Healthcare becomes a top priority for New Zealanders

Access to quality healthcare services has become a top concern for New Zealanders this year, according to the latest Southern Cross Healthy Futures Report.

Southern Cross’s research partner, Kantar, has spoken to more than 7,000 New Zealanders since 2019 to inform the biennial Healthy Futures survey. The survey shines a light on the physical, mental, and social health and wellbeing of people across Aotearoa.

According to the latest results, 84% of New Zealanders were concerned about not having access to quality affordable healthcare – a figure that’s up 6% from the 2022 Healthy Futures survey.

Nick Astwick, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Health Society, said it’s no surprise health and wellbeing have become a top priority for New Zealanders.

“According to our Healthy Futures findings, a staggering two-thirds of New Zealanders believe they’ve experienced a long-term impact to their physical and mental health from Covid-19. Against this backdrop, there’s growing pressure on our healthcare system to manage increasing demand and costs, while continuing to maintain a high standard of care for all New Zealanders.

“We’ve seen a surge in demand firsthand. Southern Cross members are claiming more this year. On average, the current value of claims made every business day is NZ$6 million, which is up from $5.2 million last year.

“However, the report showed many people encountered barriers to accessing medical treatment. While cost was perceived as the main blocker, significantly more people said long wait times and the unavailability of healthcare professionals were the reasons they delayed or didn’t receive treatment when unwell.”

Further Healthy Futures results showed that the cost of living was a concern for 91% of New Zealanders – an ongoing trend from the 2022 report.

Dr Stephen Child, Chief Medical Officer for Southern Cross Health Society, reflected: “The number of people unhappy about their financial situation is the highest it’s been since we started Healthy Futures in 2019. Although this isn’t unexpected, it’s still concerning.”

Dr Child said it was clear that accessing basic needs, like affordable housing and healthy food, was getting even harder, particularly for younger people. But he was quick to point out more positive findings.

“Encouragingly, the majority of New Zealanders are taking steps to look after their mental health, despite these challenges. They’re doing this by keeping their brains stimulated, spending time outdoors and nurturing relationships. Just 12% of adult New Zealanders are unhappy about their mental wellbeing at present, which is comparable to the 2022 Healthy Futures findings.”

Southern Cross Travel Insurance recently appointed Jess Strange as its new Chief Customer Officer.