete claim forms on your behalf
  • We liaise with insurers – We communicate directly with the insurance company so you don’t have to
  • We advocate for you – If a claim is declined or disputed, we’ll fight for you and explain your options
  • We follow up – We stay involved until your claim is resolved and paid

  Our claims support is completely free – it’s part of our ongoing service to you. We’ve successfully helped hundreds of clients through the claims process, including complex cases where insurers initially declined cover.

• How much do you charge?

  Thrive’s services are free for you to use. Watch this video and let Pierre explain how you can use our complimentary services to get the best advice and insurance solution for you and your family.

  Want to be sure we are the right fit? Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at what some of our clients have said about working with Thrive.

• Can I switch to you if I already have a broker?

  Of course!

  We can help to make the move as smooth as possible but at the end of the day it is your life and your insurance – you can choose to work with anyone you like.

• What areas do you serve?

  We serve clients throughout New Zealand, with a particular focus on the Manawatū-Whanganui region including Feilding, Palmerston North, Marton, Bulls, Ashhurst, and surrounding areas.

  We can meet you:

  • At our Feilding office (8 Manchester Square)
  • At your home (perfect for families)
  • At your workplace or farm (convenient for business owners)
  • Via video call (for clients outside our region or those who prefer virtual meetings)

  While we’re based in Feilding, distance is no barrier – many of our clients are based in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and other parts of New Zealand. We provide the same excellent service regardless of where you’re located.

• What insurance companies do you work with?

  We work with all of New Zealand’s leading insurance providers, including AIA, Partners Life, Asteron Life, Fidelity Life, NIB, Southern Cross, Accuro, and many others.

  As independent insurance advisers, we’re not tied to any single insurer, which means we can genuinely compare policies across the market to find you the best cover at the best price. We’ll present you with 2-3 options from different providers and explain the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision.

  Unlike bank insurance advisers who can only sell their own products, or tied agents who work for one insurer, we work for YOU.

• How long does the application process take?

  The timeline varies depending on the type of insurance and your individual circumstances:

  Simple applications (healthy individuals with no pre-existing conditions):

  • Life insurance: 24-48 hours once medical questionnaire completed
  • Income protection: 3-5 business days
  • Health insurance: 1-2 weeks (medical history review required)

  Complex applications (pre-existing conditions, higher cover amounts):

  • 2-4 weeks for full underwriting assessment
  • We’ll work with insurers to speed this up where possible

  Business insurance:

  • 5-7 business days for quotes and assessment
  • Shareholder agreements may take longer due to legal documentation

  The good news? We handle all the paperwork and follow-up, so you don’t have to chase insurers yourself. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way and let you know if we need any additional information.

  In many cases, we can arrange temporary cover while your full application is being processed, so you’re protected immediately.

• Can you help me if I have pre-existing medical conditions?

  Absolutely. Pre-existing conditions don’t automatically disqualify you from getting insurance – but you do need specialist advice to ensure you get the right cover.

  Here’s what we do:

  • Review your medical history in detail
  • Identify which insurers are most likely to provide cover
  • Help you complete medical questionnaires accurately
  • Negotiate with insurers for the best possible terms
  • Explain any exclusions or loadings clearly

  Common conditions we’ve helped clients with:

  • Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
  • High blood pressure
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Previous cancer diagnoses
  • Heart conditions
  • Back and joint problems
  • Asthma

  In many cases, insurers will provide cover but exclude the specific condition or apply a premium loading (higher cost). We’ll explain exactly what this means and help you decide if it’s worthwhile. Sometimes partial cover is better than no cover at all.

  Don’t assume you can’t get insurance – let us investigate your options. We’ve helped many clients who were previously declined or thought they were uninsurable.

• Do I need a medical exam?

  Most of the time, no. The majority of our clients get approved based on a simple medical questionnaire without needing a full examination.

  Whether you need a medical exam depends on:

  • Amount of cover – Higher cover amounts (typically over $500,000-$1,000,000 life insurance) may require an exam
  • Your age – Generally not required under age 50 for standard cover amounts
  • Medical history – Pre-existing conditions might require more detailed assessment
  • Type of insurance – Income protection and health insurance usually require more medical information than life insurance

  If a medical exam IS required:

  • The insurer pays for it (not you)
  • We’ll arrange for a registered nurse to visit you at home or work
  • Takes about 30-45 minutes
  • Usually includes blood pressure, height/weight, urine sample, and sometimes blood tests
  • Results go directly to the insurer for assessment

  Our advice: Don’t let the possibility of a medical exam put you off getting a quote. In our experience, 70-80% of applications are approved without one, and even when required, it’s a simple, free process that we coordinate for you.

• What's the difference between life insurance and health insurance?

  This is one of the most common questions we get, and it’s important to understand:

  Life Insurance (also called Life Cover):

  • Pays a lump sum if you die or are diagnosed with terminal illness
  • Used to pay off mortgage, replace lost income, cover funeral costs
  • Premiums generally increase with age
  • Typically the most affordable type of cover
  • Essential if you have dependents or debts

  Health Insurance (also called Medical Insurance):

  • Pays for private medical treatment and surgeries
  • Gives you faster access to specialists and elective surgery
  • Covers things like hip replacements, cataract surgery, diagnostic tests
  • Doesn’t cover GP visits or prescriptions (usually)
  • Premiums increase with age and can be significant for older people

  Most families need BOTH:

  • Health insurance for quality of life (faster treatment, private hospitals)
  • Life insurance for financial security (protecting family if worst happens)

  We can help you prioritize which is most important based on your budget, health status, and family situation. Often we recommend starting with life insurance (it’s cheaper and provides critical protection), then adding health insurance as budget allows.

• What is income protection insurance and do I need it?

  Income Protection (also called Permanent Health Insurance) is arguably the most important cover you can have:

  What it does:

  • Pays you a monthly benefit (typically 60-75% of your income) if you can’t work due to illness or injury
  • Continues paying until you can return to work, recover, or reach age 65
  • Covers sickness AND injury (unlike ACC which only covers accidents)

  Why it’s critical:

  • Your income is probably your biggest asset – lose it and you lose everything
  • ACC only covers accidents, NOT sickness (cancer, heart attack, mental health issues, chronic illness)
  • Most people would struggle financially within 3 months of losing their income
  • Business owners and self-employed have no sick leave safety net

  Who needs it:

  • Anyone who depends on their income to pay bills
  • Particularly crucial for self-employed and business owners
  • Essential if you have mortgage, rent, or family dependent on you

  Cost: Surprisingly affordable – often $50-150/month for comprehensive cover

  We strongly recommend income protection for almost everyone in the workforce. It’s the safety net below your safety net.

• How much life insurance do I actually need?

  This is highly individual, but here’s a simple framework we use:

  Basic formula: Life insurance = (Debts + Income Replacement + Ongoing Costs) – (Existing Assets)

  How much life insurance do I actually need?

  • Mortgage: $______
  • Other loans: $______
  • Credit cards: $______

  2. Income replacement (how many years?):

  • Partner’s income × years needed = $______
  • Children’s expenses until independent = $______

  3. Ongoing costs:

  • Funeral expenses: $10,000-$20,000
  • Children’s education: $______
  • Emergency fund: $______

  4. Subtract existing assets:

  • KiwiSaver: $______
  • Savings: $______
  • Other insurance: $______

  Example: Young family in Manawatū

  • Mortgage: $450,000
  • Replace 10 years income: $600,000 ($60k/year)
  • Children’s expenses: $200,000
  • Funeral: $15,000
  • Total needed: $1,265,000
  • Minus KiwiSaver: -$50,000
  • Cover needed: $1,215,000

  This might sound like a lot, but:

  • $1,000,000 life insurance for a healthy 35-year-old costs about $50-70/month
  • It’s probably cheaper than your Netflix and Spotify combined
  • It ensures your family can stay in their home and maintain their lifestyle if you die

  We provide a free calculation during your consultation to show exactly how much you need and what it will cost.

• What is trauma insurance (critical illness cover)?

  Trauma Insurance (also called Critical Illness Cover or Living Insurance) pays a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious medical condition, such as:

  • Cancer
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Kidney failure
  • Major burns
  • Loss of limbs
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Coronary artery surgery

  How it’s different from other insurance:

  • Life insurance: Only pays if you DIE
  • Trauma insurance: Pays if you SURVIVE a critical illness
  • Health insurance: Pays for TREATMENT
  • Income protection: Replaces lost INCOME

  Why you need it: Even if you survive cancer or a heart attack, you’ll likely face:

  • Months off work during treatment
  • Expensive non-funded treatments and medications
  • Home modifications or care needs
  • Loss of income or business income
  • Financial stress adding to health stress

  The trauma insurance payout gives you financial breathing room to focus on recovery without worrying about bills.

  Example: A 42-year-old client was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her trauma insurance paid $150,000 which covered:

  • Six months off work with no income stress
  • Private oncology treatment not funded by public system
  • Childcare while she recovered
  • Mortgage payments during treatment
  • Healthy food and supplements

  She’s now cancer-free and says the trauma insurance removed 50% of her stress during the worst time of her life.

• I'm self-employed – what insurance do I need?

  Self-employed and business owners are particularly vulnerable because:

  • No sick leave or ACC ongoing cover
  • Business income stops if you can’t work
  • Family depends entirely on your ability to earn

  Essential cover for self-employed:

  1. Income Protection (Priority #1)

  • Replaces 60-75% of your income if you can’t work
  • Covers sickness and injury
  • Often includes business expense cover (pays rent, staff wages while you’re off)
  • Cost: $100-250/month typically

  2. Life Insurance

  • Pays off business debts if you die
  • Provides for family
  • May be required by bank if you have business loans

  3. Trauma Insurance

  • Covers you if diagnosed with cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc.
  • Gives you financial runway to recover without business pressure

  4. Business Overhead Cover (specific type of income protection)

  • Pays business expenses (rent, utilities, staff) while you recover
  • Keeps business viable during your absence

  For Manawatū farmers specifically:

  • ACC Farm Plans (reduced ACC levies)
  • Rural-specific policies with seasonal flexibility
  • Cover for debt protection on farm mortgages
  • Key person cover if you have partners

  We specialise in business owner insurance – many of our 500+ clients are Manawatū business owners and farmers. We understand your specific needs and can tailor cover accordingly.

• What is mortgage protection insurance?

  Mortgage Protection is life insurance specifically designed to pay off your mortgage if you die or become terminally ill.

  Two types:

  1. Decreasing Cover (cheaper):

  • Cover amount decreases as your mortgage reduces
  • Follows your mortgage balance
  • Lower premiums
  • Best for: Standard home mortgage

  2. Level Cover (more flexible):

  • Cover amount stays the same
  • Can be used for anything (not just mortgage)
  • Higher premiums but more versatile
  • Best for: Investment properties or if you want flexibility

  Do you need it? Yes, if:

  • You have a mortgage and dependents
  • Your partner couldn’t afford mortgage payments on their income alone
  • You want peace of mind your family can stay in their home

  Maybe not, if:

  • You have sufficient life insurance to cover mortgage
  • You have no dependents and partner earns enough
  • Your mortgage is very small relative to assets

  Our recommendation: Most families should have enough life insurance to cover their mortgage PLUS income replacement. Dedicated mortgage protection is usually only needed if you’re on a tight budget and want minimal cover just for the house.

  We’ll help you understand whether standalone mortgage protection or comprehensive life insurance makes more sense for your situation.

• Can I cancel my insurance if I change my mind?

  Yes, absolutely. All insurance policies in New Zealand come with a free look period (also called cooling-off period):

  • Minimum 14 days from when you receive your policy documents
  • Some insurers offer 30 days
  • You can cancel for ANY reason
  • Full refund of premiums paid
  • No penalties or fees

  After the free look period:

  • You can still cancel anytime
  • Give notice (usually 30 days)
  • Receive pro-rata refund of premiums

  What we recommend: Before cancelling, talk to us. Sometimes people want to cancel because:

  • They can’t afford current premiums → We can reduce cover temporarily
  • They think they don’t need it anymore → Circumstances may have changed we should discuss
  • They found cheaper cover elsewhere → We can review if the new cover is actually equivalent

  We’ve had clients who cancelled policies only to:

  • Be unable to get new insurance due to health change
  • Discover the “cheaper” policy had significant gaps
  • Regret the decision when they needed cover

  Let us review your situation before you cancel – we may have better solutions.

• What happens to my insurance if I move overseas?

  It depends on the insurer and policy type:

  Most NZ policies:

  • Remain valid if you move to Australia (NZ/AU reciprocal arrangements)
  • May remain valid for short-term overseas work (1-2 years)
  • Some insurers allow permanent overseas residence with premium adjustment
  • Others require you to return to NZ to claim

  If you’re planning to move overseas:

  1. Tell us BEFORE you move – We’ll check your policy terms
  2. Don’t cancel – You may not be able to get equivalent cover overseas
  3. Consider keeping – Many NZ policies are cheaper/better than overseas equivalent
  4. Update your address – Ensure insurer can contact you

  If you’re already overseas:

  • Some insurers offer “global cover” options
  • Premium may increase
  • Claims may require return to NZ for treatment (health insurance)
  • Life/trauma insurance usually still valid

  For returning Kiwis: If you’re moving back to NZ from overseas, NOW is the time to get insurance:

  • You’ll likely qualify for better rates than in UK/US/Australia
  • NZ premiums are typically lower than most countries
  • Easier to get cover while you’re still healthy

  We help many overseas Kiwis maintain their NZ insurance and returning expats set up new cover.