Bowel cancer is one of New Zealand’s deadliest diseases, claiming over 1,200 lives annually and affecting more than 3,000 Kiwis. With one of the highest rates in the world, early detection is key to improving survival rates.
Health Minister Simon Brown recently announced that the age of eligibility for free bowel cancer screening will lower from 60 to 58, benefiting 122,000 more Kiwis in the first year. While this is progress, many under 58 still face a long wait—time that could be critical for early detection.
Bowel cancer is often a ‘silent killer,’ going undetected until it’s too late. According to nib’s 2024 Health Check research, 37% of Kiwis surveyed were not up to date with screening or had never been screened—even when eligible.
Private health insurance can bridge this gap by offering earlier access to screening and faster treatment. Insurers like nib provide at-home bowel screening kits to eligible members aged 50 to 75—years before they would qualify for free public screening. This gives policyholders a critical head start in detecting potential issues early.
Beyond screening, private health insurance ensures faster access to specialists, diagnostic procedures, and private hospital treatment—eliminating long public wait times. When early detection is key, timely care can make all the difference.
Lowering the screening age is a positive step, but private health insurance gives you control over your healthcare now.
To explore how private health insurance can protect you and your family, give the one of our insurance experts at Castle Trust Financial Planning a call today.
© 2024 Castle Trust Financial planning. All Rights Reserved. Disclosure information. Privacy Statement.