Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in New Zealand
- ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers ALL accident injuries for everyone—tourists, residents, and workers—funded by levies.
- Public healthcare is heavily subsidized but not free. GP visits cost NZ$50-90 ($30-55 USD), and wait times for elective surgery can exceed 6 months.
- Student visas and some work visas REQUIRE health insurance—Immigration NZ checks this.
- Southern Cross is the dominant local insurer (~65% market share). Plans start around NZ$50/month for basic coverage.
- International plans ($200-400/month) are mainly valuable for medical evacuation to Australia and travel coverage.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in New Zealand?
New Zealand requires health insurance for student visas and some temporary work visas. Other visa categories (Skilled Migrant, Work to Residence, Partner visas) do not require insurance, but coverage is recommended. Work visa holders with 2+ year visas become eligible for public healthcare. The unique ACC system means all accidents are already covered for everyone, so insurance is primarily for illness, elective procedures, and faster access.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Student visa holders—insurance is mandatory, check Immigration NZ requirements
- Temporary work visa holders (under 2 years) who are not eligible for public healthcare
- Anyone who cannot wait months for elective procedures like hip replacements or specialist consultations
- Expats wanting to bypass 6-12 month public waiting lists for non-urgent surgery
- Those who travel frequently between NZ and other countries
Public vs Private Healthcare in New Zealand
Public Healthcare
Public Health System + ACC
- Access: Citizens, permanent residents, and work visa holders (2+ year visas) are eligible for subsidized public healthcare
- Cost: GP visits: NZ$50-90. Hospital care: Free for eligible residents. Prescriptions: NZ$5 per item (subsidized).
New Zealand has two systems: ACC covers ALL accidents (no questions asked, even for tourists) and is funded by employer/employee levies. Public healthcare covers illness and non-accident conditions but has significant wait times for specialists and elective surgery. Quality is good but stretched—NZ has a doctor shortage, especially in rural areas.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local (Southern Cross): NZ$50-200/month. International: $200-400/month.
Southern Cross dominates the NZ market and offers good value for local coverage. International plans add medical evacuation (important—complex cases may require transfer to Australia), worldwide coverage, and typically cover pre-existing conditions faster. Private hospitals are limited—most specialists work in both public and private systems.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in New Zealand. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Medical evacuation to Australia for complex care and worldwide travel coverage
Not ideal for: Long-term NZ residents—Southern Cross offers better local value
Allianz Care
Best for: Frequent travelers between NZ, Australia, and Asia-Pacific
Not ideal for: NZ-only residents—local plans are more cost-effective
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions (faster coverage than Southern Cross 3-year wait)
Not ideal for: Healthy expats—Southern Cross is cheaper with no medical underwriting
IMG Global
Best for: Student visa holders needing Immigration NZ-compliant coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting extensive private hospital networks—NZ has limited private facilities
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for New Zealand
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Medical evacuation to Australia | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Frequent travelers between NZ, | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions (faster coverage | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Student visa holders needing | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for New Zealand
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- ACC only covers accidents—illness, chronic conditions, and elective procedures need separate insurance or public wait lists.
- Public healthcare wait times can be long: 6-12 months for non-urgent specialist appointments, longer for elective surgery.
- Student visa insurance requirements are specific—check Immigration NZ approved insurers list.
- Southern Cross has pre-existing condition exclusions for the first 3 years. International plans vary.
- NZ has limited specialist capacity—for complex conditions, medical evacuation to Australia may be necessary.
- Work visa holders under 2-year visas are NOT eligible for public healthcare—insurance is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance for a New Zealand visa?
It depends on the visa. Student visas require approved health insurance. Some temporary work visas also require coverage. Skilled Migrant and other residence visas do not require insurance, but coverage is recommended if you cannot wait for public healthcare.
What does ACC cover in New Zealand?
ACC covers all accident-related injuries for everyone in New Zealand—citizens, residents, tourists, and even undocumented people. If you break your leg skiing, get injured at work, or have a car accident, ACC pays for treatment and rehabilitation. It does NOT cover illness, disease, or conditions that are not accident-related.
How much does health insurance cost in New Zealand?
Southern Cross (dominant local insurer) costs NZ$50-200/month ($30-120 USD) depending on age and coverage level. International plans cost $200-400/month but include worldwide coverage, medical evacuation, and often faster pre-existing condition coverage.
Can expats use public healthcare in New Zealand?
Work visa holders with 2+ year visas, permanent residents, and citizens can access subsidized public healthcare. Shorter-term visa holders and visitors generally cannot, except for ACC accident coverage (which covers everyone) and emergency care.
Should I get Southern Cross or international insurance?
For long-term NZ residents who rarely travel: Southern Cross offers good value and is well-integrated with NZ hospitals. For those who travel frequently, want US coverage when visiting, or want medical evacuation options to Australia for complex care: international insurance is worth considering.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.