Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Our Top Picks
New Zealand expats are heavily concentrated in Australia (Trans-Tasman movement), with significant communities in the UK, US, and Asia. Your insurance needs depend largely on whether you're crossing the Tasman or going further. Here's what we recommend:
- Cigna Global: Best overall for Kiwi expats worldwide. Strong networks in Australia, UK, and globally. Comprehensive coverage.
- Bupa Global: Premium option with excellent Australian and UK networks. Top-tier coverage and service.
- Southern Cross: New Zealand's largest health insurer with international options. Familiar brand, includes NZ coverage.
- NIB: NZ/Australian insurer with strong Trans-Tasman focus. Excellent for Kiwis in Australia.
- Allianz Care: Good global coverage, strong in Europe for Kiwis heading to the UK.
Going to Australia?
New Zealanders have special status in Australia under the Trans-Tasman agreement, but healthcare access has limits. Understanding your Medicare eligibility and when you need private insurance is critical.
Compare Trans-Tasman OptionsWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Leaving NZ Healthcare
New Zealand has a mixed public/private healthcare system with ACC (accident compensation) and public hospital care. Here's what happens when you leave:
Public Healthcare
NZ public healthcare is available to residents. When you're no longer a resident (typically after 12 months abroad), you lose eligibility for subsidised care. Visits to NZ as a tourist may not qualify you for public healthcare.
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)
ACC provides accident coverage for everyone in NZ—including visitors. But it only applies to injuries that occur in New Zealand. Accidents abroad aren't covered by ACC, and you need international insurance for this.
Private NZ Insurance
If you have private health insurance in NZ (Southern Cross, NIB, etc.), check whether it can continue abroad. Most NZ policies have limited international coverage. You may need to:
- Switch to an international policy from the same insurer
- Cancel and get separate international coverage
- Maintain NZ coverage for visits and supplement with international insurance
NZ Super
NZ Super (the pension) can be paid overseas in some circumstances. Contact Work and Income about your specific situation and any bilateral agreements with your destination country.
Trans-Tasman in Australia
The majority of Kiwi expats live in Australia. The Trans-Tasman relationship creates a unique situation:
Special Category Visa (SCV)
New Zealanders can live and work in Australia indefinitely on a Special Category Visa (SCV). However, this doesn't automatically grant full access to Australian social services.
Medicare Eligibility
As an SCV holder, you can enroll in Medicare for public healthcare. This covers:
- Public hospital treatment (free)
- Subsidised GP visits (with bulk billing)
- PBS (subsidised medications)
However, Medicare doesn't cover:
- Private hospital treatment
- Dental, optical, or allied health
- Ambulance (in most states)
- Private room or doctor choice in hospital
Why Kiwis Get Private Insurance in Australia
Many Kiwis in Australia get private health insurance because:
- Faster access to elective surgery (public wait times can be long)
- Choice of doctor and hospital
- Dental, optical, and physio coverage
- Ambulance coverage
- Avoiding Lifetime Health Cover loading (premium penalty for joining after age 31)
Lifetime Health Cover Loading
Australia penalizes people who don't take out hospital cover before age 31 (after 12 months of Medicare eligibility). The loading is 2% per year over age 30, up to 70% extra. As a Kiwi in Australia, this applies to you if you stay.
Quick Comparison
| Provider | Australia Network | Global Network | NZ Coverage | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Strong | Excellent | Add-on | NZ$280/mo |
| Bupa Global | Excellent | Excellent | Add-on | NZ$320/mo |
| Southern Cross | Strong | Good | Included | NZ$250/mo |
| NIB | Excellent | Good | Add-on | NZ$230/mo |
| Allianz Care | Good | Strong | Add-on | NZ$270/mo |
Detailed Reviews
Cigna Global
Cigna Global offers comprehensive international coverage ideal for Kiwis going beyond Australia. Strong networks in Australia, UK, US, and Asia. Three coverage tiers with limits up to unlimited.
English service is excellent (no language barrier for Kiwis). NZ coverage can be added for visits home. Direct billing at major hospitals worldwide.
Best for: Kiwi expats going beyond Australia or wanting premium global coverage.
Bupa Global
Bupa Global offers premium international coverage with excellent Australian networks (Bupa is a major Australian insurer). Outstanding service, comprehensive benefits, and strong networks in the UK as well.
Pricing is higher but reflects top-tier coverage. Good option for Kiwis who want the best.
Best for: Kiwis in Australia or UK who want premium private coverage.
Southern Cross
Southern Cross is New Zealand's largest health insurer and offers international products for Kiwis abroad. Familiar brand, NZ coverage included automatically, and understanding of Kiwi healthcare expectations.
International networks are adequate, strongest in Australia and the Pacific. Good option for those who prefer a Kiwi insurer.
Best for: Kiwi expats who want familiar NZ service and seamless home coverage.
NIB
NIB operates in both New Zealand and Australia, making them ideal for Trans-Tasman movement. They understand both systems and offer products designed for Kiwis in Australia.
Strong Australian networks, competitive pricing, and understanding of NZ expat needs.
Best for: Kiwis moving to Australia who want a familiar Trans-Tasman insurer.
Compare Your Options
Whether you're heading across the Tasman or further afield, compare Kiwi and international insurers to find the best fit.
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Returning to New Zealand
Returning to NZ healthcare is generally straightforward for NZ citizens:
Re-establishing Residence
Return to New Zealand and establish residence. Once you're a resident (typically living in NZ with intent to stay), you're eligible for public healthcare.
Public Healthcare Access
Public healthcare access is immediate upon establishing residence. You can access GPs (subsidised), public hospitals (free for most services), and ACC coverage for accidents.
Rejoining Private Insurance
If you had private insurance before leaving, you may be able to rejoin without full underwriting if you maintained continuous cover abroad. Check with your insurer about their re-entry policies.
Transition Period
Keep your international insurance active until NZ residence is confirmed. The transition is usually quick for citizens, but having overlap prevents gaps.
Common Questions
Do I get Medicare in Australia as a Kiwi?
Yes. As an SCV holder, you're eligible for Medicare. Enroll after arriving. But Medicare doesn't cover everything—many Kiwis add private insurance.
Does ACC cover me in Australia?
No. ACC only covers injuries that occur in New Zealand. Accidents in Australia require Medicare (public) or private insurance coverage.
Should I worry about Lifetime Health Cover?
Yes, if you're staying in Australia. The loading applies after 12 months of Medicare eligibility if you're over 31 without hospital cover. Getting insurance early avoids the penalty.
Can I use NZ insurance abroad?
Most NZ health insurance has limited overseas coverage. Check your policy, but you'll likely need international or destination-specific insurance.
What about NZ Super overseas?
NZ Super can be paid overseas depending on the country and your circumstances. Contact Work and Income for your specific situation.
Is Southern Cross or Cigna better?
Southern Cross offers Kiwi familiarity and includes NZ coverage. Cigna has stronger global networks. Choose based on your destination.
Final Verdict
Kiwi expats need to arrange appropriate healthcare coverage—NZ's system doesn't follow you overseas. For Australia, Medicare provides a base but many Kiwis add private insurance for better access. NIB is ideal for Trans-Tasman movement.
For destinations beyond Australia, Cigna Global and Bupa Global offer excellent coverage. Southern Cross suits those who prefer a familiar Kiwi insurer.
If you're going to Australia, understand Lifetime Health Cover loading and consider getting hospital cover before 31 or within 12 months of Medicare eligibility to avoid premium penalties.
