How to update your details if your gender changes

At Zurich we’re doing all we can to be an inclusive partner to the LGBTQ+ community. That’s why, if you already have a policy with Zurich, you can update your name and gender identity in our systems to match your affirmed gender.

Currently, we can only offer male and female gender options. We’re working on including a non-binary gender for our customers, but we’re not able to do this just yet.

How can I update my name and gender identity with Zurich?

You can update your name or gender identity by contacting our Customer Care team on 131 551, client.service@zurich.com.au or by talking to your financial adviser. Please note that ‘male’ and ‘female’ are the only options available at the moment (we’re working on it).

For all our customers changing their name or gender identity, we ask for some supporting evidence – this applies to all changes for example marriage or incorrectly completed application. This ensures that when you make a claim, we already have documents proving you are, and always have been, you.

How to update your gender identity

Please send us:

1.  A written request, with your signature
2.  An original certified copy of your passport or documentation from the Births, Deaths and Marriages register, which clearly shows your correct gender. If your driver’s licence shows your gender, then we can accept a certified copy of this as well. If you cannot provide these documents, please contact our Customer Care team for assistance.

How to ask us to update your name

Please send us:

1. A written request, with your signature
2. An original certified copy of your passport, or documentation from the Births, Deaths and Marriages register, which clearly shows your new name.

Changing your salutation:

You can update your salutation or title at any time without providing evidence.

Will my premiums change if I update my gender?

Yes. Updating your gender identity is likely to affect your premiums. Life insurance pricing is based on actuarial data (statistical analysis of risk across the population) that attributes these risks to males and females. For example, males are statistically at a higher risk of developing certain conditions than females.

The premium you pay for your cover will be updated at the next policy anniversary to match your gender.

If your premiums increase as the result of updating your gender identity, you will not be asked to pay the higher premium before the policy anniversary date.

If your premiums decrease as a result of updating your gender identity, no refund is payable.

Will it affect the process if I have to make a claim?

Updating your name or gender identity doesn’t make it harder to make a claim with Zurich. When you lodge a claim, you will be treated with the same respect and service we provide to all our customers.

When you claim, a claims assessor will ask for a range of information including medical reports to assess whether your claim meets the terms of the policy. Any exclusions or loadings related to your policy, will also be assessed. Your adviser can guide you through the claims process.

The completeness and accuracy of the health information you initially provided on the policy application is critical to the success of any claim. It is important to disclose existing medical conditions, past or upcoming surgeries or therapies in the application. If these conditions are not disclosed, your claim may not be successful.

When you make a claim, you can tell us on the claim form about any previous names you have been known by. We’ll accept your medical records even if they are in your previous name.

We can help if you’re experiencing vulnerability

We know that anyone can experience vulnerability or need additional help accessing financial services, particularly when facing unpredictable life events, including gender affirmation. Our staff have been trained to support you during these difficult times. For more information on how we can support you, visit our website.