Protect the people who count on you — the Kiwi way
Personalised life cover guidance for New Zealand families. We compare policies from the country’s leading insurers, so you get the right protection at the right price — with no cost to you.
NZ experts
we’re in your corner
The cover that fits your stage of life
Not all “life insurance” is the same. Here’s what we can advise on — often stacked together for full protection.
Critical Illness & Trauma
Maintain your lifestyle after a serious diagnosis like cancer, heart attack or stroke.
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Mortgage Protection
Pay your mortgage if you’re unable to earn due to illness or disability, as per your policy terms.
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Medical Insurance
Skip long public health waiting lists for non-emergencies — get treatment when you need it.
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Income Protection
You insure your car and home — what about your income if you’re not able to work due to sickness?
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Total & Permanent Disability
Lump-sum payout if illness or injury permanently prevents you from working — keeps life moving.
Get Free QuoteWhat life insurance really does for your whānau
A single, tax-free payment lets your family keep the mortgage paid, the kids in school, and everyday life moving — even when yours can’t.
Clears the mortgage
A tax-free lump sum can settle the home loan so your family keeps the roof over their head — without financial pressure at the toughest time.
Replaces your income
Cover an income gap of 5, 10, even 20 years — so bills, groceries, and school fees keep flowing with no scramble.
Terminal illness benefit
Most modern NZ policies pay out early if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness — money in your hands when it matters most.
Not sure which cover you actually need? In about 15 minutes, an EMI expert will assess your family’s situation, compare policies from NZ’s leading insurers, and shortlist the right fit for your budget — free, no obligation to go ahead.
Get your free life insurance quote
Fill in a few details — an EMI expert will call you back at a time that suits.
Straight-talking advice, no surprises
We’re a New Zealand Financial Advice Provider. Our experts are trained, monitored, and required to put your interests first — every conversation, every recommendation.
Advice that puts your family first
Three reasons Kiwi families trust our team with the cover that matters most.
We are a Financial Advice Provider . Our experts are trained and monitored to put your interests first.
People, not policies
We build cover around your family, income and mortgage — not a one-size-fits-all package.
Real claims support
Our experts walk your loved ones through claim time so they’re never left to figure it out alone.
Three simple steps to real protection
No pressure. No jargon. Just a clear plan you actually understand.
Tell us about you
Share a few details online or over the phone — family, income, mortgage, any current cover.
We compare the market
Your expert shortlists policies from NZ’s leading insurers, tailored to your budget and needs.
Get covered, stay covered
Sign up in minutes. We review your cover each year so it grows with your life.
What our clients say
“Straightforward, patient and never pushy. Ended up with better cover than we had — and paying less each month. Would 100% recommend to any family.”
“They explained everything in plain English and gave us options — not a sales pitch. Made a big decision feel simple. Really grateful.”
“After our second was born we finally sorted proper cover. The team compared the market for us — the policy we chose was one we’d never have found on our own.”
“EMI took the stress out of comparing insurers. Everything was explained clearly and we felt like they genuinely cared about getting us the right cover, not just any cover.”
“The annual policy review saved us over $600 a year. Wish we’d gone to EMI years ago instead of sticking with our old provider.”
“Honest, professional, and available when we had questions. Made income protection actually make sense — and no cost to us. Highly recommend.”
“Fantastic service from start to finish. The team explained the difference between level and stepped premiums so clearly — something my previous broker never bothered to do. Sorted our life and trauma cover in one call.”
“Our claim was handled quickly and with real care after my husband’s heart attack. Having EMI in our corner made a scary time so much easier. Forever grateful.”
“Got income protection sorted for the first time as a self-employed builder. The expert knew exactly what to look for and matched me with a policy that actually made sense for tradies.”
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Life insurance FAQs
How much does life insurance cost in NZ?
It depends on your age, health, smoker status, occupation and the level of cover chosen. Many Kiwi families in their 30s and 40s pay from around $30 per month — but every quote is personalised. Book a free chat and we’ll show you real numbers.
Do I really need life insurance if I already have KiwiSaver?
KiwiSaver is a retirement savings scheme — not a payout to your family if you die. Life insurance is designed to clear debts (like the mortgage) and replace income for the years your family would have counted on you. They do different jobs.
How much cover should I have?
A common approach is enough to clear the mortgage plus 5–10 years of income replacement, adjusted for kids’ ages and existing savings. Your expert will walk through this with you — no guesswork.
Do I need a medical exam?
Most applications need only a health questionnaire. A medical is only sometimes required (usually for higher cover amounts or specific conditions). Your expert will let you know upfront.
Will EMI charge me for advice?
No. The insurer pays us a commission if you take out a policy through us. You never receive a bill from EMI for our advice.
Can I change or cancel my policy later?
Yes — life insurance policies in NZ can be adjusted, downsized or cancelled at any time. We review yours each year to make sure it still fits.
Give the people you love a safety net
It takes 60 seconds to start. an EMI expert will call you at a time that suits — and if it’s not right for you, that’s OK too.
Kiwi life insurance experts. We shortlist NZ’s leading insurers so you get the right cover at the right price.
Get in touch
- 0800 119 929
- info@essentialmortgages.co.nz
- Mon–Fri 9am – 6pm NZT
Important information
EMI is a New Zealand Financial Advice Provider. Any advice provided is general and does not take into account your personal financial situation, needs or goals. Before deciding on a life insurance product you should read the policy documents provided by the insurer and consider whether it is suitable for you.
For our complaints process and Dispute Resolution Scheme, please see our Public Disclosure Statement. Policy terms, exclusions, waiting periods and premium loadings may apply. Cover is subject to underwriting acceptance by the insurer.
Ready to protect the people who count on you?