Credit Crunch: Kiwis Avoiding Medical Treatment

Kiwis Avoiding Medical Treatment As Credit Crunch Bites

New research1 from the Southern Cross Medical Care Society has revealed that an alarming number of New Zealanders are avoiding medical treatment for themselves and their families.

The research showed that:

• 71% of New Zealanders aged over 20 years have avoided visiting a GP when unwell specifically because of the perceived expense.
• A further 22% have avoided taking their unwell children to a GP for the same reason.
• One in four New Zealand adults has not purchased their prescription after visiting a GP because they thought it would cost too much.
• One in four New Zealand adults has not visited a GP or specialist for fear of discovering a medical problem.

Southern Cross Healthcare Group Chief Executive, Dr. Ian McPherson says the survey is a cause for concern for the nation’s health.

“Early detection and treatment is extremely important in the successful treatment of many illnesses, from the common flu to cancer. When people don’t seek treatment and medical advice they risk exacerbating the problem which not only leads to a further deterioration in health but could ultimately cost more money to treat,” he says.

“The high numbers of people avoiding medical treatment may be linked to current tough economic times. Whatever the reason, one’s own health and that of their family should always be the first priority.”

The survey also revealed that those with medical insurance were far less likely to avoid seeking medical treatment or advice because of the perceived cost.

While 76% of uninsured NZ adults have done this, only 48% of Southern Cross health insurance members had.

The same divergence is evident for those not buying their prescriptions with 23% of the general public avoiding this cost, compared to only 10% of Southern Cross members.

ENDS

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