One of life’s challenges is bad health! And the exorbitant medical bills that accompany it can cause one to lose their hard-earned savings. Thankfully,  with the 7 best health insurance companies in New Zealand, healthcare expenses will be the last thing you will worry about when faced with any health difficulties.

However, finding policies and evaluating health insurance in New Zealand could be a hard nut to crack. That is why this guide was penned. Having meticulously perused multiple policies from different firms, we have compiled the list of the best and most affordable health insurance providers in New Zealand based on the following: premium, products/services offered, and their credibility.

But before diving into our best picks, there is a need to cover the basics first which are medical fees, premiums cost, and helpful pointers to help you choose the best insurers. Then, we will analyze the best NZ health insurance companies you can consider taking out. Keep reading!

Cost of Health Insurance in New Zealand 

Knowing the cost of health insurance is vital but you might not know the value if you don’t have a full grasp of the expensive fee that awaits you with it.

The cost of medical services, checkups, and the common treatments associated with them is quite enormous. It shouldn’t come as a surprise if prices range from $2,000 up to a whopping $150,000. Even though the aforementioned prices are enough to convince you to subscribe to a health plan now, that isn’t the full summary. You need to know that before you receive any treatment, there is a need for diagnosis which is common to serious ailments like cancers, surgeries, kidney issues, etc. And diagnosis for these will cost you a huge amount of money. Now comparing these fees to the price of health insurance, it is needless to say “what a lifesaver health insurance is.

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In New Zealand, the best health insurance policies fundamentally cover the expenses of private medical treatment, be it chronic or life-threatening conditions. Therefore you pay a premium or associated fee to access your cover or insurance policy with the firm.

In some cases, you may decide to go for what is called an “excess” – this greatly lessens the price of premiums.

That is, with insurance excess, you are allowed to pay a part of the fee during the event of a claim, and thus grants you a discount on your premium.

Note that different firms give varying rates and you can also decide to pay no excess at all.

In essence, the average yearly fee for health insurance is still considerably lower compared to the exorbitant price associated with most ailments and their treatments.

Helpful Tips on Selecting and Evaluating the Best Health Insurance Plans in New Zealand 

The first step in selecting a health insurance product is to go for a check-up and take note of any underlying medical situations you might have. You may as well browse through your family history and think about which health challenges you might be liable for.

But note that a healthy person will certainly get a much lesser premium compared to someone with a pre-existing health challenge. 

Moreso, ensure to obtain quotes from various insurers to get the best price.

The following are crucial things to take into consideration when taking out health insurance:

1.   Types of Health Insurance

There are 3 major types of health insurance you can buy. Viz:

Minor health insurance

This plan only gives coverage for the little, mundane health treatments and bills like a consultation with your doctor, dentist, or ophthalmologist. However, it doesn’t cover major healthcare such as surgeries and associated treatment expenses.

Major health insurance

This is the most significant and common of the 3 forms of health insurance and covers major medical expenses. Subscribing for this plan will give you entitled treatment such as surgical bills, and specialist visits.

Extensive health insurance

This option covers both minor and major health expenses. It is also the most pricey of the three.

2.   Policy Advantages 

Below are a few of the essential benefits you should seek when picking health insurance.

• Cancer care and its associated expenses.
• Surgical treatment (covers both minor and major surgical expenses)
• surgicalNon-surgical treatment fees ( this covers treatments such as allergies, consultations, infusions, etc.)
• Diagnostic Testing and health screening
• Unlying Medical situations
• Out-of-the-country treatment

3.   Excess Option

Another significant factor in obtaining the best health cover is the excess. An excess is that fee you pay every time you claim to your insurer.

For health insurance, you can pick from multiple excess options. In essence, the more the excess fee you subscribe for the lesser the premiums for health insurance you get to pay. However, note that excess can be paid either annually or on individual claims made.

4.   Terms and Conditions

To make the most of your health insurance plans, make sure you carefully peruse the policy guidelines and all other legal jargon. In situations where you need help, don’t hesitate to seek the clarity you need from an insurance adviser or agent.

5.   Rewards and discounts

You get additional value for your insurance with rewards and discounts. With this, you can receive amazing perks for health insurance like low claims, direct debits, loyalty discounts, and so on.

7 Best Health Insurance Companies in New Zealand

Signs! That was a lot to process. However, I believe by now you should have a better grasp of what health expenses and premiums entail. Despite that, we can now proceed to the main objective; a list of the 7 best health insurance companies in New Zealand.

AIA Health Insurance

AIA has been in the risk-bearing market for over a century and has been proven to be one of New Zealand’s most reputable insurance firms.

Their goal is to provide well-tailored insurance products and services created to help the residents of New Zealand live longer and happier.

AIA provides two major health insurance policies, which are Private Health and Cancer Care.

The private health plan offers comprehensive coverage for several ailments, medical situations, and treatments.

Another advantage of this plan is that you have the liberty to select your health practitioner and treatment appointments.

Furthermore, AIA gives clients unlimited yearly claim fees related to any form of surgery. You can receive up to $500,000 for cancer coverage, and also be entitled to overseas treatment. Visit Website 

Pros

• Received an AA financial security rating
• Infant signup available
• Adjustments made to your policies apply immediately
• Win Airpoints Dollars when making payment for premiums

Cons

• Health screening allowance renews every 3 years
• Premiums rise every year 
• Delayed application due to processing for approval 

Address: AIA House, 74 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622

Contact Details

Phone: 0800 500 108

Email: enquireNZ@aia.com

Operating Hours(Monday to Friday): 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Southern Cross

This firm was established in 1961 to provide New Zealanders access to diverse private healthcare choices. They are non-profit organizations providing a broad range of services to individuals, couples, families, and even pets.

Southern Cross each insurance plan embodied distinct tiers of cover to fit the client’s needs. Their level of coverage includes HealthEssentials, Wellbeing Two, UltraCare, RegularCare, Wellbeing Starter, Wellbeing One, and KiwiCare.

The most basic plan is HealthEssentials, which covers most basic needs such as a visit to a  family doctor, dentist, or physiotherapist. More so, Southern Cross Insurance covers 75% of your expenses but is restricted to the fees shown in your policies and based on the health care plan you take out.

Southern Cross is considered one of the 7 best health insurance in New Zealand due to their flexibility and availability of plans well-suited to your condition. Visit Website 

Pros

•  Online account management 
• Can personalize  health insurance plans
• There is free coverage for your 3rd child or the one after.

Cons

• HealthEssentials only gives basic needs
• Too many choices to consider.

Address: Level 1, Te Kupenga, 155 Fanshawe Street, Auckland 1010

Contact Details: 

General Inquiries: 0800-800181

New Members: 0800-100-777

Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm

Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday: Closed

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NIB 

This guide isn’t complete without citing NIB as one of the 7 best health insurance companies in New Zealand. The company was founded in 1952 and is known for its dedication to the local community.

NIB health insurance plan gives clients access to cancer treatments, surgeries, consultations, and diagnostic tests.

Their insurance plan is also easy with 3 main categories: the Everyday Plan, Hospital Plan, and a combination of both covers. For each section, you can pick between a standard or premium option.

Furthermore, they also offer coverage for surgical-related benefits summing up to $300,000, including procedures such as hip and knee replacements.

Moreso, with Nib Health Insurance, you can conveniently join through their online application without the need for any difficult or confusing medical questions.

Your cover starts as soon as you apply, but be aware that any form of underlying conditions will only be covered after 3 years from the policy’s start date. However, there are exceptions to this rule, which are in the case of cancer, transplant surgery, heart conditions, and cosmetic surgery.

Pros

• Cheap premiums
• 14-day free-look period
• Straightforward and easy-to-comprehend plans

Cons

• Limited excess choices
• Premium on the “Everyday Plan” isn’t that great

Visit Website 

Address: 48 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.

Contact Details:

Phone: 0800-123-642

Email: contactus@nib.co.nz

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Saturday: 9.00 AM – 1.00 PM

Sunday: closed

Partners Life Health Insurance

Partners Life is a family-owned and, Kiwi-operated business that started operation in 2011. As a result of their remarkable services, they’ve rapidly evolved as one of the most trusted insurers in New Zealand, extending one of the most extensive life and health insurance products.

The company’s goals are classified into three:

• To give clients protection against lost income
• Lessen their struggle with debt, and,
• Protect them against any unforeseen expenses.

However, you can’t get an online calculator or estimates with Partners Life – this is because they have the notion that every health plan is unique and must be decided with the help of an independent adviser.

Another great feature of Partners Life is that their loyal customers are entitled to enjoy a premium loyalty discount. Which is part of the things to consider when seeking the best health insurance in New Zealand! Visit Website 

Pros

• Free consultation available 
• Loyalty discounts
• Policies are easy to grasp 

Cons

• There are no app or online management tools
• Absence of online quotation or estimate

Address: Level 1, 33 – 45 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand.

Contact Details:

Phone: 0800-145-433

Email: feedback@partnerslife.co.nz

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Accuro

Accuro is a non-profit organization, fully owned and managed by New Zealanders, and was founded in 1971. 

Although they may not be big compared to other firms, this made them concentrate more on their members. They are remarkable for their swift claims turnaround which might be lacking in even some of the so-called big firms. Also, their application process is easy, with the help of a well-trained and professional team that can help you find the best products you need. It doesn’t end there, Partners Life offers health plans that are comprehensive, affordable, and easily accessible.

One might wonder how they were able to attain excellence in all, this is due to the use of “HUGO or Health Underwriting Goes Online.” (an online survey where you will only answer the questions that align to your health history and individual features).

Furthermore, their streamlined quoting process is so effective that Accuro won the New Zealand Insurance Firm Innovation of the Year award in 2018.

The company accepts New Zealand citizens, residents, and even individuals on a work visa. This option alone makes them an excellent option for expats who don’t know how long they’ll be in the country but still want access to high-quality health insurance. Visit Website 

Pros

• Quick application and approval process via HUGO
• Provides services to ex-pats
• Access to Best Doctors virtual consulting
• Children can remain at the child plan until they are 25 years old.
• A year of coverage for specialist appointments and diagnostic procedures.
• Claims can be approved within 2 days.

Cons

• Does not cover overseas treatment 
• There are no pregnancy policies
• GP and dental visits are not available on the base plan for residents

Address: Level 3, 17 Whitmore Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Contact Details:

Phone: 0800-ACCURO (0800-222-876)

Fax: 04-473-6187

Email: info@accuro.co.nz

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

NZ Insurance Services

NZ Insurance is one of the top insurance brokers in Auckland, with most of their advisors being in the insurance field since 1991.

And was established in 2005, although not an insurance carrier, they’re very efficient at assisting people in locating the best providers.

What makes them a unique broker is their choice selecting insurance providers. They only liaise with the leading insurers available in New Zealand, some of which we’ve included in this guide.

So if you are the busy type that prefers to go through a broker rather than the long talk with a customer service representative or adviser NZ insurance broker is an excellent choice for you!

Furthermore, the products offered by this company have already been tested and are known to be the perfect fit for your needs. 

As an expert in the field of insurance, they are in a better position to understand how different policies will benefit your life situation.

Please be aware that just like other brokers, you don’t pay directly to them.

Yours is to make payment to the health insurance firm they recommend while they’ll receive a commission from the company. Also, ensure to let them know your budget so they don’t recommend an expensive policy to take out.

Another great feature to like about NZ’s policy is the “Return to Home Benefit”. This feature takes care of the expenses that will bring you and your partner back to New Zealand in the case of an emergency overseas treatment. Although, this will only hold if you’ve been working abroad for more than 3 consecutive months. Visit Website 

Pros

• Offers lower rates
• Broad knowledge of diverse insurance policies
• Gives free service to disagreement-settling

Cons

• Fewer coverage and benefits
• Little to no customization choices for policies
• May try to sell you expensive policies at first.

Address: 376 Great South Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland

Contact Details:

Phone: 092786057

Email: nzinsurance@xtra.co.nz

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm  

Ease Insurance Brokers

This firm is one of the leading brokers for Life, Mortgage Protection Insurance, Medical Insurance, Distress, Income Security, and Redundancy Insurance. They offer a free quote comparison service to ensure you get the perfect health insurance products and prices on offer. Their services range from assisting clients to understanding the various forms of insurance choices available in alignment with your family’s situation. Ease Insurance also offers a more customized insurance plan for their client’s homes and beyond. 

Their team of expert brokers oversees the underwriting process for you as the policy is issued. Interestingly, it is all free! Ease insurance services don’t stop there, they also give guidance and advocacy to always keep you covered and recommend the best health insurance carriers that are tailored to your needs. Visit Website 

Pros

• Offers a free quote comparison service
• Oversees the underwriting process for you and allows you to focus on other aspects.
• Offers guidance and advocacy to always keep you covered

Con

• Limited benefits 

Address: Building 730, Level 3/261 Morrin Road, St Johns, Auckland 1072, New Zealand

Contact Details:

Phone: +64 800 141 889

Email: info@easenz.co.nz

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm  

Conclusion

And that’s all for the 7 best health insurance companies in New Zealand. However, ensure to carry out your due diligence by taking your time to evaluate each insurer before purchasing.

While they are all the best out there, the benefits offered by each are unique and differ. So choose wisely! 

By getting insured, you can leave the health expenses to your carrier as you focus on being healthy.

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