Breast cancer, or for that matter any form of cancer, with women gets a reaction in the media. Breast cancer has certainly been the one that has had the majority of attention over the years.

In 2003, there were large headlines about access to Herceptin and its costs, especially as the Aussies had access to it from an early stage.

• Here in NZ, the budget at the time just didn't have the capacity to handle the cost.
• On the insurance side, there were only two medical insurers at the time able to offer cover, one that stopped not long after Herceptin hit the market, leaving 1 insurer providing non-Pharmac cover for new policies for nearly 10 years.

Now that we've got over most of the funding discussion on herceptin, it's partially funded rather than fully funded; other areas around cancer treatment are getting attention.

March 2014

Back in March last year, Sovereign hit the headlines with its stance on breast cancer reconstruction, and the original article didn't pull any punches.

You can read my blog article about this here.

• It read like a beat up on the insurance company.
• Sovereign came out with clarification and a change in how they handle breast reconstruction as a result, which was great that they responded positively. 

Public System Approach

Now we're starting to hear from those dealing with the public system.

• This article highlights the wait for surgery that's deemed non-urgent. It's one thing to have to pay for your reconstruction after having everything else paid for by your insurer; it's quite another to be told you have to wait 2 years before you can get on with life.
• From those I know who have gone through breast cancer, they just want to get on with life.

Over the Christmas period, I had the highest enquiry level from clients on medical conditions that medical insurance has or would provide assistance for than I have had for some time.

• I say 'would provide for' because some of them opted not to insure themselves for unexpected medical costs.
• I foresee that with the economy improving, people's attention to their own health will increase, and things overlooked will be getting attention.
• This will add pressure on a system that's already under load.

Want to understand more about medical insurance, check this out

If you are interested in knowing what your options are, get in touch