Southern Cross launches new policy

It has launched HealthEssentials, which is available from $1 a day for people aged under 35, and $1.50 for those who are older.

It is aimed at people aged in their 20s and 30s, a demographic that has not traditionally been keen on insurance.

Almost three-quarters of 20 to 39-year-olds don’t have health insurance and 37% said they would not consider getting it, according to TNS research.

But they do have cause to claim for small healthcare costs - 69% had gone to a GP in the last year, 31% to a dentist, 19% had purchased glasses and 17% had an eye exam.