In Aotearoa we pride ourselves on the strength and resilience of our communities, particularly the women who play such pivotal roles in our lives. As we step into International Women's Day, we think it's important to shine a spotlight on the challenges women face, in particular with our health system.
More than just statistics, we want to highlight the reality for thousands of women around New Zealand.
The chances are, if you're reading this, you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi women, with more than 3000 diagnosed each year, that’s roughly 9 women every day. And each year, more than 650 will lose their lives to it.
Let's re-frame that. Each year 650 families will lose a loved one to breast cancer.
Breast cancer is most treatable when it’s caught early. 10 year survival rates from regular mammograms sits at 95%, or 85% from finding a change or lump on the breast.
Did you know? Many Health Insurance providers will cover the cost of mammograms.
Treatment in Aotearoa is funded, but wait times for essential surgery have increased dramatically over the past decade.
During the years 2003 to 2005, more than 55% of women with breast cancer had their first surgery within 31 days of diagnosis. Figures for 2018 to 2020 show only 36% of women had received their first surgery in that 31 day window. Going private for treatment will fix the time delays on surgery, but not many Kiwi families can afford the cost of such surgery. A double mastectomy can cost upwards of $100,000.
As well as surgery, drug and hormone therapies are an important part of many women's breast cancer treatment. A lot of insurance providers will cover treatments not funded here by PHARMAC, plus will allow for faster access and a higher standard of care throughout.
Another health concern many women deal with is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) - a common hormonal disorder that affects up to 10% of all pre-menopausal women. It can impact the body in different ways, including infertility, hair growth, irregular periods, and weight gain. Because of the wide range of issues that come with PCOS, it can take years for it to be properly diagnosed. Having health cover in place before diagnosis could mean going straight to the private sector for treatment, rather than waiting months for specialist appointments in the public health system.
For many who already have a PCOS diagnosis, it’s important to remember that some insurance providers cover pre-existing conditions after a certain time. And for mothers, it’s crucial to explore options of including children on your health insurance policy in advance of such diagnoses, meaning they are covered when the condition develops or is discovered.
March 8th is International Women’s Day, but the month of March is International Endometriosis Awareness Month! Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. It can cause painful periods, pain during sex, bowel problems, and infertility. Its causes are poorly understood, and it’s another one that can be difficult to diagnose - a 2020 survey of sufferers in NZ found it took an average of almost nine years, and five doctor visits, before a formal diagnosis. It affects 1 in 10 Kiwi women and girls.
According to Endometriosis New Zealand, one of the biggest factors preventing girls and women talking to a doctor about Endo is the belief that their symptoms are normal, along with the embarrassment of talking about it. This is why awareness months, and awareness around this condition is crucial!
Endometriosis New Zealand has a heap of useful tips for self management of Endo on its website here.
Treatment could be surgical or medical, depending on factors like the severity of the endometriosis and if you plan on having children in the future.
Once again - consider insurance for children so that cover is in place before these diagnoses are confirmed. And remember, some health insurance providers will cover known pre-existing conditions after a stand down period.
Something else to consider - across all departments of the public health sector, almost 60,000 Kiwis had been waiting longer than four months for their first appointment with a specialist between July to September in 2023, up from 35,863 at the end of September in 2022. Our public health sector is under enormous pressure!
There is a range of options for private health insurance in Aotearoa, and each of them offers a different package. It’s critical to have a conversation with an adviser when considering your options, so we can take into consideration your specific concerns and needs when recommending cover.
Contact us here to talk to us about your personal health insurance concerns. Everything discussed is treated with strict confidentiality, and we will endeavour to help in any way we can.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.
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