In-Touch with Keystone : January 2024

Welcome to the the January edition of In-Touch

Happy 2024 to you and your family. I hope you are safe and well and have enjoyed a relaxing break over the holiday period. We are at last enjoying some exceptional summer weather!

We had COVID hit our house over Christmas and New Year for the second year in a row. Thankfully, we have now recovered and are back into full flight mode.

Please grab your favourite beverage and take a few quiet moments to read this month's issue of In-Touch.


How to protect yourself and your money online

An unfortunate theme in the news of late has been people getting scammed – I hope this has never happened to you. In 2023, I experienced a sophisticated scam and came close to the wrong result. Fortunately, we fended off the scam and avoided catastrophe. 

We need to take extra steps these days to protect ourselves from global scammers. If you have the time, please click the following link and listen to the advice provided in the recording, or read the transcript if you find it easier. The information provided may save you from falling victim to a scammer.

https://www.moneyandyou.org.nz/blog/protect-yourself-and-your-money-online

Money and You is an online resource that aims to improve the financial confidence and wellbeing of Kiwis. It is an initiative of non-profit member organisation The Financial Services Council New Zealand (FSC). They provide conversations, personal stories and tips to improve financial confidence and wellbeing – all grounded in research. 

 

The importance of private medical cover

We've helped many people over the past 12 months with various private medical cover claims. One area where this insurance comes into its own is when non-Pharmac drugs (which are approved for use in New Zealand but not funded) are needed to help treat a person’s condition.  

One such drug is Keytruda - a cancer immunotherapy medicine that is, quite frankly, the difference between life and death for many patients. However, 24 Keytruda infusions costs more than $113,000. Each early round costs approximately $9,745 and from the 10th round, each infusion costs around $1,700.  

There was a good news story in the Herald last year about Matthew, who doctors told to say goodbye to his family. He was even writing his will at his hospital bedside with his lawyers. Then his oncologist suggested he try Keytruda. The result was miraculous. Thankfully, Matthew had private medical insurance, which helped fund his course of Keytruda. Click here for the story.

 

Keith's favourite recipes

 I love this desert – every now and then Kaye will prepare this – normally when we have family or friends over.

Rhubarb and apple crumble

There's also a gluten-free version.

Rhubarb and apple buckwheat crumble

 

Thanks for reading! 

Thanks for reading this issue of In-Touch, and I wish you all the very best for the coming months. If you have any questions about something you've read or you'd like some advice on personal insurance, feel free to contact Keystone using the details below.

Keith Styles