My wife and I are 68 and 66 respectively, happily retired and financially secure. We are both in good health, though both have had hip replacements in recent years.

Wellington, Nov 6 NZPA - Declining private hospital admissions contributed to Wakefield Health's after-tax earnings dropping 41.2 percent to $3.6 million for the six months to September 30. Chairman John Calder said trading conditions this financial year had become very challenging.

Wellington, Nov 5 NZPA - The health insurance industry is warning the growth in the rate of its claim costs compared to premiums is unsustainable.

Wellington, Oct 13 NZPA - Southern Cross Medical Society has highlighted the rising cost of health services in an annual report which reveals claims increasing faster than premiums.

Wellington, Aug 4 NZPA - The number of people with health insurance policies rose slightly in the June quarter, the Health Funds Association of New Zealand says.

Wellington, June 16 NZPA - The numbers of people with health insurance fell in the first three months of the year, due to a traditionally slow period rather than the recession, the industry said.

Wellington, June 3 NZPA - New rules have been brought in for those who want to bring in workers under the seasonal employers scheme. The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) policy was introduced to meet labour shortfalls in the fruit picking sectors.

Wellington, April 17 NZPA - Recommendations in an OECD report on New Zealand to create a greater role for private health insurance have been welcomed by the industry body here.

There doesn’t seem to be much point in making the switch to frugal living and implementing money saving tips that will save you a few dollars here and there, if you don’t examine your larger “fixed” outgoings like insurance that could save you hundreds of dollars in one foul swoop!

Wellington, Nov 7 NZPA - Wakefield Health Ltd today reported profit after tax from continuing operations of $6.13 million for the six months ended September 30, up 35.8 percent on last year.