History
CIGNA New Zealand is part of CIGNA Corporation, a Fortune 500 company and one of the world’s largest publicly-owned insurance and financial services companies. CIGNA Corporation has over two centuries of experience, stretching back to its origins in the the US with Connecticut General (CG) and the Insurance Company of North America (INA).
New Zealand operations
In New Zealand, CIGNA’s heritage dates back over 85 years to just after the First World War. We evolved out of two insurance companies, INA, which started conducting business in New Zealand in 1919 and Monarch Life Insurance Limited, which was first registered in 1968.
In 1986, after various mergers and takeovers, CIGNA Life Insurance New Zealand Limited was born. We now protect more than 275,000 New Zealanders with policies ranging from disability cover to term life insurance.
A history of innovation
Innovation has been the hallmark of CIGNA internationally from the start. Our senior founding company, Insurance Company of North America (INA), is the oldest marine insurance company and the oldest shareholder-owned insurance company in the United States. As well as selling the first fire and theft policy on an automobile and insuring the first expedition to tackle Mount Everest, INA also developed the first ‘package’ insurance policy, known as the ‘home-owners’ policy.
Connecticut General, another of our founding companies, was a pioneer in the group life insurance business, offering the first group major medical coverage available for general use. It was also responsible for a major innovation in marketing life insurance as an estate planning tool.
International strength
CIGNA Corporation has established an international reputation for its substantial financial strength. Our claims record is excellent and has earned us consistently high rankings from the independent ratings firm, A.M. Best. Our most recent rating is A- (Excellent). CIGNA Corporation has steadily grown and diversified around the world, and now operates in 25 countries, employs 28,000 people and manages assets of over US$110 billion.
CIGNA’s international operations began in the late 19th century when INA marketed insurance on three continents through general agents, and later through foreign offices. CIGNA’S other founding company, Connecticut General traded internationally from 1962.
In 1984, CIGNA Worldwide was formed and became one of the largest international insurance operations. From our American roots in Philadelphia and Hartford, we have branched into Asia and the Pacific Rim countries, into Europe and throughout the Americas.
Today, CIGNA is one of a handful of organisations that offers truly international insurance, benefits and financial products and services. In major markets around the world, CIGNA Corporation's operating subsidiaries provide an integrated suite of medical, dental, behavioural health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance, to approximately 46 million people.
For a detailed timeline of the success and prosperity of CIGNA Corporation, visit the CIGNA Corporation website at: http://www.cigna.com/about_us/company_history.html
To discuss your insurance needs, we invite you to contact CIGNA New Zealand today.