# Zurich Term Life Insurance in UAE - International Term Assurance (ITA) & IDTA Plans

**Published:** 2020-10-07
**Updated:** 2026-09-25
**Author:** Aashima Mongia
**Reviewer:** Atul Kathuria
**Original Url:** https://www.policybazaar.ae/zurich-term-insurance-trmpvd/

**We are Rated:** 4.7/5
**Review Count:** 44,602 [Reviews](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ry9H7NLgFAGso8gZ7)
**Insurance Partners:** 35+
**Trusted Customers:** 2 Million+
**Policies Sold:** 1 Million+

Zurich offers Term Life Insurance in Dubai in the form of International Term Assurance (ITA) for a lump sum of money or International Decreasing Term Assurance (IDTA) for mortgages. ITA pays the beneficiary the lump sum assured if the insured dies within the policy term. No claim is payable if the insured survives the policy term. The sum assured under the protection plan could be as high as USD 20 million for terms ranging between 5 and 35 years. You also get the option of adding Critical Illness, Disability, and Waiver of Premium riders.

## Quick Facts About Zurich Term Insurance

| Feature | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Insurer | Zurich International Life (Middle East) |
| Best For | Family protection, income replacement, mortgage protection |
| Plans Available | International Term Assurance (ITA), International Decreasing Term Assurance (IDTA) |
| Policy Term | 5–35 years |
| Maximum Cover | Up to AED 80 million (plan dependent) |
| Critical Illness Cover | Optional |
| Permanent Total Disability Cover | Optional |
| Waiver of Premium | Optional |
| Premium Payment | Monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly (plan dependent) |
| Global Portability | Yes, subject to policy terms and Zurich approval |
| Claim Settlement Ratio | 97% (2026 Zurich Value of Life Report) |
| Average Claim Processing Time | Around 72 hours after receiving complete documents |

## Why Does Zurich Term Insurance Stand Out in the UAE (2026 Claims Insights)

One of the reasons many UAE residents choose [Zurich Life Insurance UAE](https://www.policybazaar.ae/zurich-life-insurance-lipvd/) is its transparent claims reporting. Zurich is among the few insurers in the region that publishes annual life insurance claims data, helping customers understand the real risks families face.

_**According to Zurich's 2026 Value of Life Report:**_

| Claims Insight | What It Means for You |
| --- | --- |
| Trusted Worldwide | Zurich Insurance has been helping families in 73 countries for more than 40 years |
| Proven Track Record | Serving over 277k customers in the UAE |
| Fast & Reliable Claims | USD 227 million paid in life insurance claims over the last three years, with an average time of around 72 hours |
| 4.6/5 customer rating | Indicates strong customer satisfaction |
| Flexible Premium Payments | Choose to pay premium monthly or annually, whichever works the best |
| Customisable Plans | Tailor the plan as per your requirements and select the currency for coverage |
| Efficient Claim Process | Benefit from a swift and straightforward [life insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/life-insurance/) claim process |

These figures highlight Zurich’s focus on paying genuine claims quickly and supporting policyholders across different countries. You can also check Zurich term insurance reviews online to make your comparison easier and better.

## What are the Types of Zurich Term Life Insurance UAE?

Zurich offers two main [term insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/term-insurance/) products in the UAE. Let’s understand them one by one:

### 1\. International Term Assurance (ITA) - Level Term Cover

ITA is a fixed-sum life insurance plan. The coverage amount (sum assured) stays the same throughout your chosen term. If you pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness (with less than 12 months to live), your beneficiaries receive a lump sum. You can also add optional benefits for broader protection.

#### Key benefits:

*   Pays a cash sum if you die during the policy term or are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
*   Optional Critical Illness (CI) cover: Lump sum payment if diagnosed with a covered illness.
*   Optional Permanent and Total Disability (PTD) benefit: Payment if you can no longer work due to disability.
*   Waiver of Premium option: Zurich pays your premiums if you are incapacitated for at least 180 days due to accident, illness, or injury.
*   Coverage continues even if you move to another country (subject to Zurich’s acceptance rules).

#### Benefit Limits

| Benefit | Currency | Min | Max |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Life Cover | USD | 100,000 | 20,000,000 |
|  | AED | 350,000 | 70,000,000 |
|  | GBP | 50,000 | 13,500,000 |
|  | EUR | 70,000 | 20,000,000 |
| Critical Illness | USD | 50,000 | 1,250,000 |
|  | AED | 175,000 | 4,500,000 |
|  | GBP | 25,000 | 850,000 |
|  | EUR | 35,000 | 1,250,000 |
| PTD | USD | 50,000 | 2,000,000 |
|  | AED | 175,000 | 7,000,000 |
|  | GBP | 25,000 | 1,000,000 |
|  | EUR | 35,000 | 1,400,000 |

Minimum regular premiums:

| Currency | Monthly | Yearly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | 30 | 300 |
| AED | 105 | 1050 |
| GBP | 15 | 150 |
| EUR | 20 | 200 |

Premiums depend on age, gender, health, smoker status, cover amount, term length, and chosen riders.

  

### 2\. International Decreasing Term Assurance (IDTA) - Mortgage Protection

IDTA is designed for situations where the amount you need to protect reduces over time, for example, a mortgage or loan. The life cover amount decreases every year until it reaches zero at the end of the term.

#### Key benefits

*   Pays a reduced lump sum if you die during the policy term.
*   You get optional Critical Illness (CI) cover and Permanent and Total Disability (PTD) benefit.
*   Waiver of Premium option: Zurich pays your premiums if you can’t work for at least 180 days due to accident, illness, or injury.
*   Free [temporary life cover](https://www.policybazaar.ae/life-insurance/articles/temporary-life-cover-uae/) (up to USD 250,000 / AED 1 million) while your application is being processed.

#### Benefit limits

Life Cover (compulsory)

| Currency | Min | Max |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | 100,000 | 20,000,000 |
| AED | 400,000 | 80,000,000 |
| BHD | 40,000 | 8,000,000 |
| QAR | 400,000 | 80,000,000 |
| GBP | 60,000 | 12,000,000 |
| EUR | 80,000 | 16,000,000 |

  
CI & PTD (optional, must match Life Cover amount)

| Currency | Min | Max |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | 100,000 | 2,000,000 |
| AED | 400,000 | 8,000,000 |
| BHD | 40,000 | 800,000 |
| QAR | 400,000 | 8,000,000 |
| GBP | 60,000 | 1,200,000 |
| EUR | 80,000 | 1,600,000 |

Minimum regular premiums

| Currency | Monthly | Quarterly | Half-yearly | Yearly |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| USD | 25 | 75 | 150 | 250 |
| AED | 100 | 300 | 600 | 1,000 |
| BHD | 10 | 30 | 60 | 100 |
| QAR | 100 | 300 | 600 | 1,000 |
| GBP | 15 | 45 | 90 | 150 |
| EUR | 20 | 60 | 120 | 200 |

#### Key Rules & Risks

*   Total payout cap: Combined claims for Life, CI, and/or PTD cannot exceed original Life Cover amount.
*   No guarantee to match mortgage balance: payout is based on the policy's sum insured at the time of claim.
*   Non-disclosure: may result in claim refusal.
*   Premium reviews: Critical Illness benefit premiums reviewed periodically.
*   No value on maturity: policy ends without payout if you survive the term.

### Optional Benefits (for both ITA and IDTA)

**1\. Critical Illness (CI)**

*   Lump sum if diagnosed with a covered illness after a 90-day waiting period.
*   Reduces the life cover amount when claimed.
*   Claims made during this waiting period are not covered.
*   Premiums for this rider may be reviewed every five years. If premiums change, you can:
    *   Pay the revised premium
    *   Reduce your Critical Illness cover OR
    *   Remove the rider

**2\. Permanent and Total Disability (PTD):** Lump sum if you can’t work again after being disabled for 180 consecutive days. You must continue paying your premiums during this waiting period.  
**3\. Waiver of Premium (WOP):** If you’re unable to work due to an accident or long-term illness, this rider helps keep your policy active. Zurich pays your future premiums if you are incapacitated for at least 180 days.

_**Important: If you make a claim for Critical Illness or Permanent & Total Disability, the amount paid will reduce your remaining life cover. The total amount paid under all benefits cannot exceed your original life cover amount.**_

## ITA vs IDTA – Which Zurich Term Cover Should You Choose?

Here’s the tabled comparison to help you choose a suitable plan —

| Feature | ITA (Level Term) | IDTA (Decreasing Term) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Coverage | Fixed throughout term | Reduces yearly |
| Best for | Family/business income protection, fixed debts | Mortgages, reducing loans |
| Optional Benefits | CI, PTD, WOP | CI, PTD, WOP |
| Minimum Term | 5 years | 5 years |
| Maximum Term | 35 years | 35 years |
| Max Age at End of Term | 79 | 79 |
| Free Temporary Cover | No | Yes, up to USD 250,000 / AED 1M |
| Premium | Fixed for the basic life cover | Fixed for life cover (Critical Illness premiums may be reviewed periodically) |

  

## What are the Features of Zurich Term Insurance in Dubai?

The following are the primary features of Zurich term life insurance in UAE —

*   Sum assured is paid if the policyholder passes away during the policy tenure
*   Option to choose your beneficiary to receive your pay out in case of your absence
*   You can add riders like critical illness cover if diagnosed with diseases like heart attack, stroke, cancer, and more
*   Leverage to insure your partner under the same policy

_**Tip: Zurich uses your ‘Age Next Birthday’ to calculate premiums. Buying a policy before your next birthday may help you lock in a lower premium for the entire policy term.**_

## What is Not Covered Under Zurich Term Life Insurance?

The following are the exclusions of Zurich term life insurance in Dubai -

*   **The 12-Month Suicide Clause:** Standard UAE policies exclude death by suicide only during the first 12 months of the policy. After the first year, it may be fully covered.
*   **Passive War Risks:** Given regional geopolitical news, expats often worry about unrest. Standard policies typically exclude active military conflict (e.g., you voluntarily join a combat force).  
    However, Zurich standard policies cover passive war risks. So if you are an innocent civilian caught in an unexpected conflict, your life cover remains valid.
*   **Non-Disclosure:** The number one reason claims are denied (accounting for the 3% decline rate in 2026) is medical non-disclosure. If you hide a pre-existing condition during your application, Zurich will invalidate the policy.

| 
## Who Can Buy Zurich Term Insurance?

If you are the sole breadwinner in the family, you should consider buying a Zurich term life insurance. It is better to buy term insurance at an early age to build coverage throughout the tenure. |
| --- |

## How to File a Zurich Term Insurance Claim in UAE

To file a claim for Zurich term insurance settlement, follow these steps —

*   Go to Zurich term insurance login and inform them about the claim.
*   Or you can connect via the customer care number - +971 4 363 4567 or email ID - **benefit.claims@zurich.com.**
*   Fill in the claim form precisely and mention the requested information. Make sure to provide all the required information without delay.
*   Submit the claim form and affix the supporting documents including —
    *   Original policy document
    *   Death certificate (in case of the insured person’s demise)
    *   Identification documents like Emirates ID, Passport, UAE residence visa, and address proof
    *   Duly completed claim form
    *   Medical records (if applicable)
    *   Other supporting documents requested by the insurer

**Click to View Term Insurance Plans**

## Eligibility & Age Limit for Zurich Term Cover

To apply for a Zurich term plan in the UAE, you must meet strict residency requirements. You cannot simply be passing through on a tourist visa.

*   Residency: You must be a UAE resident with a valid visa at the time of application.
*   Application Age: Most applicants secure coverage between the ages of 18 and 49, though older applicants can apply subject to stricter medical underwriting.
*   Expiration Limits: The maximum age limit at the end of the term is 79 for Life Cover. However, it is crucial to note that Critical Illness (CI) riders expire earlier, at age 69.

## Should You Add Critical Illness Cover to Zurich Term Insurance?

Many applicants try to keep premiums low by purchasing pure life cover (death benefits only). However, the newly released Zurich Value of Life Report 2026 reveals why adding [a Critical Illness rider](https://www.policybazaar.ae/insurance-companies/zurich-critical-illness-insurance/) is often the most important decision you can make:

| Metric | 2026 Zurich UAE Claims Reality |
| --- | --- |
| Claim Frequency | 3 out of 5 Zurich claims are for critical illness, not death. |
| Average Age | The average age for a critical illness claim is just 50 years old. |
| Leading Causes | Cancer (52%) and Heart Attacks / Strokes (39%). |

You are statistically much more likely to fall severely ill during your working years than you are to pass away. Critical Illness cover provides a living benefit. You can use this lump sum to pay for experimental treatments, replace lost income, or clear your mortgage while you recover.

## Is Zurich Term Insurance Suitable for UAE Expats?

Yes, Zurich’s International Term Assurance (ITA) and International Decreasing Term Assurance (IDTA) are designed with expatriates in mind.

Depending on Zurich’s underwriting requirements and local regulations, these plans can continue even if you permanently relocate outside the UAE, provided:

*   Premiums continue to be paid
*   Policy conditions are met
*   Your residency details are updated with Zurich

This portability makes Zurich a preferred choice for many professionals working in the UAE who may relocate in the future.

## Is My Zurich Policy Portable if I Leave the UAE?

Because the UAE is a transient hub, the most common question expats ask is: "What happens if I lose my job or move back home?"

Zurich ITA and IDTA are international plans. If you relocate permanently to another country, your coverage remains fully active and globally portable. You simply need to keep paying your premiums and update your residency records with Zurich (subject to standard international compliance rules). Your family remains protected whether you move to the UK, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere.

## Can You Use Zurich Term Insurance for a UAE Mortgage?

Yes. If you’re buying a home in the UAE, you can usually assign your Zurich Term Insurance policy to your bank instead of purchasing the bank's own life insurance plan.

Here's how it works:

### Step 1: Get Your Loan Details

You should ask your bank for your mortgage amount, loan term, and insurance requirements.

### Step 2: Apply for Zurich IDTA

Choose an International Decreasing Term Assurance (IDTA) plan that matches your mortgage amount and repayment period.

### Step 3: Complete the Assignment

Once your policy is issued, Zurich prepares a Notice of Assignment. This is signed by you, Zurich, and your bank.

### Step 4: Submit It to Your Bank

Your bank records the assignment and becomes the beneficiary for the outstanding loan amount. This may help you avoid paying for the bank’s own life insurance plan, depending on the lender’s requirements.

## FAQs for Zurich Life Insurance UAE

### Is Zurich Term Insurance available for UAE expats?

Yes. Zurich Term Insurance is available to eligible UAE residents, including expatriates, subject to Zurich's underwriting requirements. One of its key advantages is international portability. If you move to another country after buying the policy, your cover can usually continue, provided you keep paying your premiums and meet Zurich's policy and regulatory requirements.

### Does Zurich cover critical illnesses?

Yes, but only if you add the optional Critical Illness (CI) benefit to your policy. The rider pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the covered critical illnesses, subject to the policy terms and a 90-day qualifying period. Since it is an accelerated benefit, any amount paid under the CI rider reduces your remaining life cover by the same amount.

### Can I insure my spouse under the same Zurich policy?

Zurich allows you to choose a joint life policy, which insures both yourself and your spouse under a single plan. For joint policies, both insured individuals must select the same life cover and optional benefits. In this case, the Waiver of Premium benefit can be chosen for one or both lives, depending on the policy terms.

### Does Zurich require a medical test?

It depends on your age, health, lifestyle, and the amount of cover you apply for. Some applicants may only need to complete a health questionnaire, while others may be asked to undergo medical examinations or provide additional medical reports as part of the underwriting process. Lower-cover digital products may have different requirements.

### How long does Zurich take to settle a life insurance claim?

According to Zurich’s 2026 Customer Benefits Paid Report, valid life insurance claims are paid within an average of 72 hours after all the required documents have been received and verified. The actual settlement time may vary if additional information is needed.

### Can I change my Zurich Term Plan beneficiary later?

Yes. You can update or change your beneficiary after purchasing your policy. Changes can generally be made through your Zurich Online account or by contacting Zurich, subject to the policy terms and any legal or assignment requirements (for example, if the policy has been assigned to a bank).

### What happens if I stop paying Zurich Term Insurance premium?

If you stop paying your premiums, your policy may lapse and your life cover will end after any applicable [grace period](https://www.policybazaar.ae/life-insurance/articles/grace-period-in-life-insurance/). Once the policy lapses, Zurich will not pay claims for events occurring after the cover has ended. Also, there is no maturity or surrender value under Zurich's term insurance plans.

### Does Zurich Term Insurance have any maturity benefit?

No. Zurich's International Term Assurance (ITA) and International Decreasing Term Assurance (IDTA) are pure protection plans. If you survive until the end of the policy term, the policy simply expires. No maturity benefit or cash value is paid.

### Can I buy Zurich Term Insurance online in the UAE?

Yes. You can start the application process online through Policybazaar.ae. Depending on the product you choose, you may be able to complete the entire application online or be guided through additional underwriting requirements before the policy is issued.

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