Stefan Rodrigues - Insurance Market Midpoint

20/11/2025

Lately it feels like everything is getting more expensive, groceries, petrol, power bills, you name it.

So I decided to take my own advice and review my personal insurance.

One of the small tweaks I made was changing my Trauma Cover from standalone to accelerated.

That little change saved me about $20 a month.

It’s not a huge amount, but every bit helps, especially with how things are at the moment.

Sometimes it’s just about adjusting what you already have, not starting from scratch.

If you haven’t looked at your cover in a while, it might be worth checking if there are ways to make it work better for you.

13/10/2025

CPI Increases – Helpful or a Hidden Cost?

I came across an interesting article on Stuff this week about how insurance policies automatically increase your cover each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

This means that unless you actively decline the increase, your sum insured (and often your premium) will go up each year. The intention is good, it helps your cover keep up with inflation so the value of your protection stays relevant over time.

But for some people, these automatic increases can add up quietly and cause premiums to rise faster than expected.

That’s why it’s so important to review your insurance regularly. As part of my service, I reach out to my clients each year to make sure everything is still up to date, affordable, and right for their situation.

If you haven’t reviewed your cover in a while, now’s a good time to check whether those CPI increases are still working in your favour.

It might be time to check the small print on your life insurance policy, writes Damien Venuto.

01/10/2025

New from AIA NZ: Specialist and Testing Support (STS)

With the rising cost of living, many Kiwis are rethinking private health insurance. At the same time, longer public hospital wait times mean delays in getting answers when you need them most.

That is why AIA has launched Specialist and Testing Support (STS), an affordable option that helps bridge the gap.

✅ Up to $10,000 a year for specialist consultations
✅ Up to $100,000 a year for diagnostic tests and procedures (for example MRIs, colonoscopies, ECGs)
✅ Faster access to diagnosis and treatment pathways
✅ Optional excess to help reduce premiums
✅ Health screening allowance every three years

It is the first standalone specialist and testing cover in New Zealand, designed for those who want access to faster care without paying for full comprehensive health insurance.

This could be a great option if you are cost conscious but still want peace of mind knowing you can see the right specialist quickly.

If you would like to explore whether STS is the right fit for you, get in touch with me today.

26/09/2025

Daylight Savings & Heart Health – A Timely Reminder

When we “spring forward” and lose an hour of sleep, studies show there is a noticeable spike in heart attacks, strokes, and even accidents. It is a powerful reminder that life can change in an instant, sometimes from something as simple as disrupted sleep.

Just like adjusting your clocks, this is a great time to check in on your insurance cover. If something unexpected happens, the right protection can make sure your family stays secure while you focus on recovery.

Book a free consultation today and make sure your safety net is in place.

P.S. For me, daylight savings means more time for long family walks in the evenings, which is a good reminder of what we are all really protecting

25/09/2025

School Holidays = Family Time

School holidays are here, and that means more time with the little ones.

Whether it is heading out on adventures, lazy mornings, or just soaking up those moments together, it is a reminder of why we work so hard in the first place.

It is also the perfect time to pause and think: If something happened to me, would my family still be taken care of?

Insurance is not just about policies and paperwork. It is about making sure your kids still get the same love, care, and opportunities no matter what life throws at you.

If the holidays have reminded you of how precious family time is, maybe it is also time for a quick insurance review. A chat now could mean peace of mind for years to come.

Keen to review your cover? Drop me a DM and we can make sure everything is in place for your family.

13/09/2025

When thinking about cancelling cover…

I recently saw a post where someone cancelled their insurance only to be diagnosed with something serious not long after. It really got me thinking about a client of mine and some advice I once heard from a BDM.

One of my clients, a hardworking builder, was ready to cancel his cover. I said before you do that, go and get a health check just to be sure. Good thing he did. His bloodwork showed early-stage prostate cancer. Talk about a curveball for someone who was fit, active, and thought he was bulletproof.

Because his cover was still in place, he was able to:
✔️ Get treatment straight away
✔️ Receive a payout that supported his family
✔️ Focus on recovery and get back to life

That is the thing about insurance. It is not about “what if.” It is about what now when life suddenly flips the script.

So if you are ever tempted to ditch your cover to save a few bucks, maybe have a chat first.

29/08/2025

🔒 Can capitalism survive without insurance?

That’s the question posed in this article by Gareth Hughes, and it couldn’t be more relevant right now.

Across Aotearoa, we’re seeing big shifts in the insurance market:

🏡 House insurance premiums are climbing—especially in higher-risk areas—driven by climate events and rising rebuild costs.
🧬 Health insurance costs are soaring too, with some providers increasing premiums by 20–27% in the past year.
❤️‍🔥 Life insurance remains vital—but as we age, premiums increase, making long-term planning more important than ever.

You can’t control the ageing process. But you can control how prepared you are.

✅ Some insurers offer wellness and rewards programs that give you discounts for taking care of your health.
✅ You can structure your cover in ways that lock in savings long-term (like level premiums vs. stepped).
✅ And most importantly, you can choose to review your plan before it becomes unaffordable or too late to get cover.

👉 If you’ve noticed your premiums creeping up—or you’re unsure what you’re really paying for—now’s a good time to have a chat.

If dire warnings from scientists haven’t been enough to shift governments into meaningful action, perhaps the stark reality of uninsurability will.

28/08/2025

Buy as much butter as you want!

Buy AIA life, health or income protection insurance and add AIA Vitality before 30 September and go in the draw to win one of 20
$500 Woolworths Gift Cards!

Plus activate your AIA Vitality membership via the app for an extra entry in the draw.

T&Cs apply.

18/08/2025

Are you overpaying for your insurance?

Many Kiwi families pay $10,000+ more than they need to across the life of their policies.

We review your cover against the market so you keep the protection, not the waste.

Message us to check if you’re overpaying

14/08/2025

Chubb Life are making insurance more affordable by locking in 2 months’

FREE cover until 31 March 2026. On top of that they’re expanding their 15% Lifetime Reward eligibility criteria until 30 January 2026.

Then there’s the multi-benefit discount and array of unique customer benefits.

So now’s the time to talk to me about their affordable range of cover options for Life

Insurance, Income Protection and Trauma Cover. T&Cs apply.

13/08/2025

Exciting news! I have joined Insurance Market Midpoint

With over 14 years in the New Zealand insurance industry, I help make Life and Health Insurance simple, practical and tailored to you. I am passionate about helping first home buyers and young families protect what matters most.

As a husband, dad and proud pet parent, I know life can be full of surprises and I want to make sure you are prepared for them. While I do not sell pet insurance, I believe our furry family members deserve protection too.

I am known for my calm, down-to-earth approach and I offer free, no-obligation consultations either face-to-face in Auckland or virtually anywhere in New Zealand. Whether you are new to insurance or just want to check your cover is right, I can help you make confident and informed decisions.

📅 Message me today to book your free consultation.