Your Health Insurance only 1/2 as Good as you Think?

[Usarka]

Never really given this much thought..... I have health insurance through work, and have done for the last 8 years or so.

I'm now waiting on follow up surgery from my accident two months ago. I'm on the dreaded "list", putting up with some rather unpleasant and very limiting symptoms, as well as substantially reduced work hours until I'm able to be seen to.

BUT because it's an accident it's covered by ACC, and I have no option to use my health insurance.

I guess this is just an FYI for people assuming (yep I know the saying) that insurance covers everything. And if you are in the know and think I've been lied to please PM!

[YellowDog]

Same issue here. It's an accident, nothing to do with us!

The only reason to have health insurance is if you need something like a Hernia operation, which the national medical service will not provide adequate resources for.

OR if you are unlucky enough to get the big 'C'.

[rainman]

I have had SX and Tower cover in the past. Makes no sense at the moment though - I'm fairly healthy in general, hardly ever go to the doc, and the insurers won't cover my back or my teeth...

[hayd3n]

do you have to claim acc????????

[doc]

Couple of years ago a Consultant friend told us that medical insurance was for the insecure. If you had a life threatening condition the health care system took care of it thru medical emergency ie myocardial infarction to road traffic accidents . However the system seems to now be pushing the after care to the private system as much as it can thru ACC. Or even directing those with non life threatning problems to the private sector. I suspect that eventually you wont receive general hospital care thru the mainstream health system if you haven't helped your self first. Meaning smoking related diseases will get minimal help unless they have ceased the habit. Get my drift here ? The only problem is that mental health which is a a huge growth industry medically isn't an attractive income earner cos the users don't pay. Dont think there is a private mental health system in Godzone. Private medical insurance is starting to look like an attractive option , unfortunately you have to be able to afford it cos if your young you don't need it, those that need it thru age need to pay to use it.

[CookMySock]

I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on unsurance, and claimed a total of about a tenth of that back. I am starting to think unsurance is a rip off. Also, they take your money with a gleeful smile *bling* and with a scowl, give you half of what they said they would. Fuck them I reckon. Fuck them up the arse.

Steve

[Usarka]

do you have to claim acc????????

Yep.

From Southern Cross website & policy doc...

If your healthcare service relates to an accident or injury received when undergoing earlier treatment, you must make every reasonable effort to obtain ACC approval for payment of the cost of your healthcare service.