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Health Insurance
Health insurance helps you pay for medical costs when you are sick, injured or dealing with other health issues. In return for your premiums, your insurer reimburses some or all of the cost of eligible medical care, so you pay less out of your own pocket. Cover can include consultations and treatment, hospital stays, surgery, medicines and health checks.
Any Question?
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Why do you need health insurance?
New Zealand's public health system is free for residents, but it often comes with long waiting times and delays in getting treatment. Comprehensive health insurance typically covers specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment, hospital stays, surgery, cancer care, non-Pharmac funded medicines and treatment overseas.
Which visas are eligible for health insurance?
Private health cover is available to New Zealand permanent residents and citizens, and to work visa holders who meet certain requirements:
- New Zealand citizens and residents
- Work visa holders (visa of 2 years or more)
- Australian citizens or permanent residents (who have lived, or intend to live, in New Zealand for 2 years or more)
- Other visas eligible for publicly funded healthcare (such as refugees and students on government-approved programmes)