View Legal Summary of Changes - 1 July 2025

Why have we removed the infertility benefit? 

Balancing the requirements of the Human Rights Act with the need to treat all members fairly has become increasingly complex. As a result, we’ve shifted our focus to providing obstetric care through the Healthplan policy, ensuring broader support in a way that is equitable and sustainable for all members.

What can I claim under the GP Specialist benefit? 

We recognise that some General Practitioners (GPs) have completed additional training and hold specialist qualifications. Consultations with these GP specialists often cost more than standard GP visits. To support this, the GP Specialist benefit covers visits to approved GP specialists.
A list of recognised specialists will soon be available on our website for you to refer to before making a claim.

Why hasn’t radiology been included in the policy changes?

Radiology was actively considered by the board. However, introducing this benefit would have required a premium increase for all members, which was not considered affordable at this time. We understand the importance of radiology services and will revisit this decision as part of our policy review next year.

 

When does the Healthplan Policy renewal take effect? 

The Healthplan policy renews on July 1, 2025 for all members.

You can see the details of your instalment schedule on your Healthplan portal to review your Healthplan premiums. 

 

Is my Healthplan premium increasing at the same time? 

The base premium increase was in effect from 6 May 2025. This was brought forward from the that was scheduled for July 2025.
The only increase you may incur is an age-related premium increase, if you move up in age brackets. 

 

Will you be putting my premium up again? 

We understand that large premium increases can be hard to manage. That’s why the Police Health Plan Board has decided to move to more frequent, but smaller, premium reviews.

As a not-for-profit insurer owned by our members, we need to ensure we're collecting enough to cover the cost of claims and keep the plan sustainable. This means your premium may change in the next 12 months — but if it does, we’ll always let you know in advance.

Someone else pays for my premiums. Why did I get a letter? 

For privacy reasons, we have sent the renewal letter to the primary member, i.e. the policy owner. If someone else is paying all or part of your premium, it is your responsibility to advise them of the Healthplan policy changes.  

 

What if I cannot afford it any longer? 

Please review your plan type and excess level. If you are on either the Plus or Basic plans, you can consider downgrading to either the Basic or Surgical plans. 
 

If you don’t currently have an excess on your plan, you can reduce your premium by electing to pay a $500, $1,000, or $5,000 excess on any surgical claim. Applying an excess on your policy results in lowering your premium while still providing access to healthcare through the three plans that we offer members. Any excess on your plan means that you would need to fund the first $500, $1,000, or $5,000 for each surgery you require.

Downgrading your cover is a decision that we can help support and advise you through. If required, we can also provide you with help from our financial advisors to give you deeper understanding of any change.
Reducing your cover can significantly reduce your premiums, bearing in mind that you would then need to cover a greater proportion of your medical treatment yourself. Our premium rates start from as low as $7.64 per fortnight ($199.21 annually) on the Surgical plan.

What do excess options mean? 

You keep your current plan cover, but the premiums will be cheaper if you select a voluntary excess, which means you agree to pay the first $500, $1000 or $5000 on every surgical claim. The excess is deducted from the total paid for each surgical claim. 

 

If I choose to take an excess option, when is it applied?

The excess applies from the date the related lower premium is paid. 

 

Are we planning a higher excess option for a cheaper premium? 

Not at this stage. A $5000 excess already effectively excludes many smaller procedures from the plan. Historically, we have not had many members take this option up. If we get demand from our members for a higher excess as an option, then we would consider it. 

 

How do I change to an excess option?
To downgrade your plan, you can email insurances@policeassn.org.nz or we can take your request over the phone. 

 

If I choose to have an excess now, can I elect a lower or no-excess option later? 

Yes. You will need to complete a policy amendment form. Note that there is a standdown period and we may include additional conditions or exclusions to your policy. 

 

I am retired and want to stay in the Welfare Fund. Do I have to stay with PHP? 

If you are over 65 and retired, you may be eligible for an exemption. Contact us to find out. Retired membership options can be viewed on our website.