How to cancel your Fidelity Life insurance policy in new zealand
Understanding Fidelity Life and why you might cancel
Fidelity Life is a New Zealand life insurance provider offering life cover, trauma insurance, and income protection to individual policyholders across the country. If you purchased your policy directly or through an adviser, Fidelity Life administers your cover and manages any changes you request. Customers who previously held Westpac Life policies now receive support through Fidelity Life's dedicated contact channels.
You may decide to cancel your policy for legitimate reasons: your family circumstances have changed, you have secured more affordable cover elsewhere, or your insurance needs have diminished. Whatever your situation, Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate the cancellation process step by step, ensuring you understand your legal rights and avoid costly oversights.
Common reasons to cancel your Fidelity Life policy
Life circumstances shift. You might reduce your insurance needs as your family situation evolves, secure employer-sponsored group cover, or switch to a policy that better aligns with your budget. Some policyholders cancel because premiums have increased beyond what they can afford. Others have paid off major debts or wish to reassess their protection strategy. Understanding the cancellation process before you act puts you firmly in control of your decision.
When cancellation may not be your best option
Before you cancel, consider whether a policy review might better serve your situation. If cost is your primary concern, you could discuss premium reductions, policy adjustments, or payment frequency changes with Fidelity Life directly. Cancelling and later reapplying for cover can result in significantly higher premiums based on your age and health status at the time of reapplication. Yafee recommends you explore all options first, particularly if your health has changed since you originally applied.
Your legal position and consumer rights
Your right to cancel a life insurance policy in New Zealand is protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010. You have the statutory right to cancel your policy, and Fidelity Life must process your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe.
Your legal position under new zealand law
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 grants you the right to cancel a life insurance policy within 30 days of purchase if you have not made a claim and the insurer has not yet assessed your health for claims purposes. After this 30-day cooling-off period, you retain the right to cancel at any time by providing written notice to Fidelity Life. Your cancellation takes effect from the date Fidelity Life receives your notice, not from the date you submit it.
Fidelity Life must confirm receipt of your cancellation request in writing. If you cancel outside the cooling-off period, you are not entitled to a refund of premiums you have already paid, unless your policy terms specifically allow for a refund or you have been overcharged. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) is New Zealand's regulatory body responsible for supervising insurance providers, and you can lodge a complaint with them if Fidelity Life fails to process your cancellation or refuses your request without valid reason.
Important protections under insurance law
Fidelity Life must provide you with a cancellation confirmation that specifies the date your cover ceases. You should request confirmation of the exact date your policy ends to avoid any gaps or unexpected billing. If you have overpaid premiums during any period before cancellation, you have the right to request a refund of those overpayments. Yafee recommends you keep all correspondence regarding your cancellation as evidence of your request.
Cancellation methods available to you
Fidelity Life provides several channels through which you can submit your cancellation request, and each method is equally valid under New Zealand consumer law.
Contact your insurance adviser
If you purchased your Fidelity Life policy through an insurance adviser, contact them directly and request they submit your cancellation on your behalf. Your adviser has your policy details on file and can expedite the process by communicating directly with Fidelity Life. This is often the fastest route to cancellation, as advisers typically receive priority handling from the insurer. Your adviser must confirm to you in writing that they have submitted your cancellation request and should provide you with Fidelity Life's written confirmation once the cancellation is processed.
Use the Fidelity Life website contact form
Visit fidelitylife.co.nz/contact/ and complete the online inquiry form. Select "Policy Cancellation" or "General Enquiry" from the dropdown options and clearly state that you wish to cancel your policy. Include your full policy number, full name, and preferred contact method. Submit the form and retain a copy or screenshot of your submission for your records. Fidelity Life should respond to website submissions within 2 to 3 business days.
Email Fidelity Life directly
Send a cancellation request email to Fidelity Life's main customer service address. If your policy originated from Westpac Life, email [email protected] for dedicated support. Include your policy number, full name, date of birth, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel your policy. Request written confirmation of cancellation and specify your preferred cancellation date (noting that this must be at least 5 working days from the date you send your email to allow processing time). Keep your email and any responses from Fidelity Life.
Phone Fidelity Life customer service
Call Fidelity Life's customer service team during business hours and request cancellation verbally. Have your policy number, personal identification, and contact details ready. Ask the customer service representative for a reference number for your cancellation request and note the date and time of your call. Request that Fidelity Life send you a written confirmation of cancellation by email or post within 2 business days. Follow up with an email summarising your phone conversation to create a documented record.
Send a written cancellation notice by post
You can send a signed letter requesting cancellation to Fidelity Life's postal address (see the Contact and address section at the end of this guide). This method creates a formal paper trail and is particularly useful if you want undeniable proof of your cancellation request. Send your letter via registered post with tracking so you have confirmation of delivery. Include your policy number, full name, date of birth, and a clear statement requesting cancellation. Ask Fidelity Life to confirm cancellation in writing to the address you provide.
Step-by-step guide to cancelling your policy
Follow these steps to ensure your cancellation is processed smoothly and you receive formal confirmation.
- Gather your information
- Locate your policy number from your policy documents or recent premium statements.
- Prepare your full name, date of birth, and current contact details.
- Note any relevant account or claim history you wish to reference.
- Review your policy documents for cancellation terms
- Check whether your policy contains any specific cancellation clauses or conditions.
- Verify whether you are within the 30-day cooling-off period (if so, you may be entitled to a premium refund).
- Note the effective date you wish your cancellation to take effect.
- Choose your contact method
- Decide whether to contact your adviser, use the website form, email, phone, or post a written notice.
- Yafee recommends that you use a method that creates a documented record, such as email or registered post.
- Submit your cancellation request
- Clearly state that you wish to cancel your policy and provide your policy number.
- If you have a specific cancellation date in mind, state it clearly.
- Request written confirmation of cancellation.
- Retain all correspondence
- Keep copies of your cancellation request, reference numbers, and all emails or letters from Fidelity Life.
- If you phoned, make a written note of the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with.
- Follow up for written confirmation
- If you do not receive written confirmation within 5 business days, contact Fidelity Life again and request confirmation in writing.
- Ensure the confirmation specifies the cancellation date and any refund entitlements.
Timeline and what to expect after cancellation
Understanding the cancellation timeline helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected gaps in your insurance cover.
Processing timeframe for your cancellation
Fidelity Life must acknowledge your cancellation request within 2 to 3 business days of receipt. The actual cancellation typically takes effect from the date the insurer receives your request, unless you have specified a future cancellation date. If you specify a future date (for example, to allow time to secure alternative cover), Fidelity Life will honour that date as long as it is reasonable and you have notified them in writing. Your policy premiums will cease from the cancellation date, and you should not incur further charges after that point.
What happens to your cover after cancellation
Once your cancellation takes effect, your insurance cover ceases immediately. You will no longer be protected under your Fidelity Life policy, and any claims submitted after the cancellation date will be rejected. If you are replacing your Fidelity Life cover with another insurer, ensure you have confirmation that your new policy is in force before your Fidelity Life policy ends to avoid any protection gap. Yafee strongly recommends coordinating your cancellation date with your new insurer's start date.
Premium refunds and final billing
If you cancel within the 30-day cooling-off period and have not made a claim, you are entitled to a full refund of premiums paid. Fidelity Life will process this refund to your original payment method within 10 to 15 business days. If you cancel after the cooling-off period, you are generally not entitled to a refund of premiums already paid, as life insurance is a continuous protection product. However, if you have prepaid premiums beyond your cancellation date, Fidelity Life must refund the unused portion pro-rata. Request a detailed refund calculation if you believe you are entitled to any refund.
Pricing and refund entitlements
Your refund entitlements depend on when you cancel and whether you have made a claim.
| Cancellation timing |
Refund entitlement |
Processing time |
| Within 30 days of purchase (cooling-off period) |
Full refund of premiums paid |
10 to 15 business days |
| After 30 days, mid-month cancellation |
Pro-rata refund of unused premiums for remaining month |
10 to 15 business days |
| After 30 days, at end of payment cycle |
No refund (premiums cover protection to that date) |
N/A |
| After a claim has been assessed |
No refund (policy has delivered its benefit) |
N/A |
| If policy has been in arrears |
Any refund may be offset against unpaid premiums |
10 to 15 business days |
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling a life insurance policy is straightforward, but avoiding these pitfalls ensures you do not encounter unnecessary delays or disputes.
Submitting a vague cancellation request
Do not assume Fidelity Life will understand your intention if you simply say "I want to change my policy" or "I may not need this anymore." Be explicit and use the word "cancel" or "terminate" in your request. Ambiguous requests may be treated as general inquiries and cause processing delays. Always include your policy number and state unambiguously that you wish to cancel your policy entirely, not modify it.
Failing to retain proof of your cancellation request
If you phone Fidelity Life without documenting your request in writing, you have no evidence that you submitted a cancellation. Always follow up verbal requests with an email confirming what you discussed and when. If you use email or post, retain copies of every message. This documentation protects you if Fidelity Life disputes that it received your request or if you later need to escalate your complaint to the Financial Markets Authority.
Cancelling without securing replacement cover
Do not cancel your existing Fidelity Life policy until you have confirmed that your replacement policy is in force. If you cancel first and then discover that your new insurer has rejected your application or delayed your start date, you will be uninsured. Coordinate your cancellation with your new insurer's onboarding team to ensure seamless coverage transition.
Ignoring the cooling-off period advantage
If you are within 30 days of purchase and wish to cancel, prioritise this immediately to benefit from the full refund entitlement. After 30 days, you will receive only a pro-rata refund if any. If you are uncertain about your policy, contact Fidelity Life within the cooling-off period to discuss your concerns rather than cancelling impulsively and losing your refund protection.
Assuming automatic cancellation after non-payment
Failing to pay your premiums does not automatically cancel your policy. Fidelity Life will pursue payment, and unpaid premiums may eventually trigger policy lapse, but this is not the same as a formal cancellation request. If you cannot afford your premiums, contact Fidelity Life to discuss payment plans or policy adjustments rather than simply stopping payment. A lapsed policy may incur additional fees and negatively affect your credit record.
Escalating your complaint if Fidelity Life refuses to cancel
In rare cases, Fidelity Life may dispute your cancellation request or claim it has not received your submission.
First step: contact Fidelity life's complaints team
If Fidelity Life refuses to cancel your policy or does not respond to your cancellation request within 5 business days, submit a formal complaint to their complaints department. Send your complaint in writing (email or post) and reference all previous cancellation requests you have made. State the dates you submitted your cancellation and the methods you used. Ask for a written explanation of why your cancellation is being refused. Fidelity Life must respond to complaints within 20 business days under the Financial Markets Authority's requirements.
Escalate to the financial markets authority if necessary
If Fidelity Life refuses to resolve your complaint or does not respond within 20 business days, you can lodge a complaint with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). The FMA is New Zealand's independent regulator responsible for supervising insurance providers. You can lodge a complaint online at fma.govt.nz or in writing. Provide the FMA with copies of all correspondence with Fidelity Life, dates of your cancellation requests, and a summary of how Fidelity Life has failed to meet your cancellation request. The FMA will investigate and can compel Fidelity Life to process your cancellation.
Seek independent advice if your claim is disputed
If Fidelity Life claims you made a claim under your policy and argues that this prevents cancellation, seek independent legal advice. Life insurance policies generally allow cancellation even after a claim has been made, unless the claim is still being assessed. Yafee can connect you with legal specialists who understand New Zealand insurance law and can advise on your specific circumstances.
Comparison: cancelling versus modifying your policy
Before you cancel, consider whether modifying your policy might better suit your needs.
| Action |
Cost implication |
When to choose this |
| Cancel your policy |
No premiums after cancellation date; possible refund if within 30 days |
You no longer need life insurance protection |
| Reduce your cover amount |
Lower monthly premiums; no loss of protection |
You need less cover but want to retain some protection |
| Switch to a cheaper payment frequency |
Potentially lower cost if you pay annually instead of monthly |
Your budget has tightened but you still value your cover |
| Pause your policy (if available) |
Stop premiums temporarily; cover may reactivate later |
You need temporary relief but may want cover again |
| Switch to a different Fidelity Life product |
May be cheaper or better suited to your needs |
You want to stay with Fidelity Life but need different terms |
After your cancellation is complete
Once Fidelity Life has processed your cancellation, take these final steps to ensure a clean break.
Request written confirmation of cancellation
Ensure you receive a letter or email from Fidelity Life that specifies the cancellation date, your final premium payment date (if any), and confirmation that no further charges will be made. This confirmation protects you against unexpected billing disputes later.
Monitor your bank account for unexpected charges
After your cancellation date, watch your bank statements carefully for the next two or three months to ensure Fidelity Life does not attempt to debit further premiums. If you notice any unauthorised charges after your cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and notify Fidelity Life in writing that you have cancelled and no further payments should be taken.
Archive your policy documents
Keep all policy documents, cancellation confirmations, and correspondence with Fidelity Life in a secure archive for at least seven years. You may need to refer to these documents if you lodge a complaint later or if a dispute arises regarding your claim history or health status.
Update your insurance arrangements
Ensure your replacement life insurance policy is in force and that your beneficiaries are registered correctly with your new insurer. If you have not yet secured alternative cover and you now realise you do need life insurance, contact Fidelity Life to discuss whether your policy can be reinstated or contact a new insurer immediately to apply.
Use the following contact details to submit your cancellation request or lodge a complaint with Fidelity Life.
Cancellation contact methods
- Postal address: Fidelity Life Limited, Private Bag 102-906, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- Email (general enquiries): [email protected]
- Email (Westpac Life customers): [email protected]
- Website contact form: fidelitylife.co.nz/contact/
- Phone: Check your policy documents or the Fidelity Life website for the current phone number, as this may change
Financial markets authority (for complaints escalation)
- Website: fma.govt.nz
- Postal address: Financial Markets Authority, Level 2, 85 The Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Email: [email protected]
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Fidelity Life policy is your legal right, and New Zealand consumer law protects your entitlements throughout the process. You can cancel through your adviser, via email, phone, the website contact form, or by post, and you must receive written confirmation within 5 business days. If you are within 30 days of purchase, you are entitled to a full refund; otherwise, you may receive a pro-rata refund for unused premiums. Before you cancel, explore whether reducing your cover or adjusting your payment frequency might better suit your situation, and ensure you have secured replacement cover to avoid an uninsured gap.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate life insurance cancellations across New Zealand, and we understand the legal complexity that can arise. Document every step of your cancellation process, retain copies of all correspondence, and escalate to the Financial Markets Authority if Fidelity Life refuses to process your request. Your consumer rights are clear under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, and Yafee's guides are designed to empower you to exercise those rights with confidence. For additional support or clarification on your specific circumstances, visit Yafee.com, where expert contract law guidance is always available.