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Health
Chat.
Your regular catch-up with UniMed.
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Member edition #11 — February 2024
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Kia ora,
Welcome to our latest edition of HealthChat.
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This month we let you know what’s happening with the Health Insurance industry, and how you can make the most out of our special fitness Member offer.
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HealthCheck.
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Summer is almost behind us and Autumn is well and truly on its way. While it might bring cooler and shorter days, it also marks the beginning of our cold and flu season. So it’s a good time to keep up your healthy habits to stay as well as possible as we transition into the winter.
We will be continuing to offer all Members free flu vaccinations, up to $30 per Member. All you need to do is submit your claim form with an itemised invoice from a qualifying pharmacy or medical professional.
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As health care services begin gearing up for their busiest season, it’s also timely to reflect on what this means for the Health Insurance industry. It’s no surprise that we are seeing significantly increased demand for health services, which is putting severe pressure on both the public and private health systems.
This includes an increase in both demand and the cost of health services. Last year, we processed 43% more claims than the year before. We also paid out over $107 million in claims, up 27% on the previous year. These trends are expected to continue in 2024.
This growth clearly shows the important role health insurance plays in giving people choice and access to services.
With those numbers in mind, and with the cost of medical procedures continuing to increase, there is pressure across the industry. This will likely flow into increased premiums over the next year.
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As a not-for-profit organisation, we are here to help you access health services not to make money. However, we do need to make sure that we can cover costs and pay claims now and in the future.
Please be assured that we always try to keep any premium increases as low as possible and recognise that people are facing cost of living pressures. We also seek to keep your health plan cover up to date with new benefits and member offers.
We currently have several fantastic member-only offers that you can take advantage of. We’ve recently introduced a 15% off discount with Allianz Travel Insurance to help you prepare for the unexpected on your next holiday. And, until the end of February you can get a 30-day free no obligation trial with Snap Fitness. Alongside, MoleMap, Specsavers and Bloom hearing specialists there’s plenty to choose from. Explore our offers here.
If you’d like to chat through anything in the health, wellness or preventative care space, please feel free to email me anytime at ceo@unimed.co.nz.
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Ngā mihi nui,
Louise Zacest
Chief Executive
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Did you know as a UniMed Member you get access to three free mental wellness sessions a year?
Since November 2021, we've funded over 8,500 sessions for more than 2,200 people.
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That's why we've partnered with Clearhead who have over 500 therapists providing online or in-person support. There's virtually no delay, book your appointment to recieve help usually within 24 hours. T&C's apply.
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Health Tips.
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The World Health Organisation recommends adults should do between two and five hours of moderate intensity physical activity each week but most of us struggle to achieve that.
Physical activity has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds and can contribute towards preventing and managing conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
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To make it easier to get moving we have partnered with Snap Fitness to offer a free 30-day no obligation trial for Members who sign up before 29 February.
What are you waiting for, sign up today.
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T&C's apply.
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Are you thinking about planning a holiday? We’re excited to launch our new partnership with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer our Members a 15% discount for international and domestic leisure travel insurance.
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From robust medical coverage to reliable baggage protection, Allianz Travel Insurance has got you covered. Use the promo code UniMed15 when booking your next trip. T&C's do apply.
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Health Team.
Our team of dedicated Relationship Managers (RMs) play a pivotal part in delivering trust, personalised care and a seamless service to our Members. As our RM for the lower North Island, Gail Presland-Tack is often our first point of contact with our Members, making sure they understand their health plans, what they are covered for and how they can make a claim. Our self-professed 'jack of all trades' makes sure she is available to answer any of your burning questions.
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Health Chat.
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As you know, we love to hear from our Members. For any enquiries, please email members@unimed.co.nz.
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Alternatively contact us Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm on 0800 600 666, our friendly team are here to help.
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