Treatment when you need it, not when the list allows
Health Insurance in New Zealand
Private health cover pays for surgery, specialists and diagnostics so you are not waiting in the public queue for a non-urgent operation.
Surgical cover first
The core benefit: private hospital, surgeon and anaesthetist costs.
Non-Pharmac cover
Access approved treatments that are not funded by Pharmac, subject to policy limits.
Manage the premium
A higher excess is the simplest lever to keep cover affordable as you get older.
The detail
What health insurance covers
A typical New Zealand policy looks like this. Your final wording is set by the insurer we place you with — we walk you through it before you sign.
Usually included
- Private hospital and surgical costs
- Cancer treatment including chemotherapy
- Diagnostic imaging that leads to surgery
- Prior approval before treatment starts
- Cover for dependent children on family policies
Worth adding
- Specialists and tests
- GP, dental and optical
- Non-Pharmac medicines
- Overseas treatment options
Commonly excluded
- Pre-existing conditions during the initial period
- Cosmetic surgery
- Injury covered by ACC
- Routine pregnancy and childbirth
Questions
Health Insurance FAQs
Ready for cover that actually fits?
Tell us what you need protected. An adviser compares the market and comes back with options in plain English — usually within one business day.