Cancer is something no one likes to think about but it’s a reality that touches many New Zealanders, whether personally or through family and friends. Each year, around 25,000 people in Aotearoa are diagnosed with cancer.
While survival rates are improving through continuous medical advancements, treatment can be a long and stressful journey both emotionally and financially. Having the right insurance in place can help relieve some of that pressure and give you access to timely care when it matters most.
Getting access to treatment faster
New Zealand’s public health system provides high-quality care, but depending on where you live and the type of treatment you need, waiting times can vary. Some medications approved for use in New Zealand are not funded by Pharmac, which means they can be expensive to access privately.
That’s where health insurance can make a real difference. Depending on the policy, health cover can:
Provide faster access to diagnosis and treatment
Cover some costs for private hospital stays or specialist care
Include benefits for certain non-funded cancer drugs
It’s about expanding your options and helping you focus on getting well, rather than spending time worrying about delays or unexpected costs.
Cover designed specifically for cancer
Some insurers also offer cancer-specific policies. These may be available either as an add-on to an existing health or life policy, or as a stand-alone option. They’re designed to help cover the costs of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
The level of cover and the conditions included vary between providers, so it’s worth getting advice before choosing a policy.
Trauma (critical illness) cover
Trauma insurance works a little differently. Instead of reimbursing medical costs, it pays you a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with one of the serious illnesses or injuries specified in your policy, and that usually includes several types of cancer.
You can use this payment however you need to: for example, to replace income while you recover, pay your mortgage, or cover extra care and living costs.
What if you’ve had cancer before?
If you’ve had cancer in the past, getting new cover can sometimes be more complex but not impossible. It generally depends on your medical history, how long you’ve been in remission, and the insurer’s underwriting criteria. An adviser can help you understand what’s possible and which providers may be suitable.
Protecting your health and peace of mind
Insurance can’t prevent cancer, but it can help reduce the financial impact and give you more control over your care. Understanding what’s available, and what each policy includes or excludes, is an important step toward protecting yourself and your family.
If you’d like to talk through your options, get in touch with us. We can help you review your existing cover or explore new solutions that fit your situation.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.
