Buying health insurance to cover you in the country you intend to visit is a practical decision no matter where in the world you are located. Many short-term health insurance plans can protect you from the cost of medical care, help you access high-quality medical services, and ease some of the anxiety of dealing with unfamiliar healthcare systems.
Consider these points:
However, some visitors may be eligible for publicly funded healthcare. Let’s find out if that’s you.
If you don’t hold a private health insurance policy that covers you while visiting New Zealand, can you still rely on the public healthcare system for treatments and medications?
Buying visitor health insurance for your trip to New Zealand is an open option for anyone in any country, as long as they meet certain criteria. Some Kiwi insurers only provide cover for New Zealand residents, so if you are a non-resident, you may need to contact several insurers before you can find a suitable plan.
Policywise works with several providers who offer a comprehensive visiting New Zealand health insurance package, open for application by non-NZ residents planning to visit New Zealand for up to two years.
To be eligible for this policy, you must:
You are not eligible for this policy if you:
Embarking on some research before you embark on your journey is a very wise idea. Read the wording on your policy document carefully or consult with a reputable insurance broker, such as Policywise. A Policywise adviser can work through your situation, help you understand if you are eligible for the public health system, and provide you with multiple options to consider from different insurers. Once you’ve figured out your boundaries, you’ll be good to go!
Pre-existing conditions (PECs) are medical or physical conditions you currently have or previously had at the time you buy your insurance - diagnosed or not. They include symptoms you might have asked a doctor about, even if you didn’t receive a formal diagnosis, which may have required medical care.
It is important to know that pre-existing medical conditions are generally not covered under most visiting New Zealand health insurance policies. Some insurers have automatic cover for certain pre-existing conditions, and others may allow you to buy additional cover for pre-existing conditions, although not all insurers provide this service.
Certain providers offer fair health insurance to New Zealand visitors with pre-existing conditions. Although you will not be covered for any claims that are related to or associated with your PECs, don't be discouraged from applying for cover - you might just have to pay an additional premium over and above the base premium charged.
Remember to declare all pre-existing conditions when applying for health insurance, otherwise, you may not be covered under all or part of your policy. If you are concerned that your pre-existing condition may limit your health cover in New Zealand, touch base with a Policywise adviser. They can help you find the best plan for your needs, so you can forget about what might go wrong, and instead, just relax, and enjoy your time away.
Knowing what insurance cover you need when travelling as a visitor to New Zealand is the first step to buying health insurance. How much is too much and how little is too little?
If you are overseas and planning your trip, go online and book a 5-minute callback with a Policywise adviser who can connect you with an appropriate insurer. Policywise can also help you during claim time - just another simple point to consider as part of your travel planning.
Policywise offers a fast, free service which tells you which insurance provider will tick each box in your checklist. Some of these providers specialise in health insurance for visitors to New Zealand and offer plans which are cost-effective and practical, allowing you to have fun on your holiday without worrying about what will happen if you get sick.
If you are staying in New Zealand for three days or up to 12 months and are not eligible for publicly funded healthcare given visa or residency requirements, some New Zealand insurers offer well-thought-out health insurance packages, specifically designed for tourists, working holiday visitors, workers, international students, prospective residents, and everyone in between.
These plans can provide comprehensive protection from the moment you set out from your home country to the moment you return, offering cover for:
Immigration New Zealand holds full legal sway over the entry requirements of visitors to New Zealand. All visa applications have points of difference, but the following information gives a broad look at why you need to include visitor health insurance in your travel budget.
Some New Zealand insurers offer excellent medical cover for those visiting or working on a visa valid for more than three months and less than two years. These policies give you all the benefits you’d expect from a quality health insurance product, including cover for urgent treatment in a hospital as well as the option of purchasing add-on plans.
Talking to an adviser from Policywise is super helpful in guiding you in the direction you need to take in a ‘secure your good health overseas’ sense. A sturdy visitor to New Zealand health insurance plan can offer you cover like this:
As a visitor to New Zealand, the cost of your health insurance plan will vary according to your requirements. Consider your overall health at the time of application, whether you have any pre-existing conditions, and how long you plan to stay in New Zealand.
The type of cover purchased determines the premium you’ll pay. Typically, travellers can expect to pay higher premiums when their visit includes high-risk activities (especially those not supervised by a licensed New Zealand operator), or an extended time in the country. Likewise, if you are prone to certain illnesses, it would make sense to have cover for GP visits and prescription medicines. Additionally, older travellers, especially those with medical issues or pre-existing conditions, may need to pay more for their cover.
If you already own a health insurance policy in your home country, you may be able to add on a comprehensive medical travel plan with the same insurer. If not, researching providers in New Zealand (before you arrive!), comparing their policies, budgeting for the right amount of cover, and arranging it is a sensible process.
It might be helpful to access a broker, such as Policywise, who can take all the hassle out of planning the necessary insurance for your trip before you leave. This service is 100% free, it’s fast, and it’s a spot-on way of determining which health insurance provider will best fit your needs.
Buying visitor health insurance as part of planning for your overseas adventure is pure common sense. Whether you are visiting New Zealand for some time out, as a fee-paying student, or on a working holiday, the evidence is all in favour of having a comprehensive health insurance plan in place before you get there.
While, as a short-term visitor or tourist, you won't be denied entry without health insurance, it’s still a practical decision to check out your options, compare policies, and budget for a good policy so you can enjoy your trip without the stress of wondering how you’ll cope - both financially and physically - if you fall ill.
Policywise is a 100% free service which tells you which health, life, and disability insurance provider best fits your needs. We offer fast, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand comparisons of all leading providers, and a simple summary clearly recommending which insurer is best for your situation.
Not all 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 right 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, quotes, and comparisons, 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 visitor 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.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Nothing in this blog or on this website is intended as medical, dietary, or financial advice. Although Policywise aims to update our content regularly, you are advised to consult a financial adviser, health professional, or an appropriate specialist before acting on any information herein. They can factor in your personal circumstances or preferences and help guide your decision-making process.