AuSAE - HFANZ Figures reveal surge in health insurance numbers

HFANZ Figures reveal surge in health insurance numbers

21 Sep 2016 3:27 PM | Deleted user

Baby blip boosts health insurance coverage

Higher birth rates and young families taking out new policies have caused a surge in health insurance numbers in the year to the end of June, according to the latest figures from the Health Funds Association (HFANZ).

The total number of New Zealanders with private health insurance cover stood at 1.348 million as at June 30 this year, up 14,100 or 1.1 percent on the same time last year. In the June quarter, lives covered rose by 6100, or 0.5 percent.

Of significant note was an increase of more than 7000 lives covered in the 0-4 age group during the year, an increase of 12.3 percent, and a 6.4 percent increase in the 25-39 age bracket.

HFANZ chief executive Roger Styles said it appeared more young families were taking out new policies covering themselves and their children. New Zealand’s birth rate had increased over the past year for the first time in four years, and young people had also been keen to take up the new types of minor medical health insurance policies available.

"Things are looking up. It’s pleasing to see young families are taking no chances regarding their healthcare. They realise the government can’t fund everything, and that they are going to have to take more responsibility for the healthcare of themselves and their children."

Mr Styles said these figures showed the fifth straight quarter of growth, and marked the strongest annual growth in numbers recorded since September 2008.

Regional figures showed the main centres were leading the way, he said, with Auckland, urban Canterbury and Wellington having the highest health insurance coverage, followed by Southland and Taranaki. All five regions were above the national average of 29 percent coverage.

"These areas are the best prepared when it comes to looking after their healthcare," Mr Styles said.

Total claims paid amounted to $1.076 billion for the year ending June 30, 2016 - up 6.2 percent on the previous 12 months. Claims paid for the June quarters were $290 million, up 10 percent on June 2015.

This article was originally sourced from Voxy.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325

The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia