AIA NZ has made enhancements to its on-sale health insurance products to cover prophylactic or preventative surgery following an acceptable breast or ovarian cancer claim, subject to certain criteria.

AIA NZ acting chief product and investments officer, Nick Sutherland says: “As an insurer, we’re continually reviewing our coverage options to ensure they meet the needs of our customers.”

Previously, AIA NZ’s health insurance products specifically excluded all preventative treatment, including those related to cancer.

Through customer feedback, a need was identified for a benefit to be available to customers who are diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, have an acceptable treatment claim, and are seeking preventative surgery to remove the unaffected breast (mastectomy) or ovaries (oophorectomy) following confirmation of a BRCA gene mutation responsible for increased susceptibility to cancer, after their policy start date.

“We’ve made these changes in recognition that preventative surgery is often medically recommended for these customers to reduce their risk of subsequent cancer events, so they can have greater peace of mind and go on to live a Healthier, Longer, Better Life,” Sutherland says.

This new benefit has been introduced to AIA NZ’s current on-sale health products as well as eligible closed products.