Southern Cross Health Insurance (SCHI) has become the first insurer in the country to cover the full cost of cochlear implant surgery and the internal hearing device for eligible adult members.
This policy, announced by the Pindrop Foundation, is expected to provide greater access to this hearing solution for individuals with severe hearing loss.
Under the new policy, SCHI will cover one internal cochlear implant, though the external sound processor, a critical part of the device, is not yet included in the coverage.
Despite this limitation, the change is seen as a significant step in reducing the financial burden of cochlear implants for policyholders.
Pindrop Foundation CEO Lee Schoushkoff described the introduction of the new coverage as a meaningful development for New Zealanders with substantial hearing loss.
Eligibility for the coverage requires members to meet specific criteria. These include:
- being at least 18 years old;
- having severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in one ear; and
- moderate or worse hearing loss in the other.
Alternatively, those who are expected to develop this level of hearing loss within 24 months, as determined by audiologists, may also qualify. Additionally, the member must have a hearing aid fitted for the ear scheduled for the implant.
The policy applies to members enrolled in SCHI plans such as KiwiCare, RegularCare, Wellbeing One, Wellbeing Two, UltraCare, First Cover, Wellbeing Starter, and Westpac First Cover, reported Insurance Business.