Do I need health insurance?

Although New Zealanders are covered by the public healthcare system, the reassurance of knowing they’re covered in the event of a medical incident is still one of the main drivers for people taking out private health insurance cover. According to the Health Funds Association of New Zealand, in 2017-18 a record $1.207 billion was paid out in health insurance claims, and the total number of Kiwis with health insurance in NZ is now in excess of 1.386 million – more than a quarter of the population.

If you’re considering your private health insurance options, your first thought is probably to question what advantages it has over New Zealand’s publicly funded healthcare system.

New Zealand public health care

While the public health care system provides quality emergency services, patients who require important ‘non-urgent’ treatment may have to wait for months, or even years, for an operation. Delays in treatment can cause a condition to deteriorate, leading to a more severe prognosis or even death.

Health insurance in NZ

On the other hand, private health insurance gives policyholders the confidence that they can receive the medical attention they need when they need it.

The cost of health insurance in NZ can vary greatly from person to person. Age, medical history, whether being part of a group scheme or an individual member, can all affect your premium, so it’s always an idea to enlist the help of an advisor who knows the market and can compare providers, policies and prices.

Your insurance provider makes the difference

As already mentioned, health insurance can be the safety net when you need it most, but which provider can you rely on to make the claims process as stress-free as possible? Give Theo or Cristina a call for a no-obligation chat on what suits you and your family best.

It’s what we do!