nib New Zealand rolls out product refresh to enhance member value and experience

nib New Zealand (nib) is updating the cover and benefits across most of its health insurance products to provide greater value and simplicity for members.

Rob Hennin, nib New Zealand, Chief Executive Officer says a review of its products provided an opportunity to improve its offering and enhance the member experience.

“nib has provided health insurance to Kiwis for over a decade and a number of our legacy products required a refresh to continue to meet members’ needs. These changes, such as higher benefit limits, and broader coverage for some products, will benefit many of our members and ensure more consistent and contemporary levels of cover for our members across our product range.

“The product refresh will also provide some operational efficiencies and a better overall experience for our members. Policies are simpler and easier to understand and we have an updated member portal to create a better online experience.”

The changes will be introduced over a 12-month period from 1 February 2024. nib will notify members of any changes at the date of their policy renewal and the changes will be automatically applied.

Hennin said that there will be no impact to member premiums this year as a result of these changes.

A Brief Summary of Product Changes

The suite of product changes include higher benefit limits and expanded cover for many members, however there will also be a minor reduction in some benefit terms and updated exclusions.

Dave Hartland, nib New Zealand, Head of Product, Marketing and DTC, said overall the changes will provide members with improved cover and a better experience. “For example, the benefit limit for our Surgical Benefit is increasing from $150,000 to $600,000 per year for some members who hold the ‘Hospital Cover’ product.

“But in some instances, benefit cover may be reduced. For example, members who hold the ‘Hospital Cover’ product will see a reduction to the cover on their Ambulance Transfer Benefit. Previously an ambulance transfer could be to any approved private hospital in New Zealand but under our new cover an ambulance transfer must be to the closest private hospital,” he explained.

Members aren’t required to do anything as the changes will be automatically applied to a member’s policy from the date of their policy renewal.
For more information - visit https://health.nib.co.nz/policyupdate