Healthcareplus newsletter November 2015

Newsletter November 2015 Contact

Who is HealthCarePlus?

Enquiries 0800 268 3763 Claims 0800 800 441 www.healthcareplus.org.nz

On October 1st this year the Education Benevolent Society (previously known as EBS) changed its trading name to HealthCarePlus.

Christmas Hours HealthCarePlus office closes at midday on December 23 and reopens January 18th HealthCarePlus Enquiry line closes at midday on December 23 and will be available from January 5th for all enquiries related to Hospital Cover, Life, Income or Mortgage protection, Trauma insurance and the Home Loans Solution.

Claims Reminder Now is a good time to submit your Primary Care & Primary Care Extra claims.

You can do this for any eligible claims over $10.

Make sure you get your claims through by early December if you want them to be reimbursed prior to Christmas.

You can download a claim form on our website: www.healthcareplus.org.nz Once complete post to us at PO Box 11-045, Manners St, Wellington 6142

The good news is that we are the same society, same helpful and friendly staff, however we not only have a fresh new look, but we also have a new day to day health care plan and some upgraded benefits under our original plan.

We chose a name that better reflects who we are and what we do for our members. You’ll see our new name and identity reflected in all of our brochures, banners and on our new website.

Primary Care This plan was previously known as the Standard Plan; however some of the benefits now have higher reimbursement levels than before, at no extra cost!

You don’t have to do anything if you are happy to stay on the new Primary Care Plan. if you would like to find out about upgrading to the Primary Care Extra Plan, please refer to the website www.healthcareplus.org.nz .

Primary Care Extra We have been listening to you! Many members told us that they might be prepared to pay a little bit more for better coverage. So we’re giving you the choice. We’ve introduced a new plan called Primary Care Extra.

Primary Care Extra includes all of the benefits of Primary Care, plus:  Dental treatment  Travel and other vaccinations  Some increased benefit maximums  Mole mapping

Our Subscriptions Team How do I upgrade to Primary Care Extra?

So you have had your EBS Standard Plan for many years and you have now heard that not only has your plan changed names, but there is a new plan that can include cover for dental! Want to know more?

Visit the website www.healthcareplus.org.nz and simply click on the green box on the home page for more detail, then click the ruby red apple to complete the upgrade application form. If you are having any technical issues or have a question, give us a call on 0800 268 3763.

Are you underinsured?

Did you know that in New Zealand?  98% of home owners have house insurance  96% of people with cars have car insurance  57-60% of people have life insurance  29% of people have medical insurance  15-20% of people have income protection insurance http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/69535125/your-money-are-youunderinsured

Did you realise that if you have a serious medical event that means you can never return to work – your personal loss could be $1.5 million dollars? This is a very rough calculation assuming an annual income of $50,000 and incapacity occurring at 35 years old. Obviously your potential personal loss will differ depending on your age and how much you earn. However it is interesting that almost everyone insures their car where the potential loss is a lot lower than losing their income!

What about your health? With no private Hospital Cover you are reliant on the Public Health waiting list to have surgery if you need it. In the NZ Herald there have been articles about real people like you or me who have suffered bowel cancer. Ivan Burrows thanks his wife “for making him go private for a cancer check when his local public hospital said he would have to wait two years longer than usual. Part-funded by insurance, he had a colonoscopy at a private Nelson hospital in April and although he had not been experiencing any symptoms, a bowel tumour was found - his second. It was removed at the city's public hospital. Luckily, the cancer had not spread.” Without private medical insurance this could have cost Ivan his life! http://www.nzherald.co.nz/cancer-the-cost-of-alife/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503908&objectid=11542534.

Consider the size of your potential loss then talk to one of our advisers, before dismissing the idea of private medical insurance or some form of disability insurance.

Give us a call on 0800 268 3763 Disclaimer: The information and opinions contained in this newsletter are of a

general nature and may not be relevant to your situation.

Vipha, Helen & Be (Team Leader) make up the ‘Subs Team’ here at HealthCarePlus and have over 60 years’ experience with the society between them! When you have questions about new application processes, payment options, existing subscription payment issues or options for your 21 year old – call the team on 0800 800 441

Did you know?

We have a new membership category? Family or Whanau is defined as a family member residing in the household of a HealthCarePlus Subscriber, or an ex-partner of a Subscriber, or a child of a Subscriber who is over 21 years of age. The HealthCarePlus Subscriber must be a financial member of, or be employed by a recognised organisation. Such a person, who is linked as Family/ Whanau, can be a HealthCarePlus Member by paying for the policy under their own name at a non-union rate.

Who is providing me with advice?

All HealthCarePlus Representatives are either Registered or Authorised Financial Advisers and are contracted to Monument Insurance (a division of Crombie Lockwood). They can come to your school and do a short presentation to staff about the great HealthCarePlus benefits (at morning tea, staff meetings or union meetings). They can also meet with you one on one to arrange a personalised plan and are available nationwide.

Call us on 0800 268 3763