Skip to main content
  • Adviser
    • Adviser
    • Get Advice
    • Home Loans
    • Contact Us
    • MyAIA
  • Search
  • Home
  • AIA Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Health Insurance
    • Trauma Insurance
    • Total Permanent Disablement
    • Income Protection Insurance
    • AIA Starter Plans
    • Specified Accidental Injury Cover
    • Business Insurance
    • Corporate Solutions
    • Rural Insurance
  • AIA Vitality
    • AIA Vitality Simulator
    • AIA Vitality Premium Flex Explained
    • How to earn points
    • Benefits & Rewards
    • Physical activity points explained
    • Sprint to Silver
    • Content Hub
    • AIA Vitality Starter
  • Make a Claim
    • Health insurance claims
    • Life insurance claims
    • Income protection insurance claims
    • Trauma insurance claims
    • AIA CLAIMS 360 CARE
    • Corporate Solutions - Making a Claim
  • About AIA
    • Our Leadership Team
    • Careers
    • Media Centre
    • AIA Thrive
    • Sustainability
    • Charity Partners
    • Becoming an Adviser with AIA New Zealand
  • Help & Support
    • My AIA
    • Update your contact details
    • Contact AIA
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Product Updates and Policy Wordings
    • Consumers Price Index (CPI)
    • NEW TO NEW ZEALAND
    • Vulnerable Customers Support
    • Investment Products
    • Complaints
  • Get Advice
  • Home Loans
  • MyAIA
Menu
  • Adviser
  • Get Advice
  • Home Loans
  • Contact Us
  • MyAIA
AIA New Zealand AIA New Zealand
  • AIA Insurance

    Our insurance products

    The most important things in your life are your family, your lifestyle and your future. This is what life, trauma and disability insurance are there to protect.

    • offers Our latest offers
    • discount Multi-Benefit Discount

    For Individuals

    For Business

    • Life Insurance

      Lump sum payment if you were to pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness.

    • Health Insurance

      Choose from private health insurance or specialised cancer insurance.

    • Trauma Insurance

      Financial support if you or your child become seriously ill or injured.

    • Total Permanent Disablement

      Lump sum payment if you become permanently disabled and are unable to work.

    • Income Protection Insurance

      Income protection insurance provides financial support if you can't work due to an accident or illness.

    • AIA Starter Plans

      Simple plans you can buy online. Get protected with basic life, rent or mortgage protection.

    • Specified Accidental Injury Cover

      Lump sum payment if you have an accident and suffer one of the covered injuries.

    • Business Insurance

      Protection for business owners if a key person becomes seriously ill, is injured, or dies.

    • Corporate Solutions

      Providing cost effective and comprehensive corporate group insurance for your employees.

    • Rural Insurance

      Financial support if a key person of your farm becomes seriously ill, injured or passes away.

  • AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality encourages and supports you to live a healthier life, while giving you access to great rewards along the way.

    • AIA Vitality Simulator

      An interactive tool to help you calculate the benefits and rewards of AIA Vitality.

    • AIA Vitality Premium Flex Explained

      Learn how you can save on insurance with AIA Vitality.

    • How to earn points

      Start earning points for getting to know and improve your health today!

    • Benefits & Rewards

      Learn more about the amazing benefits, discounts and rewards you'll have access to with AIA Vitality.

    • Physical activity points explained

      Learn how you can earn up to 15,000 points and $260 a year in Active Rewards.

    • Sprint to Silver

      Find out how you can earn 25 Airpoints Dollars or $25 Woolworths vouchers.

    • Content Hub

      Your go to for science-backed health and wellbeing inspiration and advice.

    • AIA Vitality Starter

      Entry level membership automatically included with all AIA Starter Plans.

  • Make a Claim

    Make a Claim

    Get help with making a claim.

    • Health insurance claims

      Make a health insurance claim.

    • Life insurance claims

      Make a life insurance claim.

    • Income protection insurance claims

      Make an income protection or mortgage and income protection insurance claim.

    • Trauma insurance claims

      Make a Critical Illness, Critical Conditions, Progressive Care, Living Assurance or other trauma insurance claim.

    • AIA CLAIMS 360 CARE

      A personalised end to end claims experience when support matters the most.

    • Corporate Solutions - Making a Claim

      Get help with making a claim.

  • About AIA

    About AIA

    AIA Group is one of the largest life insurers in the world, with a presence in 18 markets across Asia Pacific. AIA New Zealand Limited is part of the AIA Group and has been providing insurance to New Zealanders since 1981.

    AIA New Zealand

    • Our Leadership Team

      Get to know our Board of Directors and Executive Team

    • Careers

      Explore opportunities to work at AIA

    • Media Centre

      The latest news from AIA New Zealand

    • AIA Thrive

      AIA Thrive is a network of qualified, experienced advisers helping New Zealanders plan well, so they can live well.

    • Sustainability

      AIA NZ is committed helping build a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable Aotearoa NZ.

    • Charity Partners

      Committed to making a difference in New Zealand with our AIA Vitality Charity partners.

    • Becoming an Adviser with AIA New Zealand

      All you need to know about applying to distribute our products.

    • Code of Conduct​ & Procedures

      AIA is committed to continuously improving conduct, culture and customer outcomes.

  • Help & Support

    Help & Support

    We're here to help! Check out our quick links and digital tools. Still have a question? Get in touch via Live Chat.

    Contact AIA

    Quick Links

    Understanding your policy

    Other useful information

    • My AIA

      View, claim and update your insurance with MyAIA.

    • Update your contact details

      Use this form to update your phone number, email and postal address if you don’t have access to MyAIA.

    • Contact AIA

      Have a question? We’re here to help. Phone, send us a message, or Live Chat during business hours.

    • Frequently asked questions

      Updating policies, moving house, changing names, Covid-19 support... our FAQs section has all the answers and forms.

    • Product Updates and Policy Wordings

      Product updates, enhancements and policy wordings for current and closed AIA or Sovereign policies.

    • Consumers Price Index (CPI)

      Find out more about CPI indexation and how it may affect your insurance cover.

    • NEW TO NEW ZEALAND

      Helpful advice if you have recently arrived, or are considering moving to New Zealand.

    • Vulnerable Customers Support

      A list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help.

    • Investment Products

      The latest AIA investment performance information, as well as a list of closed and terminated investment products.

    • Complaints

      If you have a complaint, we’ll do our best to resolve the situation.

  • Search
  • Contact Us
    • Log in to MyAIA

      View, claim and update your insurance

    • Send us a message

      via our online contact form

    • Talk to an adviser

      Get free expert insurance advice

    • Chat with us

      Available Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5:30pm

    • Call Us

      0800 500 108 - Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5:30pm

Think Well
Prev | Next
Contact Us
Talk to an Adviser
Back to Top
  • {{title}}

    {{label}}
  • How stronger social connections could benefit your mental health

    AIA Vitality NZ - 4 min read

    25 May 2022

    Better Lives with AIA VitalityBetter Lives with AIA Vitality
    • Happiness
    • Mates

    Coffee with friends, lunch with workmates, chatting over the fence with your neighbours – these surprisingly simple things can all deliver major benefits. Here, we explore the crucial role social connection plays in mental health, and what that means for your wellbeing.

    Friends laughing over coffee

    These days, people are talking more openly about their mental wellbeing, and taking conscious steps to improve it. That’s an incredibly good thing because, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental ill health was a major global health issue. Then in 2020 when the world as we know it changed, the number of people living with anxiety and depression increased by a quarter, according to some estimates, due to the travel and social restrictions that became part and parcel of everyday life.

    The pandemic showed us that a lack of social connection can have strong impacts; from kids missing school to older New Zealanders being unable to host visitors in aged care facilities. These unavoidable lifestyle changes have had a tangible effect on our physical and mental health. But now’s the perfect time to reinvigorate our wellbeing, and it’s easier than you think.

    The link between social connection and wellbeing

    What is social connection? It’s the experience of feeling close and a sense of belonging with others. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that strong social connections are crucial to our wellbeing. As a growing body of research continues to confirm, physical and mental wellbeing is deeply intertwined with the relationships and social connections we hold with others.

    There’s plenty of evidence for this. A recent study from a Massachusetts Hospital, for example, found that social connection (more so, than over 100+ other modifiable factors) was the strongest protective factor against depression.

    Here’s even more eye-opening research. Studies have found that social isolation has an impact on our physical health that’s comparable to smoking and other risk factors like obesity and physical inactivity, too.

    The benefits of regular social connection

    Turns out having a yarn over a cup of coffee may have more health benefits than you think. Dr Emma Seppälä, Science Director at Stanford University’s Centre for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, has outlined a long list of advantages to regular social connection, including:

    • Lower levels of anxiety and depression
    • Higher self-esteem
    • Improved physical health
    • Improved mental and emotional wellbeing
    • A strengthened immune system
    • And increased longevity


    A list of wellbeing wins almost every single one of us would want more of!

    Simple ways to catch up

    As New Zealand reopens after two long years of restricted contact, it’s time to get physical, not virtual, with our social plans. (Bonus points if you’re catching up in the great outdoors!)

    So, why not grab a friend and try one of the following?

    • Schedule time for a walk at a local park or beach and soak in a bit of nature
    • Join a group activity with people who have similar interests via your local council – anything from hiking to music appreciation
    • Join a fitness group or one of your local sport teams
    • Work up a sweat with a fitness class at your local gym
    • Offer to help those in need or volunteer at a local charity
    • Find out about communal activities in your area and get involved


    Not everyone finds socialising easy, though. If you consider yourself more of an introvert than an extrovert, here are some ways you can connect with friends and family without feeling overwhelmed.

    Ian Jones Eddie’s Meals – providing a place to connect

    AIA Vitality ambassador Ian Jones knows all about the power of community and providing a place for people to come together to talk, socialise, and connect. Eddie’s Meals is a community kitchen which aims to provide more than just meals to the local community, but a place to share stories, laugh and learn about others in a social and supportive environment. Covid restrictions have meant these monthly meet ups have not been able to go ahead as planned, but Ian is looking forward to opening the doors again next month (June).

    “At Eddie's Meals, we don't judge anyone who walks through the door. We don't ask why they're there. We welcome them in and share the simple pleasures of good food and conversation. We treat others with respect, and we break bread with them. The greatest gift you can give someone is your time – whether that's a minute or an hour.” – Ian Jones

    Facilities like Eddie’s meals – that provide space for people to catch up and connect – will hopefully be a bigger part of our future. After all, it’s clear that coming together can help all of us lead Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. 

    • Explore Content Hub
    • What is AIA Vitality?
    • Explore our Products
    • Get a quick quote
    • Talk to an adviser
      Talk to an Adviser
    • Apply online

    Article by: AIA Vitality Staff Writer

    Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday New Zealanders live healthier, longer, better lives. 

     

    Disclaimer: The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.


    This content is brought to you by AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality is a science-backed health and wellbeing programme that provides the guidance, tools, and rewards to get more out of life so you can start thriving.

    Find out more on AIA Vitality.

    FOLLOW

    AIA NZ Tiktok

    You might like these

    28 April 2022

    Gardening can have a beneficial effect on holistic health

    AIA Vitality NZ - 3 min read


    The ancient practice of gardening provides beautiful greenery and works wonders for your health.

    09 March 2022

    Making simple dietary changes may boost your performance

    Marika Day - 4 min read


    Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, proper nutrition can boost your performance.

    11 May 2022

    Small steps matter: Get moving with music

    AIA Vitality NZ - 3 min read


    Music pairs perfectly with exercise, but did you know aural input can boost your physical performance?
    Contact Us

    Live Chat

    Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm

    0800 500 108

    Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm

    Postal address

    AIA New Zealand Limited
    Private Bag 92499
    Victoria St West
    Auckland 1142

    View all contact options
    CONTACT US

    Live Chat

    Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm

    0800 500 108

    Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm
    AIA House, 74 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
    View all contact options
    Company

    About AIA New Zealand

    Careers

    News and Press

    Our Policies & Code of Conduct​

    Our Financial Strength

    Environmental Social Governance

    Accessibility Tick Gender Tick
    Pride Pledge Logo Toitū carbonreduce certified
    Vist AIA.com to learn more about AIA Group.
    Quick Links

    AIA Vitality

    MyAIA login

    AIA Thrive

    Investment Products

    Past Insurance Products

    Make a Claim

    FAQs

    Our Products

    Life Insurance

    Health Insurance

    Income Protection Insurance

    Business Continuity Cover

    AIA Starter Plans

    GO Home Loans

    Get Advice

    Company
    About AIA New Zealand
    Careers
    News and Press
    Our Policies & Code of Conduct​
    Our Financial Strength
    Environmental Social Governance
    Accessibility Tick Gender Tick
    Pride Pledge Logo Toitū carbonreduce certified
    Visit AIA.com to learn more about AIA Group.
    Quick links

    AIA Vitality

    MyAIA login

    AIA Thrive

    Investment Products

    Past Insurance Products

    Make a Claim

    FAQs

    Our products

    Life Insurance

    Health Insurance

    Income Protection Insurance

    Business Continuity Cover

    AIA Starter Plans

    GO Home Loans

    Get Advice


    Copyright © 2025, AIA New Zealand Limited (Company Registration No: 352806), and its affiliates and subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
    Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy | Duty of Disclosure
    Thank you

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    We will be in contact as soon as we can.

    Did you know, with an eligible policy you can view, claim and update your insurance with MyAIA? Find out more