MAS claims data sparks life-saving early screening programme for women under 45

More than a third of all breast cancer claims paid under MAS’s Recovery and Disability Income policies are for Members diagnosed under the age of 45. When MAS discovered this alarming trend, it wasn’t just a statistic to be filed away – it was a call to act.

“Our data was showing that not only were cancers more common in this younger group, but they were also typically more aggressive and diagnosed later, leading to more intensive treatment, longer recovery times and higher costs,” says MAS Chief Executive Officer Jo McCauley. “Yet under New Zealand’s public health system, breast cancer screening is not funded until age 45 – despite clinical advice recommending earlier screening.”

“We couldn’t ignore what the data was telling us. Too many of our Members were being diagnosed late, and often with more complex and harder to treat cancers. We saw a clear opportunity to step in early, improve health outcomes and truly live our purpose of enhancing the financial health and wellbeing of our Members – long before a claim is ever made.”

This philosophy led to MAS launching its Preventative Health Benefit Programme in late 2023, initially offering reimbursed mammograms for eligible Members aged 40 to 44. The strong uptake and early success of the initiative prompted MAS to expand the programme in 2024 to include both breast and bowel screening for eligible Members and employees.

Its value was brought sharply into focus when one of MAS’s own employees, Celesté Houwniet, had her life changed by the programme. A 43-year-old mum of two with no family history of breast cancer, Celesté chose to take up the screening simply because MAS made the process easy and accessible. Her first mammogram in late 2023 was clear, but increased awareness from that experience meant she sought medical advice quickly when she later noticed changes to one of her breasts. Further scans revealed a previously undetectable, small, aggressive tumour in the other breast – fortunately picked up before it had spread to her lymph nodes.

“If MAS hadn’t offered this programme, I would never have had that first mammogram,” says Celesté. “That early scan – and the awareness it created – is the reason I acted quickly when something didn’t feel right. Catching the cancer early meant I could avoid far more invasive treatment. Early diagnosis doesn’t just save lives; it changes the whole treatment journey.”

Under the expanded programme, eligible Members can receive up to $300 for a mammogram and $140 for a bowel screening test, depending on age and policy type. The same benefit is also available to eligible MAS employees.

“By extending the programme, we were able to broaden its impact and help more people catch potential issues before they become serious. This programme makes a real difference,” says McCauley. “Celesté’s experience brought home just how critical early screening can be. Knowing that our support can quite literally save lives is something we’re incredibly proud of – it’s why we do what we do.”

The programme has seen strong engagement, with 14% of eligible Members and 27% of employees taking part in the first full year – well above typical health campaign participation rates. MAS expects the initiative will also help reduce long-term claims costs by supporting earlier, less invasive treatment and shorter recovery times.

“This is about redefining what insurance stands for,” McCauley adds. “We’re showing that proactive, preventative care is not only possible – it’s essential. And it’s good for everyone: for Members and their whānau.”

The MAS Preventative Health Benefit Programme was highly commended in the Financial Services Council Awards 2025 – Innovation of the Year category.