Health insurance and pre-existing conditions
Oct 27th 2014, 6:13 am
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Pakaraka
Posts: 3,264
Re: Health insurance and pre-existing conditions
What is with the point scoring? Do different conditions get different scores? All very confusing
Oct 27th 2014, 6:52 pm
#17
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 63
Re: Health insurance and pre-existing conditions
Perhaps my story will give you food for thought. I am in my 70s, and knocked the inside of my knee in May. At first, the Doctor sent me for an x-ray (ten minutes after seeing me that was done). The x-ray showed a miniscle tear. Options - be referred to the public hospital or see a private specialist. As I was about to travel abroad, I saw the private specialist who advised on arthroscopy at $8,500. I opted to be referred to the public hospital - done - BUT - the hospital claimed it was accident related and I had to apply to ACC. After three months, and an MRI, ACC decided that it was wear and tear, so I am now back to being referred into the public system.
This situation arises because the public health system is separately funded from ACC and the two organisations pass the buck to each other for financial reasons. If the government funded everything through one system, life would be much simpler for the clients.
I am now waiting to be told when a hospital-based surgeon will see me - but it will not be ten years, more like a few weeks at Hutt Hospital. Then, it is only a matter priority - the worst most pressing cases go to the top of the queue.
This situation arises because the public health system is separately funded from ACC and the two organisations pass the buck to each other for financial reasons. If the government funded everything through one system, life would be much simpler for the clients.
I am now waiting to be told when a hospital-based surgeon will see me - but it will not be ten years, more like a few weeks at Hutt Hospital. Then, it is only a matter priority - the worst most pressing cases go to the top of the queue.
Oct 27th 2014, 8:46 pm
#18
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,611
Re: Health insurance and pre-existing conditions
Couldn't agree more.
Nov 2nd 2014, 11:04 am
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Whangaparaoa
Posts: 458
Re: Health insurance and pre-existing conditions
I'm having a bit of a nightmare with finding health insurance.
Before I came to NZ I had no health insurance in UK. I have had knee surgery in the past and been told that I will eventually need a knee replacement.
I am struggling to find health cover that includes the knee, and am reading that I could wait up to ten years on the public system - IF I gain enough points to be put on a list in the first place.
I do not have the $15000 - $28000 that it is estimated it would cost when I need to have it done.
Can anyone help me solve my mini crisis?
Before I came to NZ I had no health insurance in UK. I have had knee surgery in the past and been told that I will eventually need a knee replacement.
I am struggling to find health cover that includes the knee, and am reading that I could wait up to ten years on the public system - IF I gain enough points to be put on a list in the first place.
I do not have the $15000 - $28000 that it is estimated it would cost when I need to have it done.
Can anyone help me solve my mini crisis?
Nov 9th 2014, 7:15 am
#20
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Invercargill
Posts: 627
Re: Health insurance and pre-existing conditions
I have found one like that but I was told that degenerative issues are still exempt from cover. Is that the case with Southern cross?
