As Movember awareness month concludes, alarming data from the Gulf region reveals a critical intersection between men’s health and financial stability. Zurich International Life Ltd.’s 2025 Customer Claims Report, analyzing three years of data across UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, presents compelling evidence that demands a paradigm shift in how we approach men’s wellness.
The statistics paint a concerning picture: 58% of men’s living-benefit claims resulted from heart attacks or strokes, while cancer accounted for 33%. Mortality figures prove equally sobering—cardiovascular events claim every second male life, with cancer responsible for one in four deaths.
In a region where single-income households frequently support entire families, health professionals now emphasize that medical protection alone proves insufficient. Prashant Sharma, CFA, Vice President – Life at The Continental Group, explains the crucial distinction: “Medical insurance pays the hospital; critical-illness insurance pays the household. It bridges the gap between getting better and getting back to work by covering mortgages, school fees, and everyday costs that don’t stop when income does.”
This evolving perspective recognizes that many men, despite being primary providers, often overlook their vulnerability. Insurance experts note that while awareness campaigns like Movember and Pink October have successfully normalized health screenings, the conversation must now expand to encompass economic resilience.
Industry professionals advocate for integrated solutions that combine preventive measures with financial protection. Sanghamitra Banerjee, Life Insurance Manager, highlights how insurers now incorporate wellness programs, preventive health checkups, and mental health support alongside traditional coverage. She emphasizes that critical illness riders provide essential interim relief during medical crises, offering both financial and mental security.
The report underscores employers’ vital role in closing protection gaps. Many organizations still overlook critical illness coverage when designing employee benefits programs, despite its potential to safeguard both staff and their families during health emergencies.
This comprehensive approach to men’s health—merging physical wellness with financial preparedness—represents the next frontier in holistic well-being for Gulf communities, where health stability directly correlates with family security.