UniMed proud to support Life Flight as Health and Wellness partner
8 April 2026
UniMed has renewed its partnership with Life Flight, supporting critical care in the air as the organisation’s Health and Wellness partner.
The renewed partnership reflects the shared values of both organisations – as not-for-profits, UniMed and Life Flight exist to support New Zealanders when they need help most.
Flying intensive care, 24/7
Life Flight’s air ambulances operate around the clock, transporting critically ill patients from across New Zealand to the specialist hospital care
they urgently require.
“Our air ambulances are essentially flying ICUs,” says Mark Johnston, Chief Executive of Life Flight Trust.
“They are fully equipped and staffed by specialist doctors and nurses to intensive care standards, allowing us to deliver complex, life-saving care in the air.”
“Our renewed partnership with UniMed is fantastic news,” he says. “Support like this helps ensure we can continue providing critical services, particularly at a time when charities continue to face funding challenges.”
Each Life Flight air ambulance provides a full bed-to-bed service, managing all logistics and medical coordination. Aircraft are equipped with specialist equipment and configured to allow up to four family members to stay with the patient throughout the journey – offering reassurance during what can be a very stressful time.
In 2025, 1,844 people received time-critical care from Life Flight.
A partnership built on shared values
Lance Walker, Chief Executive of UniMed, says the renewed partnership reflects a strong alignment between the two organisations.
“UniMed and Life Flight share the same philosophy – we are both not-for-profits, and we are both dedicated to supporting the health of New Zealanders, especially in tough circumstances,” he says.
“As part of our partnership, UniMed provides health insurance cover for Life Flight’s staff. That means if those on the frontline need medical care themselves, they can get the treatment they need quickly and return to their vital, life-saving work.”
Continuing a proud legacy as UniMed
UniMed’s connection with Life Flight goes back to 2021, when Accuro Health Insurance became the principal air ambulance supporter for Life Flight. In 2024, the insurance portfolio of Accuro Health Insurance Society was transferred to UniMed and in 2025, the brands unified under UniMed.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of Life Flight’s family of sponsors,” Lance says.
“Together, our organisations represent close to a century of combined service to New Zealanders’ health and wellbeing.”
“I would encourage all New Zealanders to support the incredible work Life Flight does every day for patients and families across the country.”
UniMed partners with Osara Health to provide enhanced cancer support
29 August 2025
UniMed, New Zealand’s third-largest health insurer, is proud to announce a new partnership with award-winning cancer care provider Osara Health.
With cancer incidence projected to nearly double by 2045 in New Zealand1, this partnership comes at a crucial time to support UniMed’s 140,000 members nationwide.
This collaboration will deliver comprehensive, evidence-based support to eligible UniMed members diagnosed with cancer, furthering UniMed’s purpose of keeping working New Zealanders in lifelong good health.
UniMed Interim CEO, Lynne Hayman, says the partnership will help members feel more informed, more confident and more in control of their care.
“At UniMed, we’re committed to supporting our members through every stage of their health journey – not just in treatment, but in the moments in between as well. This partnership with Osara Health gives our members access to professional support and practical tools to help them navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.”
Through this partnership, eligible UniMed members will have confidential access, at no additional cost, to Osara Health’s Cancer Coach program – a clinically validated, digital cancer support platform designed to empower individuals living with cancer through empathy and technology.
Health Coach – One-on-one professional support and personalised education from a trained professional. Coaches empower individuals to take action and make decisions that improve their health, whilst guiding them every step of the way.
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Evidence-based Resources – Evidence-based techniques that focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s getting more sleep, working through uncertainty, speaking to doctors, or getting back to normality, Osara Health offers relevant topics with real-world coping strategies.
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Support when you need it – An accessible expert that’s in your corner and in your pocket. Available via confidential calls, SMS or email.
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Personalised Companion App – With access to key features including symptom tracking, goal setting and an educational content library.
Osara Health CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Raghav Murali-Ganesh, says: “This partnership is a testament to UniMed’s commitment to improving their members’ healthcare experience by providing comprehensive cancer support services for its members.”
Dr. Murali-Ganesh added: “Osara Health started as a better way of supporting and communicating with people impacted by cancer, especially around important elements of cancer care such as nutrition, exercise and mindfulness which have been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Since then, our Cancer Coach program has demonstrated a more than 50% improvement in emotional problems, reduction in fatigue and improvement in physical health for participants.”
UniMed announces appointment of new CEO
UniMed is pleased to announce the appointment of Lance Walker as Chief Executive Officer, effective 20 October 2025.
Lance brings over 25 years of leadership experience across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, including eight years as a CEO in life, health, and travel insurance.
UniMed Chair Peter Tynan said Lance is recognised for his ability to drive growth, lead cultural development, and implement technology initiatives.
His previous role as CEO of Accuro Health Insurance Society Limited, which was merged with UniMed in 2024, highlights his deep understanding of the health insurance sector and membership-based mutual societies.
Lance expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, "I am excited to join UniMed and build on the foundation we established during the merger. I look forward to working with the team to realise the full potential of the organisation and deliver exceptional value to our Members."
Lance is currently overseas and will commence as CEO at the conclusion of his travel. Lynne Hayman will continue as the interim CEO until his start date.