We are already winding down with Movember, but the spotlight remains on men's health as data reveal the scale of illnesses striking men across the Gulf region - and the impact these diagnoses have on families.

According to the Customer Claims Report 2025 by Zurich International Life Ltd., three years of claims data across the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar show that 58 per cent of men's living-benefit claims were filed for heart attacks or strokes , while 33 per cent were for cancer .

November returns with its unmistakable symbol, the moustache, and a simple purpose: to get men talking about these issues.

When it came to death claims, the picture was equally sobering: one in every two men had died from a heart attack or stroke , and one in four from cancer .

In a region where a single income often supports an entire household, the conversation around wellbeing is expanding to include financial preparedness and protection.

Prashant Sharma, CFA, Vice President – Life, The Continental Group, explained that medical treatment is only one part of the burden families face. “ Medical insurance pays the hospital; critical-illness insurance pays the household,” he said.“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.”
Sharma pointed out that this shift in thinking is crucial because many men still don't see themselves as vulnerable, even though their income is a cornerstone of family stability. As he put it,“They see themselves as providers. But that's exactly why protection matters. Their wellbeing sustains everyone else's stability.”

Awareness campaigns like November and Pink October have already helped change attitudes, normalising screenings and early conversations about health.

But, as Sharma noted, awareness alone doesn't ease the financial shock that often follows a major illness. He believed the next phase of progress needs to focus on the connection between health and economic resilience.
He said,“The next step is helping them see that prevention isn't only about the body; it's also about the balance sheet. You can't separate financial resilience from physical wellbeing.”

For insurers, the claims data underscored just how many families have needed support at critical moments.“Our report offers some important insights that hit home for men's health,” said Shilpa Chitanand, Head of Sales and Distribution – Retail, Zurich International Life Ltd.“It has highlighted just how many have faced serious health challenges and needed financial support when it mattered most. The numbers emphasise the need for a robust financial safety net, reminding us just how important it is to look after our health and to ensure our loved ones are protected no matter what challenge life brings.”

Insurance advisors say that while the public increasingly understands the physical risks men face, more attention is needed on the practical tools that can help families stay secure during a crisis.

Sanghamitra Banerjee, Manager – Life Insurance, notes the growing emphasis on prevention, which she says insurers are actively integrating into their offerings.“We as insurance professionals give a lot of importance to preventive measures. Insurance, to a great extent, emphasises offering enhanced benefits like wellness programs, preventive health checkups, and mental health to prevent or delay such occurrences,” she said.

Banerjee added that beyond prevention, timely protection is essential-especially given how drastically a diagnosis can reshape a family's life.“Definitely, a timely purchase of an add-on cover of critical illness, comes as a blessing should anyone get diagnosed with such a major illness. Diagnosis of the illness jeopardises not only the member but the entire family. A critical illness rider cover can bring interim relief, both financially and mentally, when you need it most. Movember being the month of awareness of male health issues and suicide, insurance protects you by keeping you secure mentally and physically.”

She stressed that employers also play a role in ensuring their staff have access to meaningful protection.“An employer at the time of buying an insurance plan should carefully assess the gaps, keeping in mind a critical illness cover before finalising their employee benefits program. Often employers skip this vital cover. Opting for some important benefits like critical illness, that sits over and above your primary cover as an add-on can work wonders.”

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