29 Apr 2020

Health premiums under spotlight amid Covid 19 stoppages

From Nine To Noon, 9:45 am on 29 April 2020
Optometry concept. Male patient under optometrist optician examinination of eyesight in eye ophthalmological clinic

Photo: 123rf

With people going out less, there's less risk, so insurers have seen a marked drop in claims. In health, add to that cancelled elective surgery and a lack of availability for routine services such as dental and eye care. Southern Cross, New Zealand's largest health insurer, is giving money back to members to help them through the potential financial hardship caused by Covid-19. It is returning $50 million to its 880,000 members and 4000-plus business customers. Should others follow suit? CEO of Southern Cross is Nick Astwick.