I grew up thinking health insurance was a luxury, especially when we had a public healthcare system. Back then, we couldn’t afford extras, so skipping insurance seemed practical.
Now that I’m in my mid-20s, I can afford it, but I’m unsure if it’s really worth the cost. My workplace offers a discount with Southern Cross, which is what got me thinking about it. Should I start paying for it now, or would I be better off saving that money instead?
If I do get it, I feel like just going for the basic plan won’t be enough, but the more comprehensive plans with all the add-ons seem over the top. For context, I’m on daily medication, see my doctor a couple of times a year, and go to the dentist annually. I recently had my wisdom teeth removed, so no big expected costs on the horizon, and I’ve found that most mental health-related expenses aren’t covered due to pre-existing condition rules.
Any advice or personal experiences would really help. Thanks!
For me, paying for insurance is about having peace of mind. I chose a higher plan that includes dental and annual checkups because I see it as an investment in my health. Just make sure all pre-existing conditions are declared upfront because most insurance won’t cover them unless it’s through a group deal. But once you’re in, they usually cover you even if you change jobs.
Health insurance won’t help with accidents since ACC handles those, but ACC wait times can be frustrating. If saving $200 a month is your alternative, it might seem smart until you face a specialist referral or an MRI, which can wipe out a year’s worth of savings in one go.
Reese said: @Roan
Just a heads up, ACC doesn’t cover everything. I’ve had three claims denied over the years and had to pay out of pocket each time.
What were the claims for?
One was a broken bone from sports, and they said it was due to overuse. Another was a tendon injury from moving furniture, but I applied too late because I thought it would heal on its own. Lesson learned—always lodge a claim, even if you think you don’t need to.
@Reese
I had a similar issue with an old injury. They wouldn’t cover it because it wasn’t treated right away, and when I hurt the same area again, they denied that too. ACC is frustrating like that.
@Reese
As someone who used to work at ACC, I can tell you they’re strict about documenting injuries. Always report them, even if you think they’ll heal. It can save you a lot of trouble later.
I’m a GP, and I used to think health insurance wasn’t necessary. But now, seeing how broken the healthcare system is, I’ve changed my mind. Some specialist wait times are up to eight months, even in private. If you can afford insurance, it’s worth it, but be aware of what pre-existing conditions won’t be covered.
The reality is, the system is overwhelmed, and it’s only going to get worse as the population ages. I regret not getting insurance when my kids were younger. Now I’m seriously considering it for my teenagers.
@Remy
Same here, but my region is even worse. Our rheumatologist has a one-year wait in private, and it’s two years in public. ENT services are just as bad. The stats about waiting times don’t match what we GPs see every day.
For me, it’s been worth every penny. I thought my stomach cramps were just IBS, but my GP recommended a specialist, which I could afford through my work-provided Southern Cross insurance. After some tests, they found out I had endometriosis. Without insurance, I would’ve been stuck on a long waitlist or dismissed entirely.
I didn’t have insurance because I thought I was healthy and active. Then I developed health problems and spent over $20,000 on private surgery after being turned away by the public system. It turned out to be cancer, and now I’m uninsurable. I wish I’d gotten insurance earlier.
I canceled my insurance to save money but had a health scare that made me sign up again. Six months later, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Insurance has been a lifesaver for covering specialists and imaging. You never know what life will throw at you.