Risk Insurance Advisor Steve O’Connor helps people ensure they have the right insurance cover when they need it most.

Great news! If you read my column last month about Nigel Latta and his cancer journey, there’s now a fantastic update to share.

In a recent NZ Herald article, Nigel said: “I took a whole bunch of wonder drugs, and the wonder drugs are working. I’m now going to live for years and years.”

Nigel credits personal risk insurances – life, health and disability, as a key reason he’s still here today.

Without that cover, he simply couldn’t have afforded the breakthrough medications and treatments that, while approved and available in New Zealand, aren’t publicly funded by Pharmac.

These so-called ‘wonder drugs’, along with many Medsafe-approved cancer treatments and other advanced medications, often come with significant costs.

Unfortunately, most are not funded by Pharmac, meaning they’re out of reach for many Kiwis without insurance.

Having health insurance can:

• Let you skip public waiting lists and access treatment sooner.
• Get you back to work faster and support your financial stability.
• Provide access to all Medsafe-approved medications without needing to sell your house or launch a Givealittle page.

If your health cover is through work, please check what it includes. Most workplace health policies offer limited or no access to non-Pharmac-funded treatments unless you specifically opt in for additional cover.

Health insurance provides priority access, supports productivity, and can give you the chance at longevity.

In the face of a devastating diagnosis, how would you afford the treatments or medications that could give you more time? Let’s talk.

• Steve O’Connor, Insurance Advisor, Insurance Market, 021 862 330, steve.oconnor@insurance-market.co.nz