As a resident of New Zealand, you can rely on the public health system for emergency care and treatment for serious conditions. Relying on the public system, though, can have its disadvantages. Using the public system might mean you wait longer for treatment, don’t get to choose your specialist, and if your condition is not related to an accident, you won’t be able to rely on the ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) to pay for treatment.
Accessing treatment through private health insurance gives you control over when and where you’re treated, the surgeon who treats you, and helps you pay towards the cost of your treatment – which otherwise might be unaffordable or significantly impact the lifestyle you’re used to.
Cataract surgery $3,200 - $5000
Removal of the cloudy lens from the eye affecting vision
Endoscopic sinus surgery $12,000 - $22,000
Surgical repair of the facial sinuses
Wisdom teeth removal $3,000 – $5,500
Surgical removal of wisdom teeth (third molars)
Thyroidectomy $10,500 to $16,000
Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
Angioplasty $17,300 – $27,400
Insertion of a catheter to unblock artery with a stent or balloon
Single valve heart operation $55,000 – $75,000
Surgery to repair or replace a heart valve
Heart bypass $35,000 – $55,000
An operation to rechannel blood flow to the heart
Mastectomy $12,000 – $17,000
Surgical removal of the breast
Spinal fusion $20,000 – $65,000
Surgery to join two or more vertebrae together
Gastroscopy $1,100 – $1,600
A diagnostic procedure to look at the mouth, throat and stomach
Cholecystectomy $9,000 – $13,000
Surgical removal of the gall bladder
Colonoscopy $2,000 – $2,600
A diagnostic procedure to look at the large bowel and sample tissue
Hysterectomy $14,000 - $22,000
Surgical removal of the uterus
Appendectomy $6,000 – $10,300
Surgical removal of the appendix
Hernia repair $7,000 – $18,000
Surgical repair of weakness in the abdominal wall
Total hip joint replacement $22,000 – $30,000
Replacement of the hip joint with an artificial joint
Resection of endometriosis $9,000 – $22,000
Surgical removal of the uterine cells from the pelvis or abdomen
Robotic Prostatectomy $30,000 – $60,0000
Robotic surgical removal of the prostate
Total knee joint replacement $22,000 – $35,000
Replacement of the knee joint with an artificial joint
Varicose veins (both legs) $7,000 – $11,000
Laser or surgical removal of varicose veins
In the quarter to September 2017 we paid almost $30 million in claims to over 12,000 customers. The reality is that if these customers did not have their nib health cover they would have faced the financial burden of these costs on their own which can add additional stress during what is often already a difficult period.
However, health insurance isn’t just for those who are sick, we encourage and support people to use their health insurance to help them afford regular check-ups which may lead to early detection of ill health and allow them to seek treatment potentially before it’s too late.
Claim online, with the app or through your provider and make a payment request for procedures that have already taken place, including your pre-approved claims.
