Organisations based in the Cook Islands are now able to take up a new premier medical insurance plan through global insurance broker WTW. The plan offers quality benefits including overseas evacuations to high quality medical facilities in New Zealand.

Following on from its successful launch in Samoa in October 2021, the plan has been rolled out to groups and corporates in the Cook Islands, offering protection for local residents and their families in the event of a major medical event.

A durable and comprehensive product, the new plan offers coverage for medical treatment and diagnostic services that cannot be fulfilled in the Cook Islands, with claimants receiving full healthcare assistance with flights, visas, accommodation, and medical treatment arrangements.

This launch continues the partnership between WTW New Zealand and Pacific Medical Assist Ltd (PMAL), a NZ-based medical company providing healthcare services to insurance companies, governments, and private organisations around the Pacific. 

PMAL specialises in healthcare coordination, patient management services and diagnostic services enabling Pacific-based patients to be referred and treated at tertiary care facilities in New Zealand and Australia. Having over 300 Specialists within its provider network, PMAL ensures patients receive timely access to treatment.

Enhanced technology and innovation have enabled PMAL to extend its health platform, offering insured members greater access to Specialist services and optimising patient outcomes. PMAL Director of Operations, Estelle Kruse-Stowers explains: “We are very pleased to be working alongside WTW to deliver healthcare assistance for this medical insurance product and to support its members.” 

During these unprecedented times with border restrictions and logistical challenges, people still require access to tertiary specialist services. PMAL continues to transfer patients from the Pacific to NZ under strict health protocols.

WTW’s Pacific Risks Client Director, Maureen Pua says: “We have been working alongside PMAL for over three years and are proud to launch a strong and effective medical insurance plan that goes beyond the normal confines of what is traditionally available in Pacific nations and especially the Cook Islands.  Following the positive feedback from Samoan businesses, we are very excited to finally launch this medical insurance product to the Cook Islands. WTW NZ’s Pacific Practice has built strong lasting relationships with the CI community having operated there for the last three decades.”

Kate Henderson, WTW NZ Pacific Practice Leader adds: “Our new vibrant and diverse WTW NZ Pacific Practice team, has the expertise and understanding of what Pacific communities need in terms of medical cover.”

For more information, please contact Maureen Pua at Maureen.pua@willistowerswatson.com

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Maureen Pua

Pacific Practice Client Director – Willis Towers Watson Insurance Brokers

Maureen has over 20 years insurance experience within the insurance industry in New Zealand and the Global Market.  Maureen has worked for major New Zealand and International insurance companies and a corporate insurance broker before working with WTW NZ now in their Pacific Practice as a Client Director. 

Maureen has experience in assisting the Pacific with medical and immediate medivac to NZ.  Maureen is responsible for the key account management for the pacific portfolio including Cook Islands and shares a deep passion to support the people of the pacific.

Maureen will liaise with the Insurers and Estelle at PMAL.

Estelle Kruse-Stowers

Operations Management

Estelle has a strong insurance background and brings to Pacific Medical Assist Limited a wealth of medical insurance knowledge and experience.  She has worked in NZ for a number of years in the industry and recently in Fiji in the management of medical claims with a large insurer.  Estelle is responsible for the Operations management of Pacific Medical Assist Limited, overseeing the patient’s journey from leaving their home country, arranging their treatment pathway and planning their return home.

Estelle will liaise, update and work with Maureen so there are no surprises.