Heart attacks among Middle Eastern women surge 50%, insurance gaps revealed

In a stark warning for women across the Middle East, a new consumer report by Zurich International Life Ltd. Middle East reveals a worrying rise in early-onset heart disease and critical illnesses, coupled with an alarming gap in insurance coverage that could leave most financially vulnerable.

According to the latest Customer Claims Paid Report 2025 by Zurich International Life Ltd., part of Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich), the number of heart attack and stroke-related death claims among women has risen by 50% since 2020. The increase is particularly worrying because it comes alongside growing lifestyle risk factors such as smoking and inactivity, which are becoming more common among women of all age groups. Interestingly, 1 in 10 women who claimed living benefits for heart disease were smokers.

The report is based on living and life cover benefits claims made against Zurich’s retail and group life policies between 2022 and 2024, highlighting a notable shift in both the profile and preparedness of claimants. Zurich paid customer claims amounting to more than USD 241 million this year, compared to last year’s USD 210 million.

Yet even as the risks climb, awareness and insurance coverage are reportedly lagging. The report said that three out of five women have life cover below USD 200,000. Also, the average life cover for men is 88% higher than the average life cover for women. For households where women contribute to family income or lead financially, this could create serious vulnerabilities when life takes an unexpected turn.

Life crises are striking younger than ever

People might think life-altering events such as cancer, critical illness, or death only happen later in life. However, Zurich's data shows a different story unfolding across the UAE.

Life cover claims have been made by individuals as young as 27, and critical illness claims from the age of just 23. Most strikingly, a child critical illness claim was filed for a 9-year-old, highlighting the harsh reality that no age group is immune. This shift toward younger claimants reveals a gap in perception, as many still see insurance as something to consider later in life.

For those families without cover, the loss of a parent or breadwinner can create immediate financial stress. Rent, school fees, debts, and daily living costs continue, even when income stops. Zurich’s report highlights how common these situations are becoming. Cancer and heart disease remain the leading causes of death claims in the region, together accounting for almost 50% of all such claims.

Zurich’s latest data also reveals just how early these critical moments are occurring. The average age for a life cover claim is now just 52, and for terminal illness claims, just 51. While the oldest death claim came at 80, the youngest was only 27 years old. These are not figures traditionally associated with end-of-life planning, yet they increasingly reflect today’s reality.

“In life's most challenging seasons, we stand as a reliable partner, providing essential support to families when they need it most,” said Shilpa Chitanand, Head of Retail Distribution at Zurich Middle East. “Over the past three years, we’ve paid 98% of life claims across 73 countries, and when all documents are in place, most claims are settled within 72 hours. Timely support can make a real difference.”

The time to prepare is now

While Zurich’s claims data points to rising health risks and earlier diagnoses, it also signals a shift in consumer behaviour. More residents in the Middle East are beginning to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families. Yet despite growing awareness, comprehensive protection is still the exception, not the norm.

“Looking at the benefit payout figures for the year, we’ve seen a sharp year-on-year increase in life and critical illness claims, possibly the most significant jump since 2020,” emphasised Shilpa. “This reinforces two truths - the need for protection has never been higher, and too many families are still acting too late.”

The data paints a clear picture: health risks are rising and affecting both men and women at younger ages, with consequences that can be financially devastating. Yet, despite the growing risks, financial preparedness remains insufficient.

Whether it's the unexpected diagnosis of a critical illness, the sudden loss of a loved one, or the rising cardiovascular risks faced by women, the financial impact can be severe for families without the proper protection in place.

“The time to act is now. Regular health check-ups, managing lifestyle risks, and most importantly, securing comprehensive insurance coverage for both life and critical illness can make a huge difference,” added Shilpa.

About Zurich Insurance Group

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded 150 years ago, Zurich is transforming insurance. In addition to providing insurance protection, Zurich is increasingly offering prevention services such as those that promote wellbeing and enhance climate resilience.

Reflecting its purpose to ‘create a brighter future together’, Zurich aspires to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world. It is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and has the highest-possible ESG rating from MSCI. In 2020, Zurich launched the Zurich Forest project to support reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Brazil.

The Group has about 60,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at www.zurich.com.

About Zurich International Life

Zurich International Life Limited is a part of Zurich Insurance Group and was established in the Isle of Man, which is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority with established and registered branches in the UAE licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE. It is registered (Registration No. 63) under UAE Federal Law Number 6 of 2007, and its activities in the UAE are governed by such law. Further information about Zurich International Life is available at www.zurich.ae.