AA Health
AA Health Everyday Cover
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Dental:
- NZD 450
- Eye Care:
- NZD 200
- Gp And Prescriptions:
- NZD 150
- General Treatment Physiotherapy Chiropractic Osteopathy:
- NZD 100
40 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Compare Health Insurance in New Zealand
Compare health insurance plans from Southern Cross, nib, AIA and other leading providers. Get faster access to specialists and surgery with private health cover.
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Partners Life
AIA
Fidelity Life
Asteron Life
nib
Compare Health Insurance Policies in NZ
Active health-cover products from 8 New Zealand insurers, sourced from each insurer's published policy wording or brochure. Verbatim wording extracts only — no editorial claims. Source data refreshed .
AA Health
AA Private Hospital Cover
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Surgical:
- NZD 300,000
- Non Surgical:
- NZD 200,000
- Physiotherapy:
- NZD 750
- Therapeutic Care:
- NZD 250
Waiting periods (days)
- Pre Existing:
- NZD 1,095
Pre-existing conditions
“Any sign, symptom, treatment, or surgery of any condition that happened on or before the insured person's join date that the policyowner(s) or another insured person were aware of, had an indication that something was wrong, sought investigation or medical advice for, or would cause a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care, or treatment. In the first three years following your join date, we won't pay any claims that directly or indirectly relate to any pre-existing conditions. After three years of continuous cover, eligible pre-existing conditions are covered. Some pre-existing conditions are never covered, including: pre-existing congenital or acquired cardiovascular conditions (with additional carve-outs for certain diabetes/cholesterol risk factors); pre-existing cancers (with limited exceptions for certain pre-malignant cancers with appropriate prior treatment); pre-existing hip or knee conditions; pre-existing back conditions; any prior transplant surgery; and any prior reconstructive or reparative surgery. If a dependent child is added within four months of birth, their pre-existing conditions are covered under Base Cover (general and personal exclusions including congenital conditions still apply).”
66 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Source document is 32 months old (2023-10-01). Confirm current terms with the insurer or a licensed adviser before relying on these extracts.
AA Health
AA Private Hospital + Specialist Cover
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Gp Surgery:
- NZD 750
- Eye Injections:
- NZD 3,000
- Surgical Benefit:
- NZD 300,000
- Home Care Per Day:
- NZD 150
Waiting periods (days)
- Pre Existing:
- NZD 1,095
Pre-existing conditions
“A pre-existing condition is any sign, symptom, treatment, or surgery of any condition that happened on or before the insured person's join date that the policyowner(s) or another insured person were aware of, had an indication that something was wrong, sought investigation or medical advice for, or would cause a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care, or treatment. In the first three years following the join date, no claims that directly or indirectly relate to any pre-existing conditions will be paid. After three years of continuous cover following the join date, eligible pre-existing conditions are covered. Some pre-existing conditions are never covered, including: pre-existing congenital or acquired cardiovascular conditions (with additional risk-factor exclusions for diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, BMI ≥30); pre-existing cancers (with limited exceptions for certain pre-malignant conditions that have had appropriate treatment); pre-existing hip or knee conditions including degenerative conditions, disease or injury; pre-existing back conditions including any condition of or injury to the back; transplant surgery; and reconstructive or reparative surgery performed before the join date. A dependent child added within four months of birth has pre-existing conditions covered under Base Cover (congenital condition exclusions still apply).”
66 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Accuro
KidSmart
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Oral Surgery:
- NZD 300,000
- Mental Health:
- NZD 1,000
- General Surgery:
- NZD 500,000
- Overseas Treatment:
- NZD 30,000
Waiting periods (days)
- Surgical:
- NZD 365
Pre-existing conditions
“A pre-existing condition is any health or medical condition that you or any child was aware of, or were experiencing signs or symptoms of, before the start of the policy, or a medical event that occurred before the start of the policy. All pre-existing conditions must be disclosed at application. Personal exclusions may be placed on the policy certificate for pre-existing conditions; these last for varying periods (from 1 year to life). Children added under 6 months of age may be added with no personal exclusions placed due to their medical history. A Medical report is required within the first 5 years of the Hospital & Surgical base plan or Specialist module if the child was added after 6 months of age and their complete medical history was not supplied at application. We may decline a claim or add a backdated exclusion for any non-disclosed pre-existing condition.”
53 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Accuro
SmartCare
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Gp Visit:
- NZD 55
- Home Nursing:
- NZD 6,000
- Oral Surgery:
- NZD 300,000
- Mental Health:
- NZD 1,000
Waiting periods (days)
- Surgical:
- NZD 0
- Pre Existing:
- NZD 0
- Mental Health:
- NZD 0
Pre-existing conditions
“A pre-existing condition is any health or medical condition that you're aware of, or were experiencing signs or symptoms of, before the start of your policy, or a medical event that occurred before the start of your policy. All pre-existing conditions for all Members must be disclosed at application. Underwriters assess the application and may place personal exclusions on the policy certificate; exclusions last for varying periods (from 1 year to life) depending on the medical condition. After the exclusion period has passed, the member can then claim for that condition. If a pre-existing condition is not disclosed and a claim arises relating to it, the claim may be declined. Undisclosed pre-existing conditions may be added as excluded conditions at any time, potentially backdated to the policy start date. A Medical report from the GP holding the patient's medical history is required when claiming within the first 5 years of the Hospital & Surgical base plan or Specialist module for a condition not previously claimed.”
53 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Accuro
SmartCare+
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Gp Visit:
- NZD 55
- Dental Cover:
- NZD 500
- Home Nursing:
- NZD 6,000
- Hospice Stay:
- NZD 2,000
Pre-existing conditions
“A pre-existing condition is any health or medical condition that the member is aware of, or was experiencing signs or symptoms of, before the start of the policy, or a medical event that occurred before the start of the policy. All pre-existing conditions must be disclosed at application. The underwriters assess each condition and may place personal exclusions on the policy certificate, which last for varying periods (from 1 year to life) depending on the medical condition. Claims may be declined for undisclosed pre-existing conditions that the member knew about or should have known about, and any such exclusion may be backdated to the policy start date. For example, a hernia present at policy start would result in a 5-year personal exclusion. Medical reports are required for claims within the first 5 years of the Hospital & Surgical+ base plan or Specialist+ module where the member has not previously claimed for that condition.”
45 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Accuro
SmartStay
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Oral Surgery:
- NZD 150,000
- General Surgery:
- NZD 150,000
- Ct Scans Per Year:
- NZD 2,500
- Mri Scans Per Year:
- NZD 3,000
Waiting periods (days)
- Surgical:
- NZD 0
- Pre Existing:
- NZD 0
- Mental Health:
- NZD 0
Pre-existing conditions
“All pre-existing conditions must be disclosed at application. A pre-existing condition is any health or medical condition the member was aware of, or experiencing signs or symptoms of, before the start of the policy, or a medical event that occurred before the start of the policy. Pre-existing conditions are excluded unless accepted by the underwriters. Personal exclusions are listed on the policy certificate and may last from 1 year to life depending on the medical condition. If a member does not provide their complete medical history at application, a Medical report from the GP holding the medical history is required for any new condition claimed within the first 5 years of the Hospital & Surgical base plan or Specialist module. UniMed reserves the right to exclude any declared or non-declared pre-existing condition or congenital condition at any time, with the exclusion potentially backdated to the policy start date. Example given: a pre-existing hernia attracts a 5-year personal exclusion.”
53 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Accuro
StaffCare
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Ct Scan:
- NZD 2,500
- Mri Scan:
- NZD 3,000
- Pet Scan:
- NZD 2,500
- Angiogram:
- NZD 3,500
Pre-existing conditions
“Pre-existing conditions are excluded unless accepted by the insurer. With group insurance schemes, cover for pre-existing conditions may be offered in certain circumstances. If a full application is required, all pre-existing conditions must be disclosed. Personal exclusions may be placed on the policy certificate for pre-existing conditions, lasting from 1 year to life depending on the condition. After the exclusion period has passed, the member can then claim for that condition. If a pre-existing condition is not disclosed and a claim is made relating to it, the claim may be declined. The insurer reserves the right to exclude any declared or non-declared pre-existing condition or congenital condition at any time, backdated to the start of the policy if necessary.”
54 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Accuro
StaffCare+
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Gp Visit:
- NZD 55
- Oral Surgery:
- NZD 300,000
- General Surgery:
- NZD 300,000
- Bereavement Grant:
- NZD 2,500
Pre-existing conditions
“Our Health Plans are set up to cover treatment of signs, symptoms and conditions that arise after your policy has started. However, with group insurance schemes we offer cover for pre-existing conditions in certain circumstances. If not offered cover for pre-existing conditions on application, all pre-existing conditions must be disclosed for all Members. A pre-existing condition is any health or medical condition that you're aware of, or were experiencing signs or symptoms of, before the start of your policy, or a medical event that occurred before the start of your policy. Underwriters assess all previous and current signs, symptoms and conditions; any excluded conditions are listed on the policy certificate. Personal exclusions last for different lengths of time (from 1 year to life), depending on the medical condition. After the time period listed with the exclusion has passed, you can then claim for that condition. We may decline a claim if treatment is for a pre-existing condition not included on the application form that you knew about or should have known about. We reserve the right to exclude any declared or non-declared pre-existing condition or congenital condition at any time, which may be backdated to the start of the policy.”
53 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
AIA
AIA Private Health
nib
Easy Health
Source document is 77 months old (2019-12-19). Confirm current terms with the insurer or a licensed adviser before relying on these extracts.
nib
Ultimate Health
Source document is 77 months old (2019-12-19). Confirm current terms with the insurer or a licensed adviser before relying on these extracts.
nib
Ultimate Health Max
Source document is 89 months old (2018-12-23). Confirm current terms with the insurer or a licensed adviser before relying on these extracts.
Southern Cross
KiwiCare
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Radiotherapy:
- Unlimited
- Cardiac Tests:
- NZD 3,000
- Allergy Services:
- NZD 600
- Diagnostic Tests:
- NZD 2,000
Waiting periods (days)
- Surgical:
- NZD 1,095
Pre-existing conditions
“We don't cover any costs related to, or incurred as a consequence of, any pre-existing conditions unless we've clearly stated otherwise on your membership certificate. This exclusion doesn't apply to cover provided under the 'Day-to-day treatment' benefit if you have the RegularCare plan. Pre-existing conditions that the policyholder has made us aware of are listed on the membership certificate.”
61 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Southern Cross
RegularCare
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Cardiac Tests:
- NZD 3,000
- Allergy Services:
- NZD 600
- Diagnostic Tests:
- NZD 2,000
- Gp Minor Surgery:
- NZD 800
Pre-existing conditions
“The policy does not cover any costs related to, or incurred as a consequence of, any pre-existing conditions unless clearly stated otherwise on the membership certificate. This exclusion does not apply to cover provided under the 'Day-to-day treatment' benefit for RegularCare plan holders. The policyholder must disclose any health conditions, signs, symptoms on application. Pre-existing conditions may be noted on the membership certificate.”
65 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Southern Cross
UltraCare
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Radiotherapy:
- Unlimited
- Cardiac Tests:
- NZD 5,000
- Hearing Tests:
- NZD 210
- Palliative Care:
- NZD 2,400
Waiting periods (days)
- Surgical:
- NZD 0
- Maternity:
- NZD 365
- Pre Existing:
- NZD 1,095
Pre-existing conditions
“Pre-existing conditions are excluded unless clearly stated otherwise on the membership certificate. This exclusion does not apply after 3 years of continuous cover on this plan, and does not apply to cover under the 'Day-to-day treatment' benefit or the 'Vision and Dental' benefit (UltraCare 400 plan). Pre-existing conditions disclosed by the policyholder are listed on the membership certificate. If information on the membership certificate contradicts this policy document, the membership certificate takes precedence.”
63 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Southern Cross
Wellbeing Modules
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Physiotherapy:
- NZD 300
- Body Care Podiatry:
- NZD 250
- Day To Day Gp Per Visit:
- NZD 65
- Vision Dental Audiology:
- NZD 200
1 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Southern Cross
Wellbeing One
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Cardiac Tests:
- NZD 5,000
- Palliative Care:
- NZD 2,400
- Allergy Services:
- NZD 750
- Diagnostic Tests:
- NZD 3,000
Pre-existing conditions
“Pre-existing conditions are excluded unless clearly stated otherwise on the membership certificate. This exclusion does not apply to cover provided under the optional modules. The prophylactic treatment allowance is not available if the person was confirmed as having a high risk of developing the disease the prophylactic treatment is designed to prevent before their original date of joining, unless the membership certificate specifically states otherwise.”
32 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Southern Cross
Wellbeing Two
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Cardiac Tests:
- NZD 5,000
- Palliative Care:
- NZD 2,400
- Allergy Services:
- NZD 750
- Diagnostic Tests:
- NZD 3,000
Waiting periods (days)
- Maternity:
- NZD 365
Pre-existing conditions
“We don't cover any costs related to, or incurred as a consequence of, any pre-existing conditions unless we've clearly stated otherwise on your membership certificate. This exclusion doesn't apply to cover provided under the optional modules. Pre-existing conditions that the policyholder has made us aware of are listed on the membership certificate.”
34 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
UniMed
Health Positive
Source document is 124 months old (2016-01-22). Confirm current terms with the insurer or a licensed adviser before relying on these extracts.
UniMed
Hospital Select
Source document is 100 months old (2018-01-25). Confirm current terms with the insurer or a licensed adviser before relying on these extracts.
UniMed
ParentStay
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Cancer Care:
- NZD 100,000
- Mental Health:
- NZD 1,000
- Return Of Remains:
- NZD 50,000
- Medical Repatriation:
- NZD 250,000
Pre-existing conditions
“Pre-existing conditions are not covered unless accepted by us. A pre-existing condition means any health or medical condition you are aware of, or any signs or symptoms that you are currently experiencing or have experienced in the past, that occurred before the start of your policy, or a medical event that occurred before the start of your policy. Applicants must disclose all pre-existing conditions on application. If untrue or misleading information is provided or pre-existing conditions are not disclosed, we may decline related claims and/or apply additional personal exclusions (which may be backdated to policy start). Any personal exclusions are listed on the Membership Certificate. Personal exclusions do not apply to the Medical Repatriation or Return of Remains benefits.”
43 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
UniMed
UniCare Advantage
Annual sub-limits (NZD)
- Ambulance:
- NZD 160
- Audiology:
- NZD 240
- Vision Care:
- NZD 200
- Chemotherapy:
- NZD 55,000
9 exclusion clauses on file (see source document).
Compare in more depth at HealthInsuranceComparison.co.nz
InsureNZ shows a summary; HealthInsuranceComparison.co.nz has the full wording-level matrix across every product above — sub-limits, waiting periods, pre-existing-condition rules, drug-cover rules and per-insurer exclusion lists.
Open HealthInsuranceComparison.co.nzWhat is Health Insurance in New Zealand?
Health insurance in New Zealand provides private medical coverage that complements the public healthcare system. While New Zealand's public health system provides essential care, health insurance offers faster access to specialists, shorter waiting times for elective surgery, choice of specialist and hospital, and comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical treatments and procedures.
Private health insurance covers around 1.5 million (source) New Zealanders. Public system elective surgery wait times in the public system can be lengthy (source), and specialist appointments can take time. Health insurance provides peace of mind and timely access to medical care when you need it most.
Types of Health Insurance Coverage
Surgical and Specialist Cover
The most common type of health insurance in New Zealand covers surgical procedures and specialist consultations. This includes operations in private hospitals, pre and post-operative care, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans, and follow-up treatments. Policies typically cover both day surgery and inpatient procedures, with accommodation in private or semi-private hospital rooms.
Comprehensive Medical Insurance
Comprehensive plans extend beyond surgical cover to include GP visits, prescription medications, physiotherapy, mental health services, alternative therapies like osteopathy and acupuncture, and broader diagnostic testing. These plans offer the most extensive coverage but come with higher premiums than surgical-only plans.
Everyday Health or Wellness Plans
Wellness plans cover routine healthcare expenses not typically included in standard health insurance. This includes dental checkups and fillings, optical services including eye tests and glasses, GP consultations, prescription medications, physiotherapy, and preventive health screenings. These plans work alongside or separately from major medical insurance, with annual benefit caps that vary by policy.
Hospital Cash Plans
Hospital cash insurance pays a daily benefit if you're hospitalised, regardless of costs incurred. Daily benefit amounts vary by policy and can be used however you choose — covering lost income, childcare, or additional medical expenses. These plans complement other health insurance or provide basic financial protection during hospitalisation.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in NZ?
Premiums vary by age, cover level, and excess — request a personalised quote to compare current pricing across insurers. Premiums increase with age, and broader cover (specialists, diagnostics, extras) typically costs more than basic surgical-only plans. Family plans often offer better value than separate individual policies.
What Affects Your Health Insurance Premium?
- Age: Premiums increase with age, with more significant jumps at older age bands.
- Coverage Level: Comprehensive plans cost more than basic surgical-only plans.
- Excess: Choosing a higher excess generally reduces monthly premiums.
- Smoking Status: Smokers typically pay more than non-smokers for health insurance.
- Pre-existing Conditions: May result in premium loadings or exclusions depending on severity.
- Occupation: High-risk occupations may attract premium loadings.
- Family History: Significant family history of serious conditions may affect premiums for comprehensive plans.
- Annual Limits: Plans with higher annual benefit limits cost more but provide greater protection.
Comparing Major Health Insurance Providers
Southern Cross Health Insurance
Southern Cross is New Zealand's largest health insurer with a large membership base (see HFANZ for current figures). Founded in 1961, they offer one of the most extensive networks of affiliated providers and medical facilities nationwide. Southern Cross provides surgical cover, comprehensive medical plans, wellness add-ons, and specialist networks across New Zealand. They offer member benefits including Fast Track Elective Surgery and Well Health programs.
nib Health Insurance
nib is another major player in the New Zealand health insurance market and is known for competitive premiums and straightforward policies. Originally founded in Australia in 1952, nib entered the NZ market and has grown through competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage options. They offer surgical and specialist cover, comprehensive medical plans, everyday health extras, and travel insurance integration.
AIA Health Insurance
AIA, a major Asia-Pacific insurer with significant NZ presence, integrates health insurance with their life insurance products. They offer comprehensive health coverage with competitive premiums for bundled policies. AIA provides surgical and specialist cover, wellness programs, and vitality rewards for healthy living. AIA's Vitality program offers premium-related rewards for healthy behaviours — discounts may be available, confirm details with the insurer.
Accuro Health Insurance
Accuro is a smaller, NZ-owned health insurer offering personalised service and competitive premiums. They focus on straightforward policies without complex exclusions and offer flexible payment options. Accuro provides surgical cover, specialist consultations, and optional everyday health benefits, often appealing to price-conscious consumers seeking quality coverage.
What's Typically Covered by Health Insurance?
Usually Covered:
- Surgical procedures in private hospitals
- Specialist consultations and follow-ups
- Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, ultrasound, blood tests)
- Cancer treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Day surgery and outpatient procedures
- Pre and post-operative care
- Hospital accommodation (private or semi-private)
- Surgical dental procedures
- Physiotherapy (with limits)
- Mental health treatment (some policies)
Usually NOT Covered:
- Pre-existing conditions (permanent exclusion or 3-5 year waiting period)
- Cosmetic or elective aesthetic procedures
- Routine dental care (unless wellness plan included)
- Routine optical care (unless wellness plan included)
- Pregnancy and childbirth (some policies cover complications)
- Treatment for self-inflicted injuries
- Experimental or unproven treatments
- Treatment received outside New Zealand (unless travel insurance included)
- Organ transplants (most policies)
- Injuries from hazardous activities without disclosure
Understanding Waiting Periods
Health insurance policies have waiting periods before you can claim for certain treatments. Understanding these helps avoid surprises:
- Accident Cover: Immediate or 48 hours - injuries from accidents are covered almost immediately.
- Surgical Procedures: 6 months - most elective surgical procedures require a 6-month waiting period.
- Pre-existing Conditions: 3-5 years if covered at all - conditions existing before policy commencement face lengthy waiting periods or permanent exclusion.
- Pregnancy: 12 months (if covered) - most policies exclude pregnancy, but some cover complications after 12 months.
- Optical and Dental Extras: 2-6 months - wellness benefits often have shorter waiting periods.
Note: Many insurers waive waiting periods if you're transferring from another health insurer with equivalent or better coverage, making it easier to switch providers without losing coverage continuity.
Regional Health Insurance Considerations
Auckland Health Insurance
Auckland offers the widest choice of private hospitals and specialists in New Zealand, including Mercy Hospital, Auckland Surgical Centre, and Ascot Hospital. Public system specialist and elective surgery wait times can be lengthy (see Te Whatu Ora for current data), so private health insurance is particularly valuable. Auckland's diverse medical community means excellent specialist access across all medical fields. Premiums don't vary significantly by region, but Auckland residents have the greatest choice of affiliated providers.
Wellington Health Insurance
Wellington has excellent private healthcare facilities including Bowen Hospital and Wellington Private Surgical. The capital's public health system faces significant pressure, with elective surgery wait times that can be lengthy. Health insurance provides Wellington residents faster access to diagnostics and treatment. The city's concentration of government workers means many have employer-subsidised health insurance.
Christchurch Health Insurance
Christchurch offers quality private healthcare through facilities like St George's Hospital and Southern Cross hospitals. Following the earthquakes, healthcare infrastructure has been rebuilt and improved. While public system wait times are generally shorter than Auckland, health insurance still provides significant advantages for specialist access and elective surgery. Christchurch has competitive health insurance pricing with good provider networks.
Regional and Rural NZ Health Insurance
Rural New Zealanders face unique healthcare challenges including distance to specialists and limited local private facilities. Health insurance helps by covering travel to specialist appointments in major centres, providing accommodation benefits for treatment away from home, and ensuring access to affiliated providers nationwide. While premiums don't differ by region, rural residents should ensure their policy includes travel and accommodation benefits.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance
Selecting appropriate health insurance requires careful consideration of multiple factors:
- Assess Your Health Needs: Consider your age, current health, family medical history, and likelihood of requiring surgery or specialist care.
- Set Your Budget: Determine what monthly premium you can comfortably afford long-term, remembering premiums increase with age.
- Choose Coverage Level: Basic surgical cover suits young, healthy individuals. Comprehensive plans better suit those with health concerns or family history.
- Consider Extras: Decide if dental, optical, and GP visit coverage would provide good value for your situation.
- Compare Annual Limits: Ensure annual benefit limits are sufficient for the type of care you're likely to need.
- Review Excess Options: Balance lower premiums against higher out-of-pocket costs when claiming, and consider an excess level you could comfortably pay.
- Check Provider Networks: Ensure your preferred specialists and hospitals are covered under the policy's affiliated provider network.
- Read Policy Exclusions: Understand what's not covered, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions and waiting periods.
Making a Health Insurance Claim
The claims process for health insurance is generally straightforward. For planned procedures, contact your insurer before booking to confirm coverage and get pre-approval. Provide your specialist's recommendation and treatment plan. The insurer will confirm coverage, any excesses payable, and whether they'll pay the provider directly or reimburse you.
For affiliated providers, most insurers pay directly, requiring you only to pay the excess. For non-affiliated providers, you typically pay upfront and claim reimbursement. Submit claims with invoices, receipts, and medical reports within the specified timeframe (usually 90 days). Most straightforward claims are processed within 5-10 business days.
Keep all medical documentation including specialist letters, test results, invoices, and receipts. If a claim is declined, insurers must provide written reasons. You can appeal decisions or contact Financial Services Complaints Limited (FSCL) if unresolved.
Ways to Save on Health Insurance
- Start Young: Premiums are lowest in your 20s and 30s. Starting early locks in lower base rates that increase more gradually.
- Choose Higher Excesses: Raising your excess generally reduces monthly premiums — confirm savings with each insurer.
- Compare Annually: Shop around each renewal — switching can deliver meaningful savings.
- Bundle Policies: Some insurers discount when combining health with life insurance — confirm details with the insurer.
- Join Through Employer: Employer group schemes often provide discounts plus potentially subsidised premiums — discounts may be available, confirm with the insurer.
- Pay Annually: Annual payments typically cost less than monthly instalments due to avoided admin fees.
- Consider Basic Plans: If you're young and healthy, basic surgical cover may suffice rather than comprehensive plans.
- Maintain Healthy Lifestyle: Some insurers like AIA offer wellness-program rewards for healthy living — discounts may be available, confirm with the insurer.
- Review Coverage Regularly: Ensure you're not over-insured. Adjust coverage as circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does health insurance cover in New Zealand?
Health insurance in NZ typically covers surgical procedures, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, medical procedures, hospital accommodation, and some dental and optical services. Coverage varies by policy level, with comprehensive plans offering wider benefits than basic plans.
How much does health insurance cost in NZ?
Premiums vary by age, cover level, excess, and provider. Request a personalised quote to compare current pricing — premiums increase with age and broader cover typically costs more than basic plans.
Do I need health insurance if I have public healthcare?
While New Zealand has a public healthcare system, health insurance provides faster access to specialists and elective surgery, choice of specialist and timing, private hospital accommodation, and comprehensive diagnostic testing without long waiting periods that can extend to months or years in the public system.
What's the difference between Southern Cross and nib?
Southern Cross is New Zealand's largest health insurer and offers a wide network of affiliated providers. nib is another major player and often offers competitive premiums with comprehensive coverage. Both offer surgical, specialist, and diagnostic cover, but differ in pricing, network size, and additional benefits.
Can I get health insurance with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, but pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from coverage permanently or for a waiting period (usually 3-5 years). Some insurers offer limited coverage for pre-existing conditions or may load premiums. It's important to declare all pre-existing conditions to avoid claim rejection.
What is a health insurance excess?
A health insurance excess is the amount you pay towards each claim before insurance covers the rest. Excess options vary by insurer and policy. Choosing a higher excess generally reduces monthly premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs when you claim.
Does health insurance cover dental and optical?
Basic health insurance typically doesn't cover routine dental and optical. However, many insurers offer optional extras or separate wellness plans covering routine dental checkups, fillings, glasses, and contact lenses. Surgical dental work is often covered under medical policies.
What are waiting periods for health insurance?
Health insurance typically has waiting periods: 6 months for surgical procedures, 12 months for pre-existing conditions (if covered), and immediate cover for accidents. Some insurers waive waiting periods if you're transferring from another health insurer with equivalent or higher cover.
Can I claim on both public and private health insurance?
You cannot claim twice for the same treatment. If you choose public healthcare, your private insurance won't pay. Health insurance is designed to cover private treatment costs. However, you can choose private insurance for some treatments while using public healthcare for others.
How do I choose the right health insurance plan?
Consider your age, health status, family medical history, budget, desired coverage level, and whether you want extras like dental and optical. Compare annual limits, excesses, specialist networks, and what's excluded. Younger, healthy individuals may prefer basic plans while families often benefit from comprehensive coverage.
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