More UAE employees are claiming life insurance in their 30s and 40s

Serious illnesses and life-changing injuries are affecting UAE employees at younger ages, highlighting the growing importance of life and disability insurance.

According to a new report by Zurich International Life, most insurance claims are now being made by employees in their late 30s and 40s, when financial responsibilities and family commitments are often at their highest.

The People Protection Report 2026, which analysed group life and disability insurance claims paid in the UAE between 2023 and 2025, found that most claimants were between 39 and 50 years old. The youngest claimant was just 22.

The findings challenge the traditional belief that protection insurance is mainly necessary later in life.

Zurich Pays More Than Dh140 Million in Insurance Claims

Zurich International Life paid more than Dh140 million in group life and disability claims over the three-year period.

The report revealed the following figures:

More than Dh100 million was paid through group life insurance claims.

Dh37 million supported employees dealing with illnesses and injuries.

Around 27 per cent of all claims were related to living benefits, including critical illness, disability and injury.

Matthew Whitehouse, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich, highlighted the importance of employee protection, explaining that businesses must recognise their workforce as a valuable asset.

He also noted that attracting and retaining employees plays an important role in business growth and long-term success.

Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer Lead Life Insurance Claims

The report identified cardiovascular disease and cancer as the leading causes of group life insurance claims.

Cardiovascular conditions accounted for 36 per cent of life claims, while cancer represented 27 per cent.

The findings also highlighted the ages at which these conditions affected employees:

The youngest life insurance claimant was 24 years old.

The average age for cardiovascular disease claims was 50.

The average age for cancer-related claims was 47.

These figures show that serious health conditions can affect working professionals much earlier than many people expect.

Disability Claims Highlight the Financial Impact of Illness and Injuries

Disability insurance claims also revealed the financial challenges employees face when health conditions or accidents prevent them from working.

The average age of disability claimants was 48. Musculoskeletal conditions, accidents and mental health issues accounted for a significant share of cases.

The breakdown included:

Musculoskeletal conditions: 21 per cent.

Mental health conditions: 15 per cent.

Accidents: 14 per cent.

The report also found that 79 per cent of disability claims were associated with Temporary Total Disability and Income Protection.

This highlights how an unexpected illness or injury can interrupt an employee's ability to earn a regular salary, creating financial pressure for individuals and their families.

Employers Need to Focus on Living Benefits

Traditionally, many employer-sponsored protection plans have focused mainly on death benefits. However, Zurich's findings suggest that employees also need financial support when they experience serious health conditions or injuries but are still alive.

Living benefits accounted for 27 per cent of all claims paid during the reporting period.

These benefits can provide financial assistance during critical illness, disability and recovery periods.

Whitehouse said living benefits are becoming increasingly relevant because they offer practical support to employees during difficult circumstances.

He also encouraged businesses to focus on prevention, early detection and stronger connections between employee benefits and healthcare services, including private medical insurance.

Mental Health Accounts for One in Seven Disability Claims

Mental health has emerged as another important concern in the UAE workplace.

According to the report, one in seven disability claims was linked to mental health conditions.

Separate research cited in the report estimates that mental health-related absenteeism and reduced workforce participation could cost the UAE Dh17 billion in annual productivity by 2030.

These findings highlight the impact of mental health challenges on both employees and businesses.

Poor mental health can affect workplace performance, increase absenteeism and create additional financial pressure for employers.

Why UAE Companies Should Strengthen Employee Insurance Coverage

The Zurich report highlights the need for businesses to reconsider how they approach employee protection.

With serious illnesses and disabilities affecting people during their peak working years, employers may need to move beyond traditional life insurance policies and consider more comprehensive benefits.

Key areas for businesses to consider include:

Providing critical illness and disability coverage.

Offering income protection for employees unable to work.

Improving access to mental health support.

Encouraging regular health screenings and early diagnosis.

Integrating insurance benefits with healthcare services.

The findings suggest that employee protection should be an essential part of workplace planning rather than an additional benefit.

As health-related insurance claims increasingly affect younger professionals, stronger coverage can help employees manage unexpected financial challenges while supporting businesses in building a healthier and more secure workforce.