Free Health Insurance Offer And Impact Of Covid Highlighted

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A seasonal promotion by nib is offering two months’ free health insurance to clients who take out a new Ultimate Health Max, Ultimate Health or Easy Health policy using nibAPPLY. The offer is also extended to their children and ends 31 January 2021.

The health insurer has also released the findings of its second annual nib State of the Nation Parenting Survey of 1,200 New Zealanders.

According to its report, behavioural issues are the number one health concern Kiwi parents have for their children, cited by more than a third (34 per cent) of respondents, up 13 per cent from 2019.

“Last year’s biggest health-related concern – sleep – still features prominently, as do stress levels and diet and exercise,” says the report.

The number of respondents reporting sustained episodes of negative behaviour from their children (lasting two weeks or longer) during lockdown grew significantly and has been largely sustained since lockdown ended.

Nib parenting expert, Nathan Wallis says: “Lockdown saw most families dealing with added stress as they adapted to new and novel experiences. Toddlers may in many ways have felt this most acutely as they are already in a very emotional stage of development – it’s called “Terrible Twos” for a reason.”

The findings also clearly demonstrate the toll 2020 has taken on parents themselves.

Lockdown saw sharp increases in the number of respondents suffering from decreased motivation, decreased energy levels, a sense of feeling overwhelmed, and declining performance at work, says the nib report.

However, the biggest source of stress reported by parents this year was financial uncertainty, impacting 39 per cent of respondents – followed closely by the impact of Covid-19 on the world, general job-related stress, and the economy.

For the 42 per cent of respondents who saw their financial situation worsen due to Covid-19, the impact of this was reflected in general stress levels, and also felt in terms of quality of sleep and relationships.

However, the report concludes that when asked about the outlook for their family, 70 per cent of respondents reported feeling positive about the future and 67 per cent believe lockdown strengthened their family unit, with many reporting a greater sense of happiness, and better communication as a result.