𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞: Are We Ready for the Future?

Kiwis are living longer—but are we living well?

According to the latest Insights & Trends in NZ Healthcare 2024 report, New Zealand is on the

same trajectory as the rest of the world: life expectancy is rising, but so is the number of years people

spend in moderate or poor health. Our ageing population will double by 2050, putting immense

pressure on both the public and private healthcare systems.

At a glance, here’s what’s happening:

• More Kiwis than ever (37%) now have health insurance—up from 32% in 2022.

• Mental health is the number one concern, especially for younger generations.

• Employer-funded health schemes are on the rise, seen as a productivity booster.

• The private sector plays a vital role—funding half of all elective surgeries.

• Yet, rising costs are forcing some to drop their cover altogether.

Healthspan vs. Lifespan: A Critical Shift

A key takeaway from this report is the shift in thinking from lifespan (how long we live) to healthspan (how well we live). The reality is sobering: even though we are living longer, about 50% of that extra time is spent in less-than-good health.

This has profound implications not just for the healthcare sector but for business owners,

employers, and policymakers. If we want a productive workforce and a society where people can

thrive, we need to prioritise prevention, early intervention, and accessibility.

A System Under Pressure—Where Do We Go from Here?

The New Zealand public health system does a solid job handling emergencies and serious conditions.

But for non-urgent issues—things like knee replacements, cardiac procedures, and

colonoscopies—long wait times are an increasing reality.

The private sector is stepping in to fill these gaps, but affordability remains a challenge. While more

Kiwis are turning to health insurance, the number one reason people cancel their cover is the rising

cost of living. This creates a health protection gap, where some can afford fast, quality care while

others are left waiting in an overburdened system.

The Role of Employers in Supporting Health

One emerging trend is the growing role of employer-funded health schemes. Businesses are

recognising that investing in their team’s health isn’t just an employee perk—it’s a strategy to boost

productivity, reduce absenteeism, and retain top talent.

With more than half of elective surgeries in New Zealand already funded by the private sector, there’s an opportunity for smarter collaboration between business, insurance providers, and the

healthcare system.

A Call for Proactive Planning

As a country, we can’t afford to be reactive. This report highlights the urgent need for policy

changes, better integration of public and private services, and a shift towards prevention over

treatment.

For business owners, the question is: Are you prepared for the reality of an ageing workforce and

a healthcare system under strain?

The future of healthcare isn’t just a government challenge—it’s a community and business issue

too.

• How are you thinking about health protection in your organisation?

• What strategies are you seeing that work in supporting employee well-being?

Let’s start the conversation.

#HealthspanNotLifespan #BusinessRisk #WorkplaceWellbeing #EmployeeWellbeing #NZBusiness