News that AIA NZ is updating its health products to cover preventative surgery following a breast or ovarian cancer claim, drew strong reader interest this week…

AIA NZ has updated its health insurance products to cover preventative surgery following a breast or ovarian cancer claim, subject to certain criteria.

AIA NZ Acting Chief Product and Investments Officer, Nick Sutherland says the firm’s health insurance products specifically excluded all preventative treatment, including those related to cancer.

However, the firm now offers those diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer 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,” says Sutherland.

This new benefit has been introduced to AIA NZ’s on-sale and eligible closed products.