Southern Cross Health Insurance (SCHI), named most trusted brand in New Zealand this year, has become the first insurer in New Zealand to cover the full cost of cochlear implant surgery and the internal hearing device for eligible adult members.
This policy, announced by the Pindrop Foundation, is expected to provide greater access to this hearing solution for individuals with severe hearing loss.
Under the new policy, SCHI will cover one internal cochlear implant, though the external sound processor, a critical part of the device, is not yet included in the coverage.
Despite this limitation, the change is seen as a significant step in reducing the financial burden of cochlear implants for policyholders.
Pindrop Foundation CEO Lee Schoushkoff described the introduction of the new coverage as a meaningful development for New Zealanders with substantial hearing loss.
Eligibility for the coverage requires members to meet specific criteria. These include:
Alternatively, those who are expected to develop this level of hearing loss within 24 months, as determined by audiologists, may also qualify. Additionally, the member must have a hearing aid fitted for the ear scheduled for the implant.
The policy applies to members enrolled in SCHI plans such as KiwiCare, RegularCare, Wellbeing One, Wellbeing Two, UltraCare, First Cover, Wellbeing Starter, and Westpac First Cover.
This coverage expansion comes as healthcare access continues to be a leading concern for New Zealanders.
The Southern Cross Healthy Futures report has revealed that healthcare access remains a top concern for New Zealanders in 2024.
Conducted in partnership with Kantar, the report surveyed over 7,000 individuals and found that 84% of respondents expressed concern about the availability of affordable, high-quality healthcare services. This marks a 6% increase in concern compared to 2022.
The report also highlighted other challenges faced by New Zealanders in accessing healthcare, including long wait times and a shortage of healthcare professionals. In response to these barriers, telehealth services such as Southern Cross’s CareHQ platform have gained popularity as alternative options for patients seeking timely medical consultations.
