Ways around mounting claims: Insurers

But insurers say questions about the industry’s sustainability are unfounded.

The Health Funds Association’s latest statistics show there were $256 million worth of claims in the September quarter, an increase on the record high of $245 million paid in June.

HFANZ chief executive Roger Styles said New Zealand health insurance claims were on track to reach a billion dollars for the first time in the coming financial year.

There were 1.335 million people with health insurance at the end of September, a drop of 4100 over the quarter, and 1% since September the year before.