Ready to belt out your favourite tune with a Grammy award winning performance? Brilliant! The team here at AA Health Insurance thought it would be a great idea to debunk 5 of the top health insurance myths and match them up to some classic karaoke hits. Because these myths and common misunderstandings might just get in the way of you either getting cover in place or getting the best out of your cover.

 

Myth #1: “I’m young and healthy, so health insurance isn’t useful to me”

Song: “Live While We’re Young” by One Direction

While it may be a contributing factor that being young and keeping in good health can decrease your need for the healthcare services that health insurance could cover you for, you’re still susceptible to unexpected sickness. Health insurance is a great backup if something were to happen, and the premiums are relatively cheaper when you’re younger too so you can live while you’re young.

 

Myth #2: “If I fall sick, I can get treatment through the public health system”

Song: “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

Although Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and ACC say “lean on me” by offering government funded healthcare, you should be aware of the possibility of long wait times or that your treatment is not publicly funded. With a health insurance policy in place, you can get quick access to eligible treatment, whether it be an everyday medical appointment like GP and physio, or something bigger like cancer treatment.

 

Myth #3: “Health insurance is too expensive”

Song: “Price Tag” by Jessie J featuring B.o.B

Health insurance has a range of different policies with varying price tags available on offer. From day-to-day cover to more comprehensive hospital plans, you can choose one that suits your needs and budget. Comprehensive policies are more expensive, but again it is ultimately up to you to choose what cover and excess levels you think would be most suitable for you.

 

Myth #4: “Health insurance is affordable now, and it won't get more expensive as I get older”

Song: “Money, Money, Money” by ABBA

While it is true that you pay a lower premium on your policy when you’re younger, your premiums will however increase as you get older. It’s also worth noting that health insurance may become more useful as you get older, including some expensive treatments that wouldn’t even be funny in a rich man’s world. You can talk to one of our staff over the phone for advice on what best suits your needs – for example you can manage your premium by increasing your excess or changing your payment frequency.

 

Myth #5: “If something happens to me, I can just pay for treatment myself”

Song: “Miss Independent” by Kelly Clarkson

Ah yes, the classic Kiwi attitude. We really do love being Mister or Miss Independent and doing things ourselves don’t we? That’s all well and good, but it’s worth noting that health insurance exists to help pay for eligible treatment that might be outside the average Kiwi’s budget. Just over a quarter of Kiwis had health insurance in place at 31 March 2022 with over $1.51bn being paid out in claims in the 12 months prior to that – that’s an average of $1040 per person!¹

 

AA Health Insurance provides quality, affordable cover for you and your loved ones - from day-to-day medical expenses like GP and physio, through to surgery and specialist consultations, plus non-PHARMAC treatments. With AA Health Insurance, you can sit back and relax knowing you're covered by one of NZ's most trusted health insurance brands.

 

Reference:

¹The FSC team (2022). Health insurance more important than ever for Kiwis but cost challenges ahead. [online] Available at: https://blog.fsc.org.nz/media-release-3-august-health-insurance-important-cost-challenges#:~:text=As%20at%2031%20March%202022

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