Fidelity Life Sparks the Future of life insurance with expanded cancer support

Media Release 

13 November 2025

Fidelity Life, New Zealand’s largest locally owned life insurer, has announced the expansion of its Cancer companion programme and the launch of a brand-new Cancer Caregivers support initiative—delivering on its promise to Spark the Future of life insurance through adviser-led innovation and customer-first support.

These initiatives were unveiled as part of Fidelity Life’s nationwide adviser event, Engage on Tour 25, which introduced a bold new mission: Spark the Future of Life Insurance. The company is committed to making life insurance more relevant, supportive, and accessible for all New Zealanders.

Expanded Cancer companion programme

Previously available to customers with Fidelity Life Trauma cover, the Cancer companion programme* is now extended to include eligible Fidelity Life customers with Life or Income Protection cover types, supporting an additional 50,000 New Zealanders. This holistic support service, delivered in partnership with Osara Health and Teladoc Health, offers access to world-leading cancer specialists, evidence-based coaching, and one-on-one mental health support—complementing existing treatment plans.

Introducing a New Zealand first - Cancer Caregivers* support

Fidelity Life has also launched Cancer Caregivers, a flexible 6-12 week support programme, in partnership with Osara Health. Designed for those caring for loved ones with cancer, the programme includes weekly modules and guidance from professional cancer health coaches, helping caregivers navigate the emotional, physical, and logistical challenges of their role.

This initiative is available to in force Fidelity Life trauma, life or income protection cover customers, and to their immediate family members.

As well as offering these programmes to its customers, advisers who hold distribution agreements with Fidelity Life, and their extended families, are also able to access the programmes in recognition of their vital role in supporting their communities.

Why it matters

• 25,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer each year, with incidence projected to nearly double over the next 25 years – source.
• For every diagnosis, loved ones step into caregiving roles—often facing burnout, depression, and financial strain.
• Cancer accounted for a third of Fidelity Life new claims in FY25, including 58% of trauma claims – source.
• According to Osara Health, customers using Cancer companion return to work 16.5 weeks faster on average – source.
• With 1 in 3 employees leaving work due to caregiving responsibilities, supporting caregivers improves outcomes for both patients and families- source.

“This is part of our ambition to Spark the Future, to add greater value, broaden appeal and offer even greater protection”, says Bronwyn Kirwan, Chief Commercial Officer. “These initiatives reflect our commitment to supporting New Zealanders through life’s toughest moments and we’re proud to lead the way in wraparound support—not just for customers, but for their families and the advisers who walk alongside them.”

"We are incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with Fidelity Life, where we have already supported many kiwis in receiving holistic cancer support through the Cancer companion programme”, says Dr Raghav Murali-Ganesh, CEO and Co-Founder of Osara Health. “This expansion and further availability of caregiver support through our Cancer Caregivers programme reflects Fidelity Life's commitment to innovation and comprehensive support for their members, advisers and families."

A future-focused approach

The Cancer companion and Cancer Caregivers* programmes are part of a broader suite of initiatives launched by Fidelity Life under the Spark the Future banner, including:

• Free online Will service in partnership with Footprint NZ (launching March 2026)
• Enhanced underwriting and digital tools
• Adviser development programmes
• Community grants and wellbeing support
• And much more.

Fidelity Life invites advisers, customers, and partners to join the movement and explore the full suite of initiatives designed to protect, connect, and help more New Zealanders protect what matters most. To learn more or access these programmes, visit our website or speak to your Fidelity Life adviser today.

*Subject to terms and conditions.