We’re committed to respecting your privacy

Last updated: March 2026

Union Medical Benefits Society Limited (UniMed) values the trust you place in us to protect, use, and share your personal information appropriately.  

This Privacy Statement explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and how we keep it safe.  

It also explains how to access and correct the information we hold about you, as well as how to complain if you feel we have got something wrong.

Primary Member

As the owner of the policy, the Primary Member can provide and view information for all Members on the policy, including details of any claims or prior approvals.  

Information we collect from you

Whenever possible we collect information from you directly. 

This might include when you are: 

  • Applying for cover, requesting a quote, or submitting a claim. 
  • Contacting us by email, social media or our website. 
  • Speaking to us by phone (inbound and outbound calls are recorded). 
  • Using our Member Portal. 

The types of information we collect include: 

For: We may collect:
Contact details 
  • Name
  • Email address
  • Physical and postal address
  • Phone numbers 
Identity information 
  • Date of birth 
  • Driver’s licence 
  • Familial status 
  • Gender 
  • Passport & visa information (in certain circumstances) 
Health information 
  • Existing and historic medical conditions or injuries
  • Sex at birth
  • Family medical history
  • Records of treatment received
  • Reports and statements from healthcare providers 
Financial information 
  • Banking details
  • Employment details
  • Insurance cover and claims including ACC claims 
Website information 
  • Browser and device information 
  • IP address 
  • Location 
  • Website and Member Portal activity 

Information we collect from others

We only collect information about you from other parties with your consent or when permitted by New Zealand law. We understand that health information is sensitive and only collect what is necessary to assess your cover, manage your policy, and pay claims. 

This includes when: 

  • A family member applies for cover or submits a claim on your behalf. 
  • We assess your eligibility for cover or approval of a claim. 
  • You engage with us via an Adviser or other intermediary. 
  • Your policy is under your employer’s group insurance scheme. 

We might collect information: 

From:  About or for: 
Adviser 
  • Applications, claims, contact details, health, identity, and other relevant information that you have consented to the Adviser sharing with us
 
Employer 
  • Contact details 
  • Employment status 
  • Cover / Plan eligibility 

Healthcare facilities (e.g. hospital) 

Healthcare providers (e.g. GP, specialist) 
  • Existing and historic medical conditions or injuries  
  • Proposed treatment plans 
  • Records of treatment received 
  • Reports and statements from healthcare providers 
Another Member on your joint/shared policy 
  • Applications, claims, contact details, health, identity, and other relevant information that you have consented to the Member sharing with us
 
Our Wellbeing Partners 
  • Proposed treatment plans or services 
  • Records of treatment or services received 

How we use your information

We primarily use your information to help you review, apply for, or use our products and services. 

This includes: 

  • Establishing your identity and the identity of any family (whānau) members included in your policy. 
  • Assessing your eligibility for health insurance cover. 
  • Considering the specific terms that might apply to your policy, including any personal exclusions for pre-existing conditions. 
  • Providing you with quotes and determining your premium. 
  • Administering and managing our products and services, including those offered by our partners. 
  • Determining whether you are eligible for any benefit under a policy. 
  • Processing and paying claims. 
  • Reviewing and responding to any enquiry made by you or on your behalf. 

We may also use your information when:  

  • Telling you about products or services we think may be of interest to you. 
  • Conducting analysis and research relating to current or proposed products and services. 
  • Designing and pricing our products and services. 
  • Contacting you for marketing or survey purposes, including within a reasonable time of you ceasing to be covered by the policy, or after a quote or application is not proceeded with. 
  • Monitoring and managing our risks, including preventing, detecting, and investigating any instances of fraud or other improper activity. 
  • Meeting our legal and regulatory obligations. 

How we use artificial intelligence

UniMed is always looking for ways to improve the products and services we offer. This includes evaluating where artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance our operations and your experience. This may include using AI to support administrative tasks, analyse information, or improve member services. 

As a Members’ Society, we are committed to taking a human-centric approach, in practice this means we will: 

  • Promote and monitor responsible AI use throughout UniMed. 
  • Evaluate the benefits and risks of AI on a case-by-case basis, including the provision of appropriate controls and safeguards. 
  • Not allow your personal or health information to be used to train any external third-party AI model. 

Who we disclose your information to

UniMed may disclose your information to related parties and relevant third parties in order to provide our products and services, meet our regulatory and legal obligations, or where you or the Primary Member on your policy give us authority to do so. 

Related parties 

We may disclose information to: 

  • The Primary Member of a policy where you are an additional Member. 
  • Any person you have granted authority to receive information or act on your behalf. 
  • Any person who is otherwise acting on your behalf in accordance with law. 

Third parties 

We may disclose information to: 

  • A treating hospital or other healthcare provider. 
  • Our wellbeing partners so they can provide a service you requested. 
  • An Adviser associated with your policy. 
  • Your employer or other group insurance scheme provider in order to administer the scheme. 
  • Regulators and relevant industry bodies including the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the Financial Markets Authority, and the Financial Services Council. 
  • Our external dispute resolution provider: the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO). 

What happens if you do not provide your information

If you choose not to provide us with your personal information when requested or provide incomplete or inaccurate information then we may no longer be able to provide our products and services, including being unable to offer you insurance cover or process your claim.

How we protect your information

UniMed is owned by our Members, so we keep them at the heart of our decisions. This includes how we protect Members’ privacy and information. 

We take reasonable steps to ensure the privacy and security of your personal and health information against loss, unauthorised access, use, interference, modification or disclosure, or any other misuse. 

UniMed has a range of safeguards, technology, and physical procedures to provide a robust security environment for our information and data. 

To make sure your information is managed appropriately, UniMed complies with the personal and health information obligations under the Privacy Act 2020, Health Information Privacy Code 2020, and Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. 

How to access your information

You have the right to ask for a copy of any personal and health information that we hold about you, including information we have collected from a third party. 

If you think that any information we hold about you is incorrect, you have the right to request a correction of this information. 

You can request a copy of your information or advise us of a correction by contacting us.

Privacy complaints

We try to get things right the first time, but if you feel we haven’t met your expectations then we will work with you to find a resolution. 

We encourage complaints to be made in writing, but you can also call us. It would be helpful to provide us with any information or documentation that supports your complaint. 

For more information, please see the Complaint Process on our website. 

If you feel we have not been able to resolve your complaint, then you have the right to complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner via their website. 

Questions or concerns?

For more information about this Privacy Statement, your information or privacy rights, you can contact us at privacy@unimed.co.nz or 0800 600 666.