Private Medical Cover

The Importance of Private Medical Insurance in New Zealand

Private Medical care has become increasingly important as the cost of medical treatment rises and public healthcare systems face funding pressures. Waiting to even get on a waitlist in the first instance can be a significant issue and in some cases no waitlist at all.

The Risk of Public Healthcare Delays

In New Zealand’s public healthcare system, long wait times for essential treatments and surgeries can be more than just inconvenient – they can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Benefits of Private Medical Cover

• Faster Treatment: Private medical cover generally ensures faster treatment, helping you avoid lengthy public waitlists.
• Private Hospitals: Be treated in private hospitals and have a provision to be compensated if an unplanned public hospital stay is encountered unexpectedly.
• Access to Exclusive Treatments and Medications: Have access to treatments that may not be available in the public health system including non-Pharmac funded drugs.
• Cancer Care: Access to broader cancer treatment options.

Understanding Pharmac Medication Access

Pharmac is New Zealand’s drug-buying agency, subsidising treatments in the public system. However, there are numerous med safe approved medications you would need to pay for out of your own pocket without private medical cover that are not Pharmac funded.

Life-Saving Cancer Treatments

Private medical cover provides access to costly treatments that can extend into the hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for things like:

• Melanoma Drugs: Recently, lifesaving drugs like Keytruda have been highlighted in the press
• Breast Cancer Treatments: Previously, Herceptin for breast cancer received similar attention

Premium Discount Structures

Most providers have excess options available so you can utilise different excess options in order to activate a discount structure and make sure the premiums are relative to what’s most important to you.

Investing in Your Health

With private health insurance, you are investing in the most precious asst: you and your family’s health. Don’t let financial concerns or the complexity of choices stop you from securing the best possible care.