Amy’s story
There have been many stories in the media about the widening gaps in our public healthcare system, with some people going so far as to move internationally to obtain the care or medicines they need. When it comes to treating rare conditions, our small population can sometimes be the sticking point. New Zealand simply doesn’t have the specialist resources available, even under private care. That means that patients like Amy must travel to get the care they need.
Amy’s condition began with a seemingly harmless eye twitch. However, unlike most annoying twitches, this one didn’t go away but worsened over many months. Results from an MRI came back ‘normal’ but the twitch remained, evolving over the course of four years to muscle spasms that travelled down her face and neck.
Amy found this “really draining” and, as a psychotherapist noticed it was distracting for her patients. Driving became difficult, too, as her eye would sometimes close involuntarily.
After some research she discovered an online support group for people suffering from a rare condition called Hemifacial Spasm, which seemed to match her symptoms. Encouraged by the group, she pushed for another MRI, which confirmed that she was indeed a sufferer.
Her initial surgery was covered by her Partner’s Life policy and carried out in New Zealand. However the issue persisted after her recovery. Amy’s support group recommended a Japanese surgeon who had operated on other Hemifacial Spasm sufferers with great success. She contacted this surgeon, who confirmed they could indeed help her.
Luckily, Amy’s health insurance policy included a Medical Tourism Benefit, which covered the cost of travel and accommodation in Japan for herself and a support person. The operation in Japan was a resounding success, with Amy’s symptoms completely disappearing.
She now recommends to others to ensure they have this benefit included in their policies. She says friends were “gobsmacked” when they found out about this cover, which has turned out to be truly life-changing.
