 |
| HEALTH INSURANCE |
New Zealand's health system has
undergone major changes in the last few years. As a result the system is
more transparent, but with this comes a clearer view of its faults and weaknesses.
Medical practitioners are still the first port of call when you're not well
- unless it's an emergency, in which case you might visit an accident and
medical clinic, or for serious accidents or illnesses, the accident and
emergency facility at a public hospital.
In many cases, a Medical practitioner will be able to diagnose and treat
your condition. If not, he or she might refer you to a specialist. If you
have health cover, you will typically be able to make an appointment with
a specialist much sooner than if you go through the public system.
If your specialist recommends surgery, you will again probably receive treatment
faster if you opt for private surgery where it is available for your condition.
In 1987, the public sector funded 86% of all healthcare. By 1997 that number
had dropped to 75%. In 1999 private insurance funded about 6% of healthcare
compared with just 2% 10 years ago. The shortfall between public funding
and private insurance is primarily self-funded by patients.
These trends are likely to continue, as our ageing population and the explosion
of high-tech medical procedures put increasing demands on limited public
budgets.
|
| Workforce Health |
Studies indicate sick days due to ill health
could be costing some businesses upwards of 15% of profits.
People with Health insurance received treatment on average within 22 days
while the average length of time on waiting lists for the uninsured respondents
was 97 weeks. Absenteeism related to their condition among the uninsured
(36.4 days) was more than twice that of the people with private health cover
(16.6 days).
We’re not a healthy nation
Employee health is a concern for businesses in New Zealand because we aren’t
a particularly healthy nation. Common chronic diseases include diabetes,
asthma, heart disease, stress and lower back pain. These regularly cause
staff to stay home, or work less effectively when they are on the job.
Some staff could be operating below par without really knowing they have
a health problem. For example, approximately 120,000 New Zealanders are
known to suffer diabetes – a further 60,000 are estimated to have
undiagnosed diabetes. The National Heart Foundation estimates 40% of males
over 45 and females over 55 are at significant risk of a heart event within
the next five years.
Health insurance can help address these problems. Comprehensive cover removes
the financial hurdle that may prevent people from seeking help for small
health problems (reducing the likelihood of them growing into major health
problems) while hospital and specialists cover can overcome waiting list
congestion and get people back on their feet quicker.
Apex Advice Group is the Group Health Market.
To learn more or obtain quotes regarding personal or group health plans
please Click Here |
|
