When Nikky and her husband were in their mid-30s, they made a decision that would prove life-changing years later. They took out health insurance while they were still young and healthy, knowing it could protect not just themselves but the family they hoped to have in the future.
“We wanted to get cover while we were well,” Nikky explains. “Once you have health issues, it can be harder to get full cover, or you can end up with exclusions. We wanted to know we’d have access to the right care when we needed it.”
Their decision was shaped by experience. Both of Nikky’s parents had faced serious health challenges, one with cancer and one with heart failure. Seeing how important early specialist treatment was made Nikky determined to avoid any delays or barriers to care.
Planning for a family made the decision even more important. They wanted to ensure that when they had children, they could add them easily to their policy without medical underwriting. “It was a big part of why we took the cover in the first place,” Nikky says. “We knew we wanted kids, and getting them covered from birth meant they’d be protected no matter what happened.”
That choice proved crucial. “We’ve made a number of claims for our kids over the years,” Nikky says. “One of our children has a chronic condition that would have been excluded if we had waited. Getting them covered early was one of the best decisions we made.”
When Nikky’s health changed
For years, the family made small claims here and there, but Nikky didn’t expect to face major surgery in her 40s. It started with hip pain that gradually became worse until it affected her sleep, mobility, and mental wellbeing. Eventually, she was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis and told she needed a double hip replacement.
“It wears you down,” she recalls. “You’re living with pain every day, and it impacts your whole life. By the time I decided to go ahead with surgery, I just wanted it fixed.”
The cost was significant, around $68,000, but having health cover in place meant she did not have to worry about how to pay for it. An old ACC claim initially caused delays, but the team at Apex Advice stepped in to liaise with the insurer. “They were amazing,” Nikky says. “Once the ACC issue was cleared up, my surgery was approved within 24 hours.”
Because the procedure was privately funded, Nikky was able to receive a titanium and ceramic hip replacement, a high-quality option designed to last decades. Without private cover, many people receive cheaper plastic components that can wear out sooner and lead to repeat surgeries later on.
Access to the right care
Health insurance meant Nikky could move quickly from diagnosis to surgery. Her policy covered the operation and post-operative care, including specialist check-ups, follow-ups, and rehabilitation. The Apex Advice team managed the paperwork and supported her through the process, reducing the stress at an already difficult time.
“Knowing everything was approved before I went in for surgery was a huge relief,” Nikky says. “I could focus on getting better instead of worrying about bills.”
Just weeks after surgery, Nikky is walking again and finally free from the constant pain that had affected her life for years.
The takeaway
Nikky’s story shows why getting health insurance early, especially when you are planning for a family, can make a major difference later in life. It ensured her children were protected from birth, helped them navigate several childhood health claims, and meant Nikky could access high-quality treatment quickly when she needed major surgery.
If you want to make sure you and your family are protected when life takes an unexpected turn, complete the form below to book a free insurance review with an Apex Advice adviser. We’ll help you find the right health cover and be prepared for whatever the future holds.
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