Insure Your Car, Boat, House and Your Health

Insure Your Car, Boat, House and Your Health

March 19, 2014

Too many young people believe their car is more valuable than their health.

An Auckland lawyer, who works in the health sector, says the first thing young people do when purchasing the latest vehicle is to insure it so they can claim if things go wrong.

Jane Bawden says that’s perfectly logical and she applauds their decision. However she says it’s even more important to take out a warranty on their health if things go wrong.

“It’s a totally responsible decision for young people to have their car, their possessions and their house insured but they take their health for granted,” Jane says.

“They can’t enjoy any of those if they develop a medical condition or face rehabilitation after injury.”

Jane, who’s the recently appointed Chair of Accuro Health Insurance, is encouraging people to start early and consider health insurance before age related conditions set in.

“Many young people enjoy their sport but don’t think ahead to the natural wear and tear on the bodies,” she says. So many young people are living lives to the full that they need to be covered when problems set in Jane comments.

“They must also realise that illness doesn’t just happen to older people. Medical conditions don’t always take regard of age.”

Jane became a company solicitor and risk manager for Auckland DHB 20 years ago and has been “hooked on health” ever since. Because one of her children has a profound disability, she has a personal understanding of the complex nature of treatment and care.

“We as a Board recognise that every Accuro member is an individual with individual needs and the decisions we make must always take them into account,” she says.

“We’re fortunate that Accuro focuses solely on health insurance so we can respond quickly and effectively to trends and policies within the industry and maintain a close relationship with our members.”

Accuro started more than 40 years ago by providing health insurance for the health professionals and Jane says it’s important to retain strong links with the sector through nurses, DHBs and health related organisations.

“Our vision is to continue to support members, provide the best policies, educate people to consider health insurance before the onset of medical conditions and grow the company,” she says.

Accuro recently celebrated an increase in membership for the 13thquarter in a row at a time when the industry is facing a contracting market.

Jane Bawden is aware of the challenge to government to meet the provisions of elective surgery within reasonable timeframes and sees an urgent need for ongoing dialogue between the government and private health providers.

She believes a system similar to KiwiSaver should be introduced which would offer flexibility in health care and she’d like the government to establish a climate of support for people to provide for their long term health needs.

“It’s important to have autonomy over our own health and access to health care at a time when we feel it’s appropriate for us,” Jane says.

ENDS

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