nib offers free mental health cover

nib New Zealand has launched a new complementary mental health cover add on for eligible Ultimate Health and Ultimate Health Max members.

Monday, October 18th 2021, 10:33AM

Rob Henin.

The new mental health cover is available to members covered under a new nib Ultimate Health or Ultimate Health Max policy purchased from October 1, 2021, and provides up to $2,500 of consultations annually with a registered psychologist or psychiatrist on referral from a GP.

The complementary cover will initially be available to members for one year and replaces nib's previous complementary Ultimate Health and Ultimate Health Max travel insurance cover.

nib travel insurance sales have stopped while nib pursues new underwriting arrangements for its travel insurance business across Australia and New Zealand.

What's included:
- Up to $2,500 cover for every eligible member to use in their policy year towards New Zealand registered psychologist and/or psychiatrist consultations, with an approved GP referral.
- 100% reimbursement for eligible claims (up to cover limit). Does not need to be linked to a current or prior hospital-related claim.
- Additional to the cardiac and cancer counselling support benefits under their Ultimate Health or Ultimate Health Max policy.
- No excess or stand-down period.
- No exclusions for any pre-existing conditions.
- No minimum age.

nib New Zealand chief executive Rob Hennin says the health insurer was pleased to help improve access to mental health services and support the one in five people across the country who experience a mental illness each year.

“More and more Kiwis are seeking vital mental health services and we want to ensure eligible members are provided the opportunity to access such care, when they need it,” Hennin says.

“The new mental health cover offers eligible members greater access to treatment as they can access a consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist without it needing to be linked to a hospital claim such as cancer or cardiac services.

"Those members only need a referral from their GP to claim and they have the flexibility to choose their own health provider."

Hennin says he believes the new cover will be well received by members who may need additional support for their mental wellbeing.

“As we move towards our ambition of health partner, we want to ensure our members feel supported and empowered to be proactive when it comes to taking care of their health and wellbeing."

He says lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions are likely to have an impact on the mental health of many people and the new cover is also available to existing members with an Ultimate Health and Ultimate Health Max policy that commenced from April 21, 2018, with the complementary mental health cover commencing following the renewal of their Ultimate policy from 1 December 2021.

Tags: Life insurance Mental health nib Rob Hennin Wellness