Feb 2022 Policy Update - FAQs
Why are we changing our policy document?
The old policy document hadn’t been revamped in a while. It was time for an update. We wanted something that was easier to follow, was written in plain English and complied with current regulation.
Has the cover changed?
Yes. We tried to keep cover changes to a minimum but regulation and experience meant we did need to update a few things. For a full understanding of the changes we really recommend you read through the policy document, but you can also look at our summary of changes webpage.
When do the changes apply from?
This new policy will go in to force on 1 February 2022. Claims made from this date will be assessed against the new policy wording.
What do I need to do?
Nothing. Your cover will automatically shift to the new policy wording on 1 February 2022.
Why did you change the name of the Comprehensive cover?
The renamed ‘Plus’ cover is still our most extensive cover. However, it does (and always has) include some exclusions. We want to be super clear that it’s our widest cover option, but we don’t want to give you the false impression that it covers everything.
Why haven’t you done a full benefit review?
Unfortunately, benefit increases come at a cost. In a year where we have increased some premiums sharply, it was not appropriate to add further cost to the premium pool.
We have made some small adjustments to benefits that were clearly insufficient for our members’ needs.
Why did you remove the STI exclusion?
The purpose of the Police Health Plan is to help pay for the treatment of medical conditions. There is a lot of clinical evidence that supports better health outcomes when sexually transmitted infections are treated as a health issue without overlaying a moral lens. We’ve decided that should be reflected in our policy wording.
Will the increased overnight bed-fee cover all hospitals?
No. Some hospitals are considerably more expensive than others and it’s not fair for the wider membership to have to subsidise those members who chose to have their procedures in the more expensive hospitals. Our bed fee limit has been set above the median level that we see – so most stays will be fully covered. If you chose to go to a more expensive hospital then you may still have to pay a shortfall.
Why did you remove the overseas cover?
A number of reasons:
Firstly, there was a conflict between our rules (which excluded overseas cover) and the brochure (which included it).
Secondly, we have to be careful not to breach overseas insurance regulation by not selling insurance covers in jurisdictions that we’re not licenced in.
Thirdly, we were worried by feedback that a lot of members relied on Healthplan to provide travel health insurance. This is a problem because the healthplan policy was designed for the NZ healthcare environment and there are too many gaps in the cover when operating overseas. Simple examples are the acute admissions exclusion and the low sublimits on things like ambulance trips or imaging.
What if I travel overseas?
A proper travel insurance policy is much more likely to suit your needs. You can talk to us about the travel insurance policy we offer.
What if I live overseas?
If you live overseas, we recommend you consider your local health insurance options. These will be designed to interact with your local health environment and ensure you have the protection of appropriate local regulation.
If you wish to suspend your healthplan while you are overseas, please contact us and we will facilitate this for you. This will suspend your cover and premiums but will also involve some re-underwriting on your return.