It’s a question we’ve all asked. And we’ve all heard the stories, I call it the success stories and the horror stories from the public healthcare system.

As an adviser for over 10 years, some of the questions my clients ask before they made their decision to have health insurance for themselves and their family are: 

• Do we know the government system very well? Are we going to get the medical treatment on time when we need it?
• Is the treatment available in New Zealand?
• How are we going to deal with the huge medical expenses should we need specialist life-saving treatment?
• Will I be able to get a specialist of my choice?
• What if I want treatment for myself or my family member outside New Zealand?

It is interesting that unless and until we experience a medical event in our own family or to someone close to us, it is pretty hard to see the value of health insurance. However, during my career as an adviser, many of the highest claims my clients have received were under their health insurance.

Taking out health insurance is a very responsible act. The reason why is because you are giving yourself and your family options that can improve their quality of life through early intervention and treatment.

Over the last 10 years, I have seen some significant improvements in health insurance. Insurance companies have enhanced their products on a regular basis and made claiming easier and more flexible, and nib leads the way.

What you should really say is “honey, we should have health insurance.”  Speak to your financial adviser today.