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Healthcare in New Zealand is funded through general taxation, therefore residents receive free or subsidised medical care. Similarly to the UK the standards of healthcare in New Zealand are very high, although private healthcare is also available. To receive free healthcare, expats must have a work permit or a permanent residence permit. The work permits must be issued for a minimum of 24 months before the individual can qualify for state subsidised healthcare.
Looking for health insurance in New Zealand? Here are some of the main health insurance companies for foreigners, so you can find which is right for you:
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As one of the largest private health insurance companies in New Zealand. They offer plans for both Kiwis and expats, which include hospital plans, extra plans (such as dental care, optician or physiotherapy) and a combination of both.
| Benefit | Basic Essential Hospital Plus | Silver Hospital | Gold Top Hospital |
| Inpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | No | No | No |
| Maternity | No | No | Covered |
| Dental | No | No | No |
| Vision | No | No | No |
| Prescription Costs | No | No | No |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covered | Covered | Covered |
IMG is a trusted provider of international insurance benefits and assistance services, with over 25 years of experience. They serve over 3 million members worldwide and offer a wide range of programs – international private medical insurance, travel insurance, insurance for administrative services and emergencies.
| Benefit | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
| Inpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered | |
| Outpatient Care | Limited | Covered | Covered | |
| Maternity | – | – | – | Limited |
| Dental | No | No | Max. 100$ | 750$ per period of coverage. 50$ deductible |
| Vision | No | No | No | Max. 100$ every 2 years |
| Prescription Costs | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Mental health | – | Limited | Max. 10000$ | Max. 50000$ |
Bupa offers a wide scope of healthcare services, including health insurance, dental care, and optical care. They stand out for their personalized approach to customers, and they are committed to helping people live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Bupa provides plans for overseas workers that can cover basic needs to comprehensive and extra services.
| Benefit | Comprehensive Health Insurance | Treatment and Care Health Insurance |
| Inpatient Care | Covered | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | Covered | Covered |
| Maternity | No | No |
| Dental | Optional | No |
| Vision | Optional | No |
| Prescription Costs | Optional | No |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | No | No |
| Mental health | Covered | Covered |
Now Health International is a leading provider of international health insurance. They’re known for their international customer service team and their competitive rates. Now Health International also has a global network of providers, so customers can get the care they need, no matter where they are in the world.
| Benefit | SimpleCare Core | WorldCare Essential | WorldCare Apex |
| Inpatient Care | Limited | Covered | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | No | Covered | Covered |
| Maternity | No | No | Covered |
| Dental | No | No | Limited |
| Vision | – | – | – |
| Prescription Costs | – | – | – |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Limited | Covered | Covered |
Cigna Global is a well-known company trusted for its extensive healthcare providers and medical care coverage. While you can find cheaper providers, Cigna stands out by its flexible and adaptable policies tailored to your needs, providing different levels of coverage. They are committed to offering a good customer experience and assistance throughout your stay.
| Benefit | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
| Inpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Maternity | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Dental | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Vision | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Prescription Costs | Can vary | Can vary | Can vary | Can vary |
| Emergency medical evacuation | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Get the best health insurance for your move to New Zealand! Complete the form below and receive free quotes for various health insurance to find what serves you best 👇.
Although residents and workers qualify for free healthcare, similarly to the UK, not everything is free. Dental care for example does not come under the category of free health care.
Public health care works like the UK, it gives residents access to free hospital-based care, as well as emergency treatment. Other free medical services include:
Purchases of prescription drugs, visits to a general practitioner and ambulance services are subsidised by the government-funded program called the Primary Health Organisation (PHO). Expats should sign up to PHO when they arrive as the application process can take up to 3 months. The biggest negative downside to state healthcare is the long waiting periods for non-emergency procedures. But being from the UK waiting is something we are good at.
The main reason residents in New Zealand opt for private health care is to avoid waiting periods for non-emergency procedures. The price of private healthcare insurance is not that much compared to many other expat destinations, besides that the government recommends foreigners to take a private healthcare plan.
Although there are plentiful amounts of pharmacies in urban cities making most Western medicine available; however due to the small size of New Zealand as an island, it is advised that advanced care is carried out abroad. In terms of medical conditions individuals may have it is also advised to stock up on your medication before moving to the country.
New Zealand although neighbouring Australia has few more animals that can be deadly. It only has two rare species of poisonous spiders and there are no snakes. The main concern of New Zealand’s location is the occurrence of natural disasters.
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity are common. The country is particularly prone to earthquakes ais are common to have very dangerous magnitude due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The numbers to write down for emergencies include:
New Zealand is a top destination for expats to move to. Free health care is a huge influence to move to New Zealand and you will soon get used to all the bugs!
