Almost two-thirds (64%) of residents in the United Arab Emirates do not have a life insurance policy that would protect their familys financial future in the event of the death of the primary salary earner, according to a survey released today by Zurich International Life.

Families can suffer from severe economic loss if their primary salary earner dies. A life insurance policy provides a cash lump sum or regular income to replace the earnings that would cease at the death of the insured to pay regular bills, school and university fees, the mortgage and outstanding debts.

Additionally, the survey found that among residents with life insurance, two-thirds (66%) have cover that only equates to two or less years of their annual salary, which would be insufficient to cover the loss of income from the primary salary earner.

What is most concerning about this survey is the finding that 60% of people with children do not have life insurance, commented Andrew Oliver, Head of Propositions and life insurance expert at Zurich International Life Limited.

Life insurance should be a fundamental part of your financial plan as it provides a monetary lifeline that protects your family from financial distress following the death of the main breadwinner.

UAE Residents failing to protect their biggest asset their future income
Zurichs survey also found that only 20% of UAE residents have critical illness insurance, also referred to as disability cover.

Critical illness insurance pays out a lump sum or a regular income if you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition or become permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness. The insurance helps cover the cost of medical treatment and replace lost earnings.

Oliver added: Life is unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared. Life insurance and critical illness cover provide solutions to help protect you and your family from the unexpected. But it is important to seek financial advice to ensure you select the right policy with adequate cover to meet your familys needs.

TABLES:

Percentage of people with life insurance (by nationality):

Asian expat 50%
Western expat 45%
Arab expat 18%
Emirati national 11%

How much life insurance do you have?

Less than annual household income: 31%
1-2 times annual household income: 35%
5-10 times annual household income: 7%
More than 10 times annual household income 3%

Percentage of people with critical illness insurance (by nationality):

Western expat 30%
Emirati national 22%
Asian expat 20%
Arab expat 17%