nib New Zealand is encouraging advisers to remind their clients about the proactive and preventative health tools available through private health insurance, which it says support better outcomes for members and help ease pressure on the broader health system.
The insurer says that each year, tens of thousands of members use nib’s wellbeing and health management services.
In FY25, more than 21,700 members engaged with a nib health and wellbeing tool or health management programme “…reflecting rising demand for support that extends beyond claims to everyday health management.”
nib New Zealand Chief Executive Skye Daniels says prevention plays a critical role in improving health outcomes.
“Health insurance has an important role to play before people get to a point of needing treatment. For us, prevention is about giving members practical support earlier, whether that’s helping them understand their health, access the right tools, or feel more confident navigating their care.”
nib offers 11 Health Management Programmes, ranging from Heart health, Woman’s wellness, Cancer care and prevention to Healthier Living and Joints. It says these programmes are designed to support eligible members to make practical lifestyle changes and manage health overall.
It says health coaching is a key part of this offering, often connecting members with the right clinical support while helping translate advice into everyday action.
In FY25, nib’s health coaches supported 192 members, with each member able to access up to six 45-minute calls. This support helped people navigate complex care pathways, build health literacy, and manage chronic conditions earlier.
nib says this approach is reflected in the work of its Clinical Advisor and Health Coach Rebekka Costello, who was named the Health Coaches Australasia and New Zealand Association’s Health Equity Award Winner for 2025.
The award recognises her contribution to advancing health equity programmes and coaching aimed at improving access, outcomes and support for under-served communities.
Costello says coaching plays an important role in bridging gaps in the healthcare system.
She shared the example of supporting a young mother of three, who was facing an early cancer diagnosis and a high-risk surgery. “Through nib’s support model, we were able to look beyond the immediate clinical need. Over around 15 hours of coaching and care coordination, we supported access to mental health services, connected her with private specialists, and worked through practical lifestyle goals like sleep and nutrition.”
The client went on to successfully prepare for surgery, reduce her chronic pain, and return to day-to-day life. “When we support just one person, you often see the ripple effect flow through their wider whānau, and that’s where the impact really becomes meaningful,” Costello says.
Daniels said partnerships between insurers, clinicians and health professionals are key to improving outcomes across the system.