When we think about health insurance, we often think about the “big stuff”, surgeries, hospital stays, emergencies.

But for most of us, it’s the everyday costs that show up more often. Like  GP visits, prescriptions, dental appointments, physio sessions and new glasses.

They’re not dramatic. But they’re regular and they add up. That’s what makes Primary Care Plans different.

Designed for the health costs you actually use 

UniMed's Primary Care Plans - available through our Better Off Together Program - are designed to support union members with their everyday health needs. They focus on the real-life healthcare services our members rely on most often.

For many members, the value of Primary Care is practical:

• It’s claiming back on prescriptions your family needs.

• It’s knowing part of your dental bill is covered.

• It’s reducing the sting of repeat GP visits during winter.

Over time, those reimbursements add up and so does the peace of mind.

 As one member shared: 

"It's quick, easy and efficient - what a great team behind the scenes. Our family struggles with budgeting out of our pay packets, but with HealthCarePlus we don't hesitate in accessing health services when we need them as the UniMed claims process is so easy."

- DB from Dunedin, HealthCarePlus and UniMed Member

In fact, Primary Care reimbursements account for around 80% of all benefits paid through the program,  making it the most widely used and valued part of Better Off Together.

 The most popular benefits claimed under Primary Care plans include:

• $3.1 million on GP visits, specialists, and tests
• $777,748 on optical care, including glasses and eye checks
• $834,707 on dental treatment
• $987,770 on complementary health services such as physiotherapy and acupuncture
  
  

More than just reimbursements 

While the financial support is important, members also value the ability to be proactive about their health. 

"Good value as covers a wide range of health expenses for health conditions that don't require surgery. Great that coverage has extended to people who are pro-active in maintaining their health (regular dental and vision checks, molemap)."

- JI from Lower Hutt, HealthCarePlus and UniMed Member

That's important because regular primary healthcare plays a vital role in preventing illness, improving outcomes, and supporting long-term wellbeing, like:

• Being able to book a skin check early.

• Getting dental work sorted before it becomes more serious.

• Accessing physio when something starts playing up.

• By just staying healthy through early treatment and prevention. 

"I've really enjoyed the wrap around service this health care provides. It was because of the generous offer to cover three therapy sessions as part of the well being newsletter that I signed myself up for therapy. I have continued after the three sessions and have been really appreciative that my psych sessions are partially covered."

- TR from Auckland, HealthCarePlus and UniMed Member

And building on that theme UniMed have added even more support to their plans that actively encourage prevention and early detection.  

Additional Wellbeing Services, built into your cover

Alongside everyday healthcare benefits, members also get access to a growing range of wellbeing support services designed to help you be proactive and take charge of your health. These are your Active Benefits, and they can help you:

• Mental Wellbeing Support: Focused support from registered professionals to help with treatment, reducing stress, improving sleep, and staying active.
• Bowel screening kits: Catch early signs of bowel cancer from home.
• Flu vaccinations: Prevent seasonal illness with annual flu shots.
• Skin checks with SkinVision: Detect skin cancer early and accurately using the SkinVision mobile app, which combines AI technology with the expertise of skin health professionals and dermatologists.
• Nutrition coaching: One-on-one virtual sessions to help build energy, manage weight, and stay on track.
• Fitness and recovery coaching: One-on-one virtual sessions with fitness experts to understand your situation and support your fitness goals.
• Ask a GP: Ask a New Zealand GP online and receive a personal reply within 24 hours.

With these additional benefits at your fingertips, you have the tools you need to take control and actively safeguard your health and wellbeing.

Final thought from us

Every health journey is different and costs can come at unexpected times. Our exclusive Primary Care Plans from UniMed help take some of the financial worry out of looking after you and your whānau. They make sure you don’t have to put off appointments or treatments because you’re unsure how much it’ll cost.

And for thousands of members, that’s where the real value lies.

You can explore more about these plans here. 

Written by: Alan Sharpe

Alan is a key member of the HealthCarePlus leadership team. With over 30 years experience in marketing and customer service roles he is a passionate advocate for the union movement and HealthCarePlus’s mission to create real, lasting value for their members