30 Apr 2012

Insurers say think again before cutting cover

1:44 pm on 30 April 2012

Health insurers are urging people to think again if they are considering dropping their health insurance to save money.

The Health Funds Association says there's been a 3% decrease over the past three years in the number of people with health insurance, which it puts down to tougher economic times.

Chief executive Roger Styles, says 7100 people ended their health insurance cover in the March quarter alone.

During the past year, 25,700 people have ended their insurance cover, leaving just 30.5% of New Zealanders with health insurance.

Mr Styles says taking a break and then trying to resume cover can be costly, and a better option is to discuss other alternatives, such as a higher excess.