A review of Accuro's health insurance plans (now under UniMed)
Accuro (now UniMed) offers flexible health insurance for individuals, families, and businesses. Contact Policywise for free plan comparisons and expert advice.
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Accuro is now part of the Union Medical Benefits Society (UniMed), New Zealand’s third-largest health insurer, giving policyholders stronger financial backing, alongside the same member-focused approach.
Accuro health insurance plans, now underwritten by UniMed, include:
- SmartCare+ and SmartCare for individuals and families
- KidSmart for children
- SmartStay for visitors and work visa holders, and
- StaffCare+ and StaffCare for businesses.
These plans help you access major diagnostic tests and surgical and non-surgical treatments faster, while the public system has long wait times. Several plans include cover for non-Pharmac-funded drugs and overseas treatments. Accuro’s plans also provide free cover for babies in the first six months from birth and for the third and successive children added to your policy if they share the same plan.
Contact Policywise for free quote comparisons, personalised guidance, and advice on ways to save on premiums. You can also download our FREE hospital cover comparison table below to compare Accuro’s health cover against other top health insurers in New Zealand.
Health | Life | Trauma | Total and Permanent Disability | Income Protection
Learn more on different types of insurance from an expert licenced financial adviser and see what's best for your circumstances.
Learn more about different types of insurance from a licenced financial adviser and see what's best for your circumstances.
Health | Life | Trauma | Total and Permanent Disability | Income Protection
Accuro’s journey and transition to UniMed
Accuro began in 1971 as the Hospital Services Welfare Society, providing health cover for hospital staff. In 2007, it opened membership to all New Zealanders and adopted the Accuro name. For decades, Accuro earned a reputation as a trusted, not-for-profit insurer known for its innovation and strong links to the health sector.
In 2024, Accuro’s insurance portfolio officially transferred to UniMed, a New Zealand-owned, not-for-profit mutual society that’s been supporting Kiwi families since 1979. The move brought Accuro’s 30,000 members into UniMed’s broader community, which now includes over 140,000 members. UniMed is New Zealand’s third-largest health insurer, with more than $1.2 billion in claims paid over 45 years.
As a mutual society, UniMed’s values of aspire, care, and trust guide its approach to customer service, product design, and member support. This member-first philosophy ensures that Accuro policyholders continue to receive transparent communication, ethical treatment, and fair outcomes through their health journey.
Today, Accuro’s plans continue under UniMed, giving policyholders the combined benefits of Accuro’s long history and UniMed’s scale, stability, and commitment to member-centred healthcare.
Key facts about UniMed |
Founded: 1979 in New Zealand |
| Location: Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Financial strength rating: A (Excellent) AM Best |
Solvency capital |
$182.826m |
Adjusted prescribed capital requirement |
$90.449m |
| Adjusted solvency margin | $92.377m |
| Adjusted solvency ratio | 202% |
Accuro health insurance plans (now under UniMed)
Accuro’s health insurance plans continue under UniMed. All plans start with a core Hospital and Surgical base, with optional modules that allow you to tailor your cover. These plans are:
Please note: Terms and conditions, as well as exclusions, apply to Accuro/UniMed products. It's important to review your policy carefully to understand the specific terms of cover, benefits, and any limitations. This ensures that you have a clear understanding of the protection provided by each product. If you have any questions or would like some help finding the right policy, book a callback with a Policywise adviser; it's fast and free.
SmartCare+ and SmartCare
Best for: Kiwis wanting comprehensive cover
SmartCare+ is Accuro’s most comprehensive health insurance plan. Compared to SmartCare, SmartCare+ offers higher cover limits, cover for non-Pharmac-funded drugs, and extra benefits to help you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Accuro’s SmartCare policy has slightly less cover, but most of the key benefits are still there, and it’s an affordable plan well worth considering.Benefits |
SmartCare+ |
SmartCare |
| General surgery (including major diagnostic tests, such as CT, MRI, and PET scans) | $500,000/policy year | $300,000/policy year |
| Oral surgery | $300,000/policy year | $300,000/policy year |
| Non-Pharmac drugs | Maximum limit of the surgical or non-surgical benefit, whichever applies | NA |
| Private hospital medical admission | $300,000/policy year (including chemotherapy and radiation treatment) |
$200,000/policy year (including chemotherapy and radiation treatment of $65,000) |
| Minor surgery | $3,000/claim | $3,000/claim |
| Prophylactic surgery | $80,000/person | $60,000/person |
| Bereavement grant if a member aged 25-65 dies from an illness | $10,000 | $2,500 |
| Mental health benefit | $1,000/policy year | $1,000/policy year |
| Home nursing | $6,000/policy year | $6,000/policy year |
| Parent accommodation | $3,000/policy year | $3,000/policy year |
| Transport and accommodation | $3,000/policy year | $2,000/policy year |
| Other benefits | Overseas treatments (treatment outside of NZ, medical tourism, overseas waiting list, cover while in Australia), post-operative therapy, hospice stay, public hospital admission, health-related appliances, ambulance transfer, medical misadventure, ACC top-up | Overseas treatments (treatment outside of NZ, cover while in Australia), post-operative therapy, hospice stay, public hospital admission, ambulance transfer, medical misadventure, ACC top-up |
| Loyalty benefits | Sterilisation, GP health check, discounts for those with a healthy weight, bowel screening, screening endoscopies, weight-loss or breast reduction surgery | Sterilisation, GP health check, discounts for those with a healthy weight, bowel screening, weight-loss or breast reduction surgery |
| Optional add-ons | ||
| Specialist module: cover for specialist consultations and diagnostic tests | Specialist consultations: $5,000/policy year Diagnostic tests and treatment: $5,000/policy year Loyalty benefits: mammogram or prostate check, pregnancy and infertility treatment, melanoma |
Specialist consultations: $5,000/policy year Diagnostic tests and treatment: $5,000/policy year Loyalty benefits: mammogram or prostate check, pregnancy, melanoma |
| GP module: cover for GP and nurse consultations and prescription drugs | GP: up to $55/GP visit; up to $70/GP home visit or after-hour visit Nurse: up to $35/visit Laboratory tests: $80/policy year Prescription drugs: up to $20/item (maximum $400/policy year) Loyalty benefit: preventative mammogram or prostate check |
GP: up to $55/GP visit; up to $70/GP home visit or after-hour visit Nurse: up to $35/visit Laboratory tests: $80/policy year Prescription drugs: up to $20/item (maximum $400/policy year) Loyalty benefit: preventative mammogram or prostate check |
| Natural Health module: cover for consultations with natural health providers, including chiropractors, physiotherapists, and osteopaths |
$800/policy year Loyalty benefits: sick leave, flu vaccination |
$800/policy year Loyalty benefits: sick leave, flu vaccination |
| Dental and Optical module: cover for dental treatment, optical consultations, and eyewear | Dental: 80% of the cost — $500/policy year Optical: 80% of the cost — up to $60/visit, to a maximum of $300/policy year Glasses or contact lenses: 80% of the cost — $300/policy year Loyalty benefit: orthodontic |
Dental: 80% of the cost — $500/policy year Optical: 80% of the cost — up to $60/visit, to a maximum of $300/policy year Glasses or contact lenses: 80% of the cost — $300/policy year Loyalty benefit: orthodontic |
| Day to Day Health Plan: cover for everyday costs, such as going to the doctor, dentist, optician, or natural therapist; prescription drugs, and annual flu vaccine | $600/policy year | $600/policy year |
KidSmart
Best for: Children-only health insurance
KidSmart is a standalone health insurance plan for children under 18 years of age, allowing parents or guardians to take out cover for kids without insuring themselves.
You can add other children under 18 to this policy, and only pay for the first two children when they hold identical cover. Babies under six months old can be added, and will receive free cover for the first six months after birth. Children stay on child pricing until age 25.
Benefits |
Limits |
| General surgery (including major diagnostic tests such as CT, MRI, and PET scans) | $500,000/policy year |
| Private hospital medical admission (including chemotherapy and radiation treatment) | $300,000/policy year |
| Oral surgery | $300,000/policy year |
| Non-Pharmac drugs | Maximum limit of the surgical or non-surgical benefit, whichever applies |
| Treatment outside New Zealand (if the treatment/procedure isn’t available in New Zealand) | $30,000/policy year |
| Overseas waiting list (if the procedure isn’t available in New Zealand within 6 months) | Maximum limit of the surgical or non-surgical benefit, whichever applies |
| Minor surgery | $3,000/claim |
| Guardian accommodation | $3,000/policy year |
| Mental health | $1,000/policy year |
| Other benefits | Post-operative therapy, public hospital admission, home nursing, transport and accommodation, ambulance transfer, ACC top-up |
| Loyalty benefits | Tongue or lip tie, screenings, and exercise-based activity contribution |
| Optional add-ons | |
| Specialist module: cover for specialist consultations and diagnostic tests | Specialist consultations: $5,000/policy year Diagnostic tests and treatment: $5,000/policy year Loyalty benefits: melanoma investigations, speech-language therapy, orthodontic treatment |
| Day to Day Health Plan: cover for everyday costs, such as going to the doctor, dentist, optician, or natural therapist; prescription drugs, and annual flu vaccine | $600/policy year |
Contact Policywise to learn more about KidSmart and explore other options for getting health cover for your kids.
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SmartStay
Best for: Work visa holders and visitors staying in NZ for less than two years
SmartStay is specifically designed for work visa and visitor visa holders who don’t qualify for public healthcare, particularly those with a:
- New Zealand work visa valid for 12+ months with at least three months remaining
- New Zealand visitor visa valid for 12+ months with at least 12 months remaining.
SmartStay covers the costs of private and public hospital treatments, surgery, major diagnostic procedures, and treatments outside New Zealand. You can add your partner and dependants below 25 years old to your plan.
If you become eligible for public healthcare, such as if your work visa lets you remain in New Zealand for more than two years, you may be able to switch to a SmartCare plan for higher limits.
Benefits |
Limits |
| General surgery | $150,000/claim |
| Major diagnostic procedures (angiogram, CAT/CT scan, PET scan, MRI scan, MP scan) | $2,000 - $3,500, depending on procedure |
| Oral surgery | $150,000/claim |
| Private and public hospital medical admission | $65,000/policy year including non-surgical cancer treatment of $25,000 |
| Treatment outside New Zealand | $25,000/policy year |
| Minor surgery | $500/claim |
| Other benefits | Prophylactic surgery, mental health, post-operative therapy, home nursing, parent accommodation, transport and accommodation, ambulance transfer, ACC top-up |
| Optional add-ons | |
| Specialist module: cover for specialist consultations and diagnostic tests | $4,000/policy year |
| GP module: cover for GP and nurse consultations, laboratory tests, and prescription drugs | GP and nurse visits: up to $80/visit (maximum $500/policy year) Laboratory tests: $100/policy year Prescription drugs: up to $20/item (maximum $300/policy year) |
| Day to Day Health Plan: cover for everyday costs, such as going to the doctor, dentist, or optician; prescription drugs, annual flu vaccine, and natural therapy treatments | $600/policy year |
Contact Policywise to learn more about SmartStay and other visitor health insurance options.
StaffCare+ and StaffCare
Best for: Businesses wanting to support employee wellbeing
Offering staff a good company health insurance plan is a great way for businesses to:
- reduce absenteeism due to illnesses
- support productivity
- improve team wellbeing
- improve staff retention.
Employees will be more focused on the job because they’re not worrying about waiting for medical treatment, mounting bills and debt due to medical costs, or lost income from being forced to take time off work due to health issues.
Accuro’s group health plans - StaffCare+ and StaffCare - continue to be available under UniMed.
- StaffCare+ is especially suitable for medium to large businesses wanting comprehensive cover for their employees.
- StaffCare is perfect for smaller businesses looking for quality cover, but it has some reduced benefits, including lower cost limits.
In some cases, pre-existing conditions may be covered under both of these group health insurance plans.
Benefits |
StaffCare+ |
StaffCare |
| General surgery | $300,000/policy year | $200,000/policy year |
| Major diagnostics | Included in general surgery benefit limit | Limits vary per procedure |
| Oral surgery | $300,000/policy year | $100,000/policy year |
| Private hospital medical admission | $200,000/policy year | $65,000/policy year |
| Non-surgical cancer treatment | $65,000/policy year | $60,000/policy year |
| Non-Pharmac cancer drugs | $40,000/policy year | NA |
| Treatment outside NZ | $30,000/policy year | $10,000/policy year |
| Minor surgery | $1,000/claim | $500/claim |
| Bereavement grant | $2,500/person | NA |
| Other benefits | Prophylactic surgery, mental health, post-operative therapy, home nursing, parent accommodation, transport and accommodation, public hospital admission, ambulance transfer, ACC top-up | Prophylactic surgery, mental health, post-operative therapy, home nursing, parent accommodation, transport and accommodation, public hospital admission, varicose veins, ACC top-up |
| Loyalty benefits | Sterilisation, GP health check, bowel screening, weight-loss or breast reduction surgery | Sterilisation, GP health check, bowel screening |
| Optional add-ons | Specialist+ GP+ Natural Health+ Dental and Optical+ Day to Day health plan |
Specialist GP Day to Day health plan |
Contact Policywise for expert advice, a clear comparison of StaffCare and StaffCare+ against other company health insurance plans, and get free quotes to help you pick the best fit for your team and budget.
Additional information about Accuro’s health insurance policies
- Accuro plans don’t cover treatment for injuries that are covered by ACC. If ACC only pays part of the bill, and the treatment or procedure is covered under your policy, the insurer may cover the remaining amount, up to reasonable charges or your benefit limit, whichever is lower.
- You can add your partner and children under 25 to your policy at any time. (For KidSmart, you can only add children under 18 years old whom you are legally responsible for.) You only pay premiums for the first two children when they hold the same plan options. Babies under six months can be added and receive free cover for their first six months after birth. Children stay on child rates until age 25.
- You have a 14-day free look period. You can make changes to your policy, and the insurer will refund your premiums if you’re not happy and you haven’t made a claim.
- Cover begins immediately, but there may be a stand-down period for some benefits.
- You may get discounted premiums for not smoking and having a healthy BMI. Contact Policywise for more tips to help you save on insurance costs.
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How to claim
The Accuro health insurance claim process is streamlined and easy. Members can log in to the online portal to check personal details, view policy documents, apply for pre-approval, and make claims.
It’s recommended to seek pre-approval if your procedure is likely to cost more than $1,000 or requires hospitalisation.
You can also file claims through Policywise. We’ll verify your claim with the insurer and smooth things over in those rare instances when an issue arises. Policywise aims to make health insurance totally stress-free so you can focus on getting back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Do you need health insurance in New Zealand?
Below are some reasons for making medical insurance a worthwhile investment.
Wait times for essential and elective surgery are increasing each year. These delays can lead to much poorer health outcomes as well as increased stress and frustration. Health insurance can speed up treatment and pay for expensive procedures and drugs not publicly funded in New Zealand.
How much can you expect to pay privately for some common treatments in New Zealand?
Common surgeries |
Estimated cost (NZD) |
| Coronary artery bypass and valve replacement | $83,000 - $110,000 |
| Total hip replacement | $22,000 - $40,000 |
| Knee replacement | $25,000 - $33,300 |
| Spinal surgery | $30,000 - $250,000 |
| Cataract surgery (unilateral) | $3,600 - $5,000 |
| Mastectomy with breast reconstruction | $50,000 - $100,000 |
| Coronary artery bypass | $50,000 - $75,000 |
Good health is priceless. Private health insurance can help you:
- avoid lengthy wait times for major surgery
- access expensive non-Pharmac-funded drugs
- receive better aftercare support and rehabilitation
- reduce stress and uncertainty in times of illness
- get back on your feet faster so you can resume income-earning activities and keep doing the things you love.
Why choose Policywise?
Policywise is a 100% free service which tells you which health, life, and disability insurance provider best fits your needs. We provide quotes and a comprehensive comparison of all leading providers, as well as a simple, one-page summary clearly stating how our findings dovetail with your situation.
Not all health insurance policies are the same. Policywise can help you sort out the duds, avoid the lemons, understand the fine print and exclusions, and get the best insurance for you and your family.
We make the important decision of where to buy your insurance super easy. We’ll answer your questions, provide experienced advice and quotes, and manage all the back and forth throughout the application process. Taking out your cover through us means you'll have our lifetime support and claims advocacy, and we'll help you negotiate a positive outcome at claim time. We can also take care of lodging any claims on your behalf and back you up if the going gets tough.
Check out the reviews on our homepage for how other New Zealanders have found our service, because now is the time to get your health insurance sorted. Give your family or someone you love the most outstanding financial support possible. Book a 5-minute callback with Policywise today; our service is fast and free.
Important Disclaimer: The information on this website is general in nature and does not consider your personal situation. It is not intended as a definitive financial guide. Before making any KiwiSaver or insurance decisions, we recommend speaking with a licensed Policywise adviser.
Policywise advisers are licensed by the Financial Markets Authority to give financial advice on KiwiSaver and health, life, and disability insurance. For more, see our Public Disclosure page.
All insurance is subject to insurer approval. Policies may include stand-down periods, exclusions, terms and conditions, and premium loadings not listed here. Optional (add-on) benefits come at an extra cost. Please refer to the relevant policy document for full and current details, as insurers may update these at any time.
Product pages on this site are summaries only. In the case of any difference between website content and the provider’s official policy wording, the provider’s wording will apply.
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References
AIA. (n.d.). Health insurance. Retrieved 24/11/2025 https://www.aia.co.nz/en/our-products/health-insurance.html
nib. (2023). These are costs you could expect to pay if you’re treated in a private hospital without health insurance. Retrieved 24/11/2025 https://assets.ctfassets.net/94s5jg81u8ro/7BiuZEJJ0qC7IU2CIdQ8qN/7ef874aa262392e285981ac5a5b7288b/Cost_of_Health_Procedures_-_NIB0114-A1-George-Illustration_Final.pdf
Southern Cross. (2024, September 30). Arneil, S. Southern Cross Health Society Group annual results reflect steep increase in demand for private healthcare. Retrieved 24/11/2025 https://www.southerncross.co.nz/news/2024/southern-cross-health-society-group-annual-results-reflect-steep-increase-in-demand
UniMed. (n.d.). About UniMed. Retrieved 24/11/2025 https://unimed.co.nz/about-unimed
UniMed. (n.d.). Our financial strength. Retrieved 20/11/2025 https://unimed.co.nz/about-unimed/financial-strengthbest-practice
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