Best Health Insurance Providers In New Zealand

Having reliable healthcare is essential, especially at this time. Compare the best NZ health insurance providers for your individual medical needs.

Top Health Insurance Providers In NZ

Southern Cross

Southern Cross, which was founded in 1961, is regarded as one of the top and most popular health insurance firms in New Zealand. They are a non-profit organisation that provides a variety of services to individuals, couples, families, and your cherished house pets.

What’s more, they can create a customised health insurance plan for you and your spouse or family members.

See their most popular plans based on age, gender, and lifestyle or health condition.

Broad Wellbeing One	Comprehensive Wellbeing Two
Frequency: Fortnightly  Coverage: Cancer care Surgical treatment  Specialist Consultations  Diagnostic Imaging	Frequency: Fortnightly Coverage: Comprehensive surgical & healthcare plan  Cancer care Unlimited surgical treatment & specialist consultations, Diagnostic imaging & tests any time
25 years old, female, non-smoker
Premium: $25	Premium: $40
35 years old, male, smoker
Premium: $34	Premium: $55
45 years old, female, non-smoker
Premium: $43	Premium: $72
45 years old, male, smoker
Premium: $48	Premium: $80

Accuro

Accuro is another non-profit healthcare provider that was founded in 1971. They provide one of the most affordable and comprehensive health insurance policies available, which includes a natural health plan for people who prefer medical methods such as osteopath and chiropractor treatments.

Check out their health insurance options below: 

SmartCare Plus	SmartCare
General surgery: $500,000 per year  Private hospital medical admission: $300,000 per year Non-PHARMAC subsidised drugs	General surgery: $300,000 per year Private hospital medical admission: $200,000 per year
Optional benefits for both plans
Specialist plan Dental cover Optical plan General Practitioner or GP plan Natural Health plan

AA Health Insurance

AA Insurance is well-known for its various insurance products, which include AA Health Insurance. They cover individuals and families from daily medical expenses to surgery and specialist consultations. They also provide a 5% discount to AA members who purchase an AA Health Insurance policy.

Here are their three types of health plans for your specific hospital and medical needs:

Everyday plan	Private Hospital plan	Private Hospital & Specialist plan
Premium: starting at $6.01 Frequency: Weekly Dental Cover: $450 per year GP consultation: $150 per year Physiotherapy: $100 per year Glasses and contact lenses: $200 per year	Surgical cover per person yearly: up to $300,000 Medical and cancer cover per person yearly: up to $200,00 Offers AA Members up to 5% off their premiums  The 14-day cooling-off period, get a 100% refund of your paid premiums	Specialist Consultations Obstetrics Benefit: up to $2,000 per pregnancy Cover for pre-existing conditions after three years Surgical cover: up to $300,000 surgical cover per person yearly Medical and cancer cover: up to $200,000 per person yearly AA Members can save up to 5% on all AA Health premiums

UniMed

UniMed is one of New Zealand's leading health insurers and the second most popular option for employer-based health insurance schemes. They provide health plans for businesses as well as other small enterprises.

In addition to this, UniMed also offers loyalty benefits that provide coverage for overseas treatment, obesity grants, and sterilisation procedure costs each year. 

Health Positive	UniCare Advantage	Hospital Select
Premium: starting at $5.58 Frequency: Weekly Between 50 and 80% reimbursement of actual health costs up to $10,000 each year Dental Cover Vision Care Specialist cover GP consultation Alternative medical doctor visits Loyalty benefits: healthcare screening and childbirth grant	80% reimbursement of the usual and customary costs of surgery up to $100,000 per admission  Specialist consultations and tests/imaging  GP Consultations, laboratory tests, osteopath, audiology, podiatrist, physiotherapist Loyalty benefits: Chiropractor, obstetrics, Obesity surgery and overseas treatment, psychiatric consultations	100% reimbursement of eligible surgical costs up to $300,000 each year Specialist visits Surgery or hospital admission cover: up to $300,000  Cancer care Diagnostic imaging Loyalty benefits: Sterilisation procedures, Overseas surgery, Obesity surgery grant

nib

nib insurance is in partnership with known organisations in the NZ community such as Well Foundation, RMHC and is the official health insurer of the NZ Rugby Association and Cricket Players Association.

See their available health insurance options for your daily medical services and hospital assistance.

Everyday plan	Hospital plan
Premium: starting at $9.86 Frequency: Weekly  up to 60% reimbursement of a paid hospital or medical costs Dental care: $750 Optical examinations, glasses and contact lenses: $350 GP visits and prescriptions: $350 Physio, chiro and osteo visits: $350  Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, remedial massage and vaccinations: $150 Speech therapy: $200 Mental health consultations: $350	Premium: starting at $10.55 Frequency: Weekly  Surgical-related benefits: up to $300,000 Non-surgical related benefits: up to $200,000 Cancer treatment (inclusive of follow-up visits, travel and accommodation for cancer) Surgery  Specialist consultations Diagnostic investigations

AIA

AIA Insurance is known internationally for its trusted healthcare plans. In NZ, they offer two main health policies that cover basic medical requirements and treatments, as well as for those who are diagnosed with cancer, inclusive of treatment and recovery expenses. 

You can select between these two health insurance policies. Both provide a suspension benefit if you're permanently or temporarily unable to work.

Private Health		Cancer Care
Standard  Specialised cover for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery Unlimited claims for cancer surgeries Up to $500,000 of extensive cancer cover for every stage options to have treatment abroad Up to $5,000 for diagnostic imaging and testing to confirm a cancer diagnosis Up to $2,500 mental health support and a public hospital cash grant  Health screening allowance for bowel, breast, cervical, prostate and skin screening Suspension cover benefit (in cases where you take parental leave, take leave without pay, get made redundant, become unemployed, experience at least a 20% reduction in pay a 30%  reduction in revenue (for self-employed) Unlimited surgery claims: for cancer and non-cancer surgeries Cancer cover: up to $500,000 of extensive cancer cover for every stage Medical hospitalisation and testing: up to $500,000 for medical hospitalisation and up to $200,000 for major diagnostic imaging and tests Overseas treatment Other support benefits: up to $2,500 mental health support, parent grieving benefit, a public hospital cash grant and an obstetric care allowance Suspension cover benefit (in cases where you take parental leave, take leave without pay, get made redundant, become unemployed, experience at least a 20% reduction in pay a 30% reduction in revenue (for self-employed)	Private Health Plus Specialist and tests: up to $100,000 for diagnostic imaging and tests not related to treatment or surgery Reproductive health: up to $1,500 cover for pregnancy, maternity and infertility (including infertility diagnostic cost) Health screening: inclusive of bone, bowel, breast, heart, skin screening among others) Suspension cover benefit (in cases where you take parental leave, take leave without pay, get made redundant, become unemployed, experience at least a 20% reduction in pay a 30% reduction in revenue (for self-employed)	Specialised cover for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery Unlimited claims for cancer surgeries Up to $500,000 of extensive cancer cover for every stage options to have treatment abroad Up to $5,000 for diagnostic imaging and testing to confirm a cancer diagnosis Up to $2,500 mental health support and a public hospital cash grant  Health screening allowance for bowel, breast, cervical, prostate and skin screening Suspension cover benefit (in cases where you take parental leave, take leave without pay, get made redundant, become unemployed, experience at least a 20% reduction in pay a 30%  reduction in revenue (for self-employed)

PartnersLife 

PartnersLife offers life and health insurance cover in a single plan based on what you need. They also provide cover for individuals who are recovering from a severe illness or after major surgery.

See the table below for more detailed information on what each policy covers.

Life cover, Life Income cover and Terminal Illness cover	Pays out for hospital costs when diagnosed with a terminal illness Pays out upon death or when terminally ill Pays out a one-off sum, can be used to create an investment fund for income, pay off debt, mortgage, leave money for tertiary education for children, funeral expenses and money to leave a bequeathment Pays a regular monthly benefit for a period of years, can be used to replace the income of the family member who passed away
Trauma cover, Moderate Trauma cover and SevereTrauma cover	Pays out a sum of money if diagnosed with or suffer from numerous health conditions (must be listed on the listed health issues) including Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke and more.  Recovery fund for treatment costs or additional fees needed after a serious illness
Income cover, Income and Expenses cover, Mortgage Repayment cover and Household Expenses cover	Pay a monthly amount if you’re unable to work because of illness or injury  Pay for a short, specific term or to cover up until retirement age
Total and Permanent Disability cover	Pays out a sum of money if you become severely ill or injured or become permanently unable to return to work Often used to reduce debt and account for the additional costs due to severe injury or illness
Private Medical cover	Fund quick access to and a choice of treatment in the private medical sector
Specific Condition cover and Hospital Cash cover	Exclusive to Partners Life  Pay a small, defined amount on suffering a specific health event or needing a specific medical treatment (e.g. breaking a bone)

How to choose the right health insurance plan

Having a health insurance plan can bring peace of mind in case of an accident, sudden illness, and in some cases, provide payments when you’re unable to work. 

Even if you have the means to pay your medical bills, health insurance is still important to consider not just for yourself, but for your loved ones as well.

Here are the important things to check when applying for health insurance:

Review the types of health insurance 

There are several kinds of healthcare plans available for each type of applicant. You can choose a minor health insurance plan (or what they also call everyday cover), major health insurance that covers surgeries, treatment costs and specialist visits, and a comprehensive plan covering both minor and major medical plans.

Check policy benefits

Oftentimes, health insurance policies provide for inclusive and additional benefits for specific medical conditions. It offers cancer-related expenses, diagnostic testing, surgical treatment, and overseas treatment for NZ citizens who are residing elsewhere.

Look for an excess option

There will be times that your medical treatments will exceed the amount of what your health insurance covers. If so, you’ll need to pay an excess, which can be at a minimum rate of $250 in an annual policy.

Protip: You can get lower premiums when you opt for the higher excess amount. Check with your agent about the payment of excess - usually paid yearly or on each claim. 

Avail rewards or additional benefits

Some of these best insurance providers offer loyalty rewards and discounts to give extra value for your insurance. This is usually offered when you purchase a policy with your partner or family members. You can get perks including but not limited to Airpoints, direct debit, additional free coverage and free child discounts. 

Frequently asked questions about health insurance in NZ

How much does healthcare cost in NZ?

You can choose whether to avail of NZ’s Universal Healthcare coverage or sign up for a health insurance plan that can cost around $5 per week or more depending on the insurance plan and provider your choose. 

Can I get free health insurance in NZ?

NZ offers public healthcare to those who need it the most. You’re eligible to get free or subsidised health and disability services that include subsidised doctor’s visits, medicines, free public hospital services, support services for persons with disabilities (PWD) and more. 

How can I get subsidised healthcare in NZ?

Make sure that you fall under one of the qualifications below:

• NZ citizen or permanent resident or resident 
• Has a work visa and is allowed to work in the country for at least 2 years 
• Under 17 and your parent or guardian is eligible 
• An interim visa holder who was eligible immediately before you obtained the interim visa
• A refugee or protected person

If you’re not eligible for NZ’s public healthcare cover, you’re recommended to get comprehensive travel insurance with health cover so you can still get subsidised healthcare services.

Should I still get private health insurance in NZ?

If you can afford to pay additional costs every week, why not? While New Zealand's universal healthcare coverage ensures access to a broad range of medical services, waiting for your turn can be inconvenient. Applying for one can cover cost-sharing needs, private hospital surgery, and outpatient specialist consultations. Additionally, this can offer faster access to non-urgent treatments, such as those that can be addressed in primary care facilities.

Can I get additional coverage in my health insurance? 

You can ask for additional coverage from your health insurance carrier during the grace period (usually 14 days) or upon renewal of your policy.

Do I need health insurance if I live abroad?

Whether you live in New Zealand or abroad, you must have coverage for medical treatments, GP consultations, and other healthcare expenses. If you're an NZ citizen or permanent resident who lives overseas or requires a specific procedure or treatment to be done outside of the country, you should obtain a health insurance plan that includes overseas treatment.

Is health insurance deductible in NZ?

Having a health insurance plan is not deductible, so whatever you pay for is what you get. The only type of insurance that you can claim as an expense is the cost of your income protection, which is subject to the approval of your insurer.

Can I get financial aid while I’m in self-quarantine because of COVID?

With NZ’s leave support scheme, all who are being tested for COVID or have been in isolation are provided with a 2-week lump sum payment of $585.80 per week or full-time workers and $350 per week for part-time workers subject to the health criteria below: 

• Tested positive for COVID-19.
• Someone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and has been advised to self-isolate for a period of time as part of the National Contact Tracing process.
• The parent or caregiver of a dependent who has been advised to self-isolate and requires assistance in doing so.
• Have been directed to self-isolate by a medical officer of health, or are the parent or carer of a dependant who has been directed to self-isolate in line with the Health Act 1956.
• If someone contracted COVID-19 and is considered “higher risk” and a doctor advises them to self-isolate while there is active community transmission.
• Have household members who are considered "higher risk" and a medical practitioner has advised them to self-isolate to limit the danger of spreading the virus to susceptible household members.

Find the right health insurance plan for you and your family when you compare providers here at glimp!