| Publication: | ABC News |
|---|---|
| Date: | 25 February 2010 |
| Section: | National |
Newcastle-based health fund NIB has removed benefits from some of its policies in response to a 60 per cent increase in the number of people undergoing surgery for obesity.
Over the past three years, NIB says there has been a 64 per cent rise in benefits paid out for gastric banding surgery and a 60 per cent increase in the number of patients admitted for such surgery.
Chief operating and technology officer Melanie Kneale says NIB has now removed obesity-related surgery from some of its health cover products.
"The other things we can do here is education, partnering with doctors, trying to help people manage their own health, to avoid getting to this level of chronic condition," Ms Kneale said.
NIB has also seen a substantial increase in the cost for mental health treatments and in response has moved to reduce cover for hospital psychiatric benefits.
Back to Private Health Insurance Articles
