Woodpigeon

After a couple of health scares for me and OH in the past 6 months or so, I am thinking it might be time to get some health insurance (paying nearly $500 to see a specialist privately rather than waiting at least 6 months was a good decision, but expensive!).

Anyone got any recommendations/suggestions on which company and what sort of package? I'm thinking of maybe just me, or me and OH - the kids can stay healthy for a few years! OH is 60+ and now has a pre-existing condition, just to add to the fun of it all!

I've had a bit of a look on the web and got a couple of quotes but there seems to be so many different options

scrubbedexpat094

We are with Southern Cross via my OH's employment on a 'Regular Care Plan'.
This covers 80% of the cost of treatments etc. But not always! For example, I am having an hepatobiliary scan this afternoon which is costing over $1100. SC will pay $560 of this & we have to cover the rest .

I find it all something of a mine field. I'd rather have something than nothing though. We had a few pre-existing conditions that we declared when we got here that aren't covered, but as long as we keep coming up with new things (), we are okayish.

I will personally do anything to avoid going into North Shore hospital. The place gives me the creeps.

P18PPS

Southern Cross for us too - the more cover you can afford to include (for everyone) the better, with children too it only takes one health scare/specialist appointment and you've recouped your premiums.

Southern Cross health also gets you a discount on their travel insurance which is worth a fair bit too if you intend to do any amount of travel.

alanmacc

I have looked at health insurance many times in my 4 years here and I am still not convinced it is worth the costs, at $150 per month it is a pretty big hit to take in the one go if you do not use it.

Yes if you have to use specialists it may pay off for you provided you do not have the pre existing conditions so im still on the fence regarding the whole thing ..... even though i had to get my crown replaced at $1400 !!!!!!

luvwelly

I have BUPA Expat from OH's employer but it only covers emergency dental not a crown. Dental is better done 'pay as you go' for most people anyway.

P18PPS

Perhaps the way to go is to put $150 per month away yourself then and keep building the pot up - then at least the cash is yours and being handed over to an ins company.

Woodpigeon

Thanks for the replies. Seems like ScC is the most popular, but I had heard that some people had issues around finding that they weren't covered for what they thought they were with them.

Anyone ever had any dealings with Vero? I can get a discount with them through work, but I didn't think it really made it any cheaper.

Had also thought about the putting $$ away monthly option, but have never been very successful at that when saving up for a holiday, so not sure I'd manage it for insurance