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Zurich Life

Zurich Life Insurance Ireland – Review, Benefits & Claim Stats (2025)

By Nick McGowan • Updated: September 2025 • Ireland
⚠️ Start Here:
Zurich are consistently sharp on price through brokers and excellent on Serious Illness definitions (especially the big three). Their Mortgage Protection adds rare perks like free Waiver of Premium, plus Reinstatement and Protection Continuation. Income Protection is solid with useful add-ons. If you want value + meaningful features (not just the lowest sticker), Zurich belong on your shortlist.

🏢 About Zurich Life (Ireland)

Zurich Ireland employs over 1,000 people across life and general insurance. Zurich Life protects hundreds of thousands of Irish customers and is part of Zurich Insurance Group (founded in 1872, HQ Zurich, Switzerland). Financially, the Irish life company reported a Solvency II SCR ratio of 127% at 31/12/2024 — comfortably above regulatory minimums.

Note: Figures are for Zurich Life Assurance plc (Ireland), sourced from their 2024 SFCR.

🏠 Mortgage Protection – Why Zurich?

Mortgage protection is the cover your bank requires. If price is king, Zurich are often very competitive via brokers. But beyond price, the built-in benefits can tip the scales:

  • Waiver of Premium — if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, Zurich pays the premium (free & positioned as unique to Zurich).
  • Reinstatement clause — catch up missed premiums within 3 months.
  • Protection Continuation — extend the term without fresh medicals.
  • Guaranteed Insurability — increase cover after a mortgage change without medical evidence (limits apply).
  • Dual Life available — two potential payouts (vs joint life’s single payout).
  • Conversion option — convert to level term later (handy if circumstances change).
Heads-up: Zurich don’t include free children’s cover on standard mortgage protection (some rivals do). Keep serious illness separate if you want the payout to go to you, not the bank.

🛡️ Life Insurance – Reliable & Flexible

Life cover is about protecting the people who rely on your income. Zurich’s strengths include:

  • Competitive pricing via broker discounts.
  • Monthly income payout option (not just a lump sum).
  • Conversion option available to late 80s (handy for future flexibility).
  • €10,000 advance towards funeral expenses to avoid probate delays.
  • Reinstatement clause for lapsed premiums (see above).

🧾 Serious Illness Cover – A Zurich Strong Suit

Serious Illness (Specified Illness) pays a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of listed conditions. Zurich are consistently strong on the big three — cancer, heart attack, stroke — and typically price well via brokers.

  • Clear definitions on the most common claim causes.
  • Booster payments for certain diagnoses.
  • Children’s overseas surgery payment (benefit caps apply).

Want a deeper dive first? Read how to compare serious illness providers.

💼 Income Protection – Solid Feature Set

If illness or injury stops you doing your job, Zurich’s IP can replace a portion of your income until you’re fit to return. Useful features include:

  • Waiver of premium while on claim.
  • Hospital cash during the deferred period (if admitted for a qualifying stay).
  • Occupation change continuity (cover can continue if your job changes, within rules).

📊 Claims Stats 2024 (Zurich Life, Ireland)

€98m+

Total claims paid (all lines)

€64m+

Life claims paid

€24m+

Serious illness claims paid

€10m+

Income protection claims paid

Leading claim causes remain the “big three”: cancer, heart and stroke.

🧭 Is Zurich Right for You?

Choose Zurich if you’re:

  • After strong Serious Illness definitions on the conditions most people actually claim for.
  • Price-sensitive but looking for meaningful extras on Mortgage Protection (Waiver, Reinstatement, Continuation, GI).
  • Considering Income Protection with practical supports (waiver while on claim, hospital cash).

If your priority is “cheapest at all costs”, you should still compare quotes across all providers — we’ll show them side-by-side.

📞 Need Help Deciding?

Answer a few questions and we’ll recommend the right provider and policy — no hard sell, just sound advice.

📝 Editor’s note: First published in 2016. Fully updated in 2025 with the latest Zurich product features and 2024 claims data.
P.S. If you like to go deep, Zurich’s Solvency & Financial Condition Report (2024) confirms a 127% SCR ratio at year end.

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