CREATIVE JUNCTION
Health insurance is often looked at as icing on
the cake cover, says Alysha Mackenzie from Zest
Brokers.
PAGE 17
“In New Zealand we are fortunate to have a pretty
good health system and affordable everyday
healthcare for children,” she says. “Unfortunately
it’s when the unexpected happens that most
people wish they had private insurance cover.”
Most general practises in New Zealand offer zero
fees for children under 13, and prescriptions
usually range from $5 to $7.
Necessary surgery is also funded publicly.
However, one of the pitfalls of having easily
accessible healthcare for children is long waiting
lists, says the Whangarei mum-of-two.
“Children can often be waiting for months
for common procedures like grommets and
tonsillectomies.”
Wait times can in some cases result in delayed
development and may even worsen conditions
that could have been preventable.
“Children will need to see a specialist to be
approved for surgery,” says Alysha. “That same
specialist that is booked out for months in
advance will have slots available for patients
paying privately (either on their own or via private
insurance), having health insurance allows you to
skip the queue.”
According to a Ministry of Health survey
published in October last year, just 28% of New
Zealand children have private health insurance
cover.
Alysha says this figure isn’t surprising.
Most parents who have opted not to get health
insurance have done so to reduce household
expenses, she says.
“A lot of families will go down to a single
income for a while after having children, and
unfortunately health insurance can sometimes be
seen as one of those things to cut out.”
However, this also means that paying for private
surgery is out of reach for those families.
“Tonsil removal can range from $3200 to $4300
and grommets can cost up to $2800,” says
Alysha. “Whereas health insurance can range
from around 50 cents a day.”
Alysha Mackenzie from Zest Brokers offers free
consultations. If you would like to learn more,
contact her on 021 882 661.
Health insurance for children: is it necessary?