Skip the Wait, Get Treatment Fast
Health Insurance
Comprehensive cover for medical costs including specialist consultations, surgery, hospital stays, and diagnostics. Bypass public hospital waiting lists and access care when you need it.
Why Health Insurance Matters in New Zealand
New Zealand's public health system provides essential care, but waiting lists for non-urgent procedures can exceed 6-12 months. For specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging, and elective surgery, private health insurance gives you timely access to the care you need — when you need it. Health insurance covers the costs of private specialists, hospital stays, surgical procedures, diagnostic tests, and often includes dental, optical, and GP visit benefits. For families and working professionals, it means certainty — you won't have to wait months in pain, delay treatment, or miss work.
What We Cover
Our health insurance advice covers the full spectrum of medical and wellbeing benefits available in the NZ market.
Cover Types
Who Is This For?
Why Exclusive Insurance Services?
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What Insurers Typically Need
Information an insurer may require
Underwriters generally ask for the following when quoting or renewing this class of risk. Being ready with accurate information usually improves outcomes on price and wording.
Age, dependents and current medical status
Existing health cover, employer-sponsored plans and any waiting-period credits
Pre-existing conditions — the insurer will underwrite these individually
Preferred cover level: hospital/surgical only, everyday care, dental / optical
Excess / co-payment appetite to balance premium against out-of-pocket exposure
Family history where relevant to underwriting or benefit design
When Something Happens
Claims considerations
We help manage the claims process from notification through to settlement, coordinating with you, the insurer and other parties involved and advocating for your interests throughout. Things that commonly affect a claim in this area:
Most health insurers require pre-approval for elective and specialist treatment — always confirm before booking.
Pre-existing exclusions are individually applied; keep any evidence of the review period that would move a condition from pre-existing to covered.
Where treatment crosses policy years, the benefit year in force at the date of pre-approval is usually the one that governs the limit.
Some benefits (e.g., mental health, cancer, non-Pharmac drugs) are sub-limited — confirm eligibility with the insurer at pre-approval, not on the day of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance worth it in NZ?
If timely access to specialist treatment matters to you, yes. Public waiting lists for non-urgent procedures average 4-12 months. Health insurance lets you choose your specialist, your hospital, and your timeline. It also covers costs the public system doesn't — like dental, optical, and some prescription medications.
What does health insurance cost in NZ?
Health insurance premiums vary based on age, health, and level of cover. A comprehensive plan for a healthy 35-year-old typically costs $50-$120/month. We compare across NZ insurers to find a suitable balance of cover and cost.
Can I get health insurance with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, in most cases. The condition may be excluded or have a stand-down period, but most insurers will still offer cover for other conditions. We advocate across multiple insurers to find a suitable option for your situation.
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About this page
Reviewed by Adi Sehgal
Verified adviserDirector & Principal Adviser
This page is general information about the class of cover. Actual cover, terms, premiums, limits, exclusions and eligibility vary by insurer, policy wording, underwriting decision and individual client circumstances. Nothing on this page constitutes personalised financial advice.