Fewer New Zealanders have private health insurance
The number of New Zealanders covered by health insurance dropped by 10,000 during 2010, but the dollar amounts of both claims and premiums rose.
Hot Topic
DEALMAKERS
The number of New Zealanders covered by health insurance dropped by 10,000 during 2010, but the dollar amounts of both claims and premiums rose.
"We have seen a drop of around 1 percent in the number of lives covered since December 2008, which is not a large reduction in the context of the subdued economy and the level of health inflation over recent years," Roger Styles, executive director of the Health Funds Association (HFANZ) said.
Despite the dip in coverage, total claims paid rose by $60 million to $825 million from a year ago and premium income rose $87m to $962m.
The recent tightening of ACC funding for elective surgery had helped reinforce the importance of maintaining private health cover, he said.
New Zealand needed to look at policy measures to help lift the private contribution to health care because the population was ageing, he said.
"Health insurance predominantly funds elective surgery, with a major attraction being the choice, convenience and ability to bypass public waiting lists.
Around half of elective surgery in New Zealand is privately funded.
NZPA
Mon, 31 Jan 2011
Mon, 31 Jan 2011
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Fewer New Zealanders have private health insurance
11950