Zurich Financial Services Australia will collaborate with the Melbourne Football Club (MFC) and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) as part of a public awareness campaign during the AFL’s Round 22 fixture on Aug. 10.
For the second consecutive year, Zurich will forgo its front-of-shirt branding on MFC’s warm-up jerseys.
In its place, the names of 45 people affected by breast cancer – selected from public nominations – will be printed on the players’ run-out t-shirts as part of the PLAY4BCNA initiative.
The insurer has also pledged a $20,000 contribution to BCNA. The funds will support the organisation’s service delivery, advocacy, and informational outreach to individuals and families navigating breast cancer diagnoses and treatment.
Zurich’s internal claims data for 2024 showed that cancer was the second most reported reason for life insurance claims, representing just over one-fifth of all such claims. Of these, approximately 20% were related to breast cancer.
The total payout for cancer-related life insurance claims last year approached $500 million.
This year, some MFC players will wear shirts bearing the names of people they personally nominated.
Among them are:
Zurich’s head of brand, marketing, and corporate affairs, Linda Griffin, said the initiative reflects the ongoing relevance of breast cancer in Australian communities.
“Breast cancer impacts the lives of Zurich’s customers and employees in communities all around Australia. As we see incidence continue to rise, it is important that we continue to shine a light on this issue and recognise those who are impacted,” she said.
MFC CEO David Chippindall noted the longstanding partnership between the club and BCNA.
“This initiative is a wonderful collaboration, and we’re grateful to Zurich for supporting our long-standing partnership with BCNA and helping bring this important cause to the forefront,” he said.
BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti added that Zurich’s donation of its logo space provides symbolic recognition of those affected.
“BCNA is very grateful to Zurich for generously donating their logo space on the MFC warm-up tops in recognition of those impacted by breast cancer. This serves as a symbol and pays tribute to everyone who has been diagnosed with the disease, including those living with metastatic (incurable) breast cancer and those who have lost their lives,” she said.
A full list of selected names is available on the Melbourne Football Club’s official website.
Zurich’s renewed health focus comes as Canstar data shows that some private health insurance premiums have risen above government expectations.
The average industry-wide increase reported by the government was 3.73% from April 1.
However, premium adjustments for Gold-tier hospital policies have exceeded that rate.
According to Canstar’s analysis, Gold-level individual hospital cover rose 13.8% on average – translating to roughly $442 more per year.
For families, average Gold-tier premiums reached $7,207 by June, reflecting an $858 rise since March.
Lower-tier policies experienced less variation. Bronze and Silver covers recorded increases of between 1.5% and 5.2%, while some Basic-tier policies declined slightly in cost.
Consumer perceptions of insurance value also continue to favour health products, according to a recent Money.com.au survey.
Among respondents, 20% identified extras cover as delivering the best value, followed by 19% who nominated hospital cover.
The findings suggest that, despite price pressures, health insurance continues to be regarded by policyholders as a worthwhile expense when compared with other types of insurance such as life, income protection, or general cover.
