Best health insurance in New Zealand in 2025
- Strong hospital and cancer coverage
- High medication limits
- No dental or optical
- Loyalty options add long-term value
- Trusted nationwide provider
- Strong hospital and cancer coverage
- High medication limits
- No dental or optical
- Loyalty options add long-term value
- Trusted nationwide provider
AIA Health provides one of the most comprehensive private health insurance plans in New Zealand, especially in terms of hospitalisation and cancer-related coverage. With generous limits of up to $600,000 per year for surgery and up to $500,000 for non-subsidised cancer medications, this offer sits among the most protective in the market. Specialist consultations and diagnostics are covered up to $10,000 annually, and home support or transport costs are also reimbursed under certain conditions. However, it lacks day-to-day coverage like dental or optical, and some options (like bariatric surgery) are only available after several years of continuous membership.
High-income professionals, middle-aged policyholders, or those with a family history of cancer or chronic illness.
For all these reasons, we recommend AIA Health Insurance.
- High caps for surgery and medications
- Extensive cancer and palliative care
- Transport and accommodation benefits included
- Recognized and reliable network
- No support for dental or optical
- Some benefits require additional time or plan tier
- Leading modular flexibility
- Excellent specialist coverage
- Partial dental/optical included
- Wide provider network
- Long claims pre-approval times
- Leading modular flexibility
- Excellent specialist coverage
- Partial dental/optical included
- Wide provider network
Southern Cross stands out with its modular system, which allows policyholders to tailor coverage precisely. Dental and optical services are available as optional add-ons, with orthodontics covered up to $750 per year in higher-tier plans. Hospital coverage is full when pre-approved and includes access to an extensive private provider network. Specialist consultations and medications are partially covered ($500/year for prescriptions). However, the complexity of add-on management and approval procedures can sometimes slow down reimbursements.
Families, employees benefiting from group plans, and users needing dental or optical coverage with flexibility.
For all these reasons, we recommend Southern Cross Health Society.
- Highly modular and customizable
- Dental and optical optional coverage
- Strong private hospital network
- Trusted and established reputation
- Some complexity with pre-approvals
- Base plan requires careful add-on configuration
- Best dental and optical support
- Balanced plan for families
- Strong post-hospital benefits
- Competitive specialist caps
- Long waiting periods for orthodontics
- Best dental and optical support
- Balanced plan for families
- Strong post-hospital benefits
- Competitive specialist caps
UniMed delivers a very balanced health insurance plan with a clear emphasis on practical care: dental up to $500/year (orthodontics after 36 months), optical at $500/year, and specialist consultations up to $5,000 annually. Hospitalisation is capped per admission ($100,000), which is generally sufficient for standard surgical interventions. Medication reimbursements are modest but reasonable for PHARMAC drugs. The offering also includes support for maternity risks and long-term cancer recovery, making it robust for families.
Families, individuals with children or dependents, or those needing regular dental or optical care.
For all these reasons, we recommend UniMed Health Insurance.
- Strong dental and optical limits
- Balanced consultation and hospitalisation cover
- Good maternity and cancer follow-up benefits
- Orthodontic benefits delayed by long waiting period
- No non-subsidised medicine option
- Strong core cover at affordable pricing
- Best for younger and healthy policyholders
- Reliable preventive options
- Modest outpatient support
- No orthodontics or optical surgery
- Strong core cover at affordable pricing
- Best for younger and healthy policyholders
- Reliable preventive options
Accuro targets affordability while maintaining solid core medical coverage. It covers up to $600/year for consultations and offers dental and optical support under its enhanced Wellbeing Two plan. Hospital benefits reach $500,000 annually, which is comparable with other major providers. The exclusion of non-subsidised medications and limited mental health support are noticeable gaps, but its focus on preventive care and pricing efficiency make it a practical choice for healthy users or younger adults.
Young professionals or students seeking affordable private backup for surgeries and basic care.
For all these reasons, we recommend Accuro Health Insurance.
- Strong hospitalisation for a competitive price
- Preventive and day-to-day coverage options
- Available dental and optical top-ups
- No non-PHARMAC medication cover
- Modest caps for outpatient care
- Practical and simple health coverage
- Great for planned surgery
- Covers home support and cancer drugs
- Suitable for middle-aged workers
- Missing dental/optical limits potential
- Practical and simple health coverage
- Great for planned surgery
- Covers home support and cancer drugs
- Suitable for middle-aged workers
AA Health Insurance is designed for simplicity and efficiency, offering clear limits ($300,000 surgical and $200,000 non-surgical per year) with an add-on for non-subsidised cancer medications up to $10,000. Specialist consultations are covered up to $10,000/year, and support services for home nursing and high-risk pregnancy are included. There is no coverage for dental or optical, which could limit appeal for families, but this is an ideal plan for those who value straightforward access to surgery and serious medical treatment.
Adults with stable health needs looking for streamlined surgical and specialist coverage.
For all these reasons, we recommend AA Health Insurance.
- Simple, transparent structure
- Non-PHARMAC cancer medication support
- Covers transport and home services
- No dental or optical coverage
- Limited post-op and maternity add-ons
- Great caps for surgery and treatment
- Optional high-tier drug add-on
- Wellness and loyalty bonuses
- Ideal for tailored policies
- Missing optical/dental limits
- Great caps for surgery and treatment
- Optional high-tier drug add-on
- Wellness and loyalty bonuses
- Ideal for tailored policies
Nib offers a robust hospital-focused policy with up to $300,000 for surgeries and $200,000 for non-surgical hospitalisation annually. Consultations and diagnostics are well supported, with up to $1,500 for minor surgeries performed by GPs, and loyalty bonuses cover sterilisation or bariatric surgery after several years. Optional add-ons allow access to non-PHARMAC cancer drugs, though dental and optical benefits are not included. The absence of day-to-day care limits its appeal for routine needs but enhances its value for major medical events.
Individuals seeking solid surgical coverage with optional high-tier medications, especially those in mid to late career.
For all these reasons, we recommend Nib Health Insurance.
- High limits for surgical and hospital services
- Optional coverage for non-subsidised drugs
- Loyalty bonuses for long-term members
- Comprehensive cancer support
- No dental or optical reimbursement
- Less suited for everyday medical expenses
- Low-cost, targeted day-to-day benefits
- Accessible for educators/public sector
- Excellent for routine health needs
- Lacks hospitalisation and surgical cover
- 12-month wait on some benefits
- Low-cost, targeted day-to-day benefits
- Accessible for educators/public sector
- Excellent for routine health needs
Healthcare Plus provides a low-cost plan targeting everyday medical needs like GP visits, dental checkups, and optical corrections. With up to $500/year for dental and $250/year for optical, it’s one of the few offers actively covering day-to-day health expenses. However, it lacks coverage for hospitalisation, surgical procedures, or serious illness management. Carence periods of 12 months apply to some services. It’s a practical and affordable option for people not relying on private care for emergencies.
Teachers, government employees, and retirees seeking support for regular medical costs without hospitalisation.
For all these reasons, we recommend Healthcare Plus.
- Dental and optical support included
- Affordable and straightforward for daily health
- Public sector-oriented group benefits
- Ideal for those not needing surgery
- No hospitalisation or surgical coverage
- Annual caps are relatively low
- High-value medical coverage
- Top drug & genetic test support
- Tailored for serious diagnoses
- Focused on critical conditions
- No everyday dental or optical
- High-value medical coverage
- Top drug & genetic test support
- Tailored for serious diagnoses
Partners Life offers a hospital and specialist-focused plan with significant coverage limits — $600,000 for surgery and $500,000 for non-surgical care. Non-PHARMAC medication coverage reaches $600,000 annually, and complementary services such as genetic testing and massage for cancer recovery are included. However, it lacks any form of day-to-day or dental/optical care. The product is best suited to those focused on long-term or severe illness preparedness rather than routine care.
Policyholders with chronic illnesses or those seeking high-cost hospital and medication security.
For all these reasons, we recommend Partners Life.
- Exceptional limits for hospitalisation and cancer medication
- Genetic testing and hospice benefits included
- Specialist consultations well covered
- No support for routine, dental, or optical care
- Limited appeal for younger or low-risk individuals
- High-value hospital plans
- Offers AIA-quality under ASB brand
- Strong transport and aftercare support
- Great for bank clients
- No optical/dental
- High-value hospital plans
- Offers AIA-quality under ASB brand
- Strong transport and aftercare support
- Great for bank clients
ASB Health, underwritten by AIA, replicates many features of the AIA Private Health plan with generous hospitalisation benefits ($600,000 surgical, $500,000 non-surgical). Consultations and diagnostics are included up to $10,000 annually, and optional cancer drug coverage is also available. However, it shares the same limits as AIA in terms of lacking dental or optical care. The plan benefits from ASB's brand trust and financial backing but may appeal more to existing ASB customers due to its structural similarity to AIA offerings.
ASB clients, adults needing reliable surgical backup, or those preparing for serious health contingencies.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend ASB Health Insurance.
- Same strong coverage as AIA’s plan
- Broad limits for hospitalisation and cancer support
- Reliable brand and financial stability
- No optical or dental services
- Identical to AIA but less flexible in access routes
- Identical to AIA plan but under Sovereign legacy
- Strong caps on hospitalisation
- Best for long-term critical care
- Reliable but ageing policy structure
- No dental or routine benefits
- Identical to AIA plan but under Sovereign legacy
- Strong caps on hospitalisation
- Best for long-term critical care
Sovereign’s private medical cover, now managed under AIA, retains the original structure while offering solid protection: $600,000/year for surgical hospitalisation and broad specialist and diagnostics coverage. Non-PHARMAC medications are included only within cancer support. The plan does not provide any dental, optical, or everyday health coverage and is best suited for policyholders primarily concerned with major health events. While robust, the structure is aging compared to more modular or flexible plans.
Long-term customers or individuals preparing specifically for serious medical events without need for routine benefits.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend Sovereign Health Insurance.
- High caps for major surgery and diagnostics
- Stable provider and coverage consistency
- Good post-cancer and palliative support
- No everyday health support or flexibility
- Dated structure compared to newer plans
- How does health insurance work in New Zealand?
- What does health insurance cover?
- What does health insurance not cover?
- How much does health insurance cost in New Zealand?
- How to lower the cost of your health insurance?
- FAQ
Did you know that in New Zealand, the public healthcare system (Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand) does not cover the cost of private specialists, elective surgeries, or routine dental care for adults?
Unexpected illnesses or accidents can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses, especially when faster access to surgery or non-urgent treatment is needed and public waitlists are long.
Relying solely on public coverage may leave you exposed to delays and limited choices, which makes comparing and choosing the right health insurance policy essential for peace of mind and financial protection.
HelloSafe’s mission is to offer transparent, objective comparisons and up-to-date advice, so you can confidently find the policy that best fits your needs in New Zealand’s unique healthcare landscape.
How does health insurance work in New Zealand?
Private health insurance is increasingly relevant in New Zealand due to the limitations of the public healthcare system, known as Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand.
While Te Whatu Ora provides free or subsidised care for urgent and essential treatments, it often involves long waiting times for non-urgent surgeries, specialist appointments, and elective procedures.
Private health insurance allows you to bypass these queues, gain faster access to a wider range of treatments, and choose your preferred specialists or hospitals.
Additional advantages may include higher reimbursement levels, cover for services excluded from the public system, and options for international health protection.
What does health insurance cover?
Private health insurance in New Zealand generally offers basic cover for elective surgeries, private hospitalisation, and specialist consultations, which may not be available or prioritised in the public system.
Optional extras can include dental, optical, maternity, alternative therapies, and wellness benefits, allowing policyholders to tailor their cover to specific needs.
Reimbursement is typically provided for actual medical expenses up to the policy limits, either through direct payment to healthcare providers or reimbursements after claims, with some waiting periods or excesses (deductibles) potentially applying to certain services.
Unlike Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, which covers urgent and essential healthcare, private health insurance allows for faster access, more choice of provider, and the possibility of covering services that the public system does not subsidise.
Choosing private health insurance in New Zealand provides greater flexibility and can reduce out-of-pocket costs for treatments that are delayed or not funded in the public sector.
| Type of cover | Reimbursement by Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand | Coverage with basic private insurance | Coverage with premium private insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💊 General care | 100% (publicly funded GPs and emergency only) | Partially (specialists, private GPs) | Yes |
| 🏥 Hospitalisation | 100% (public, if non-elective) | Yes (mostly for elective surgeries) | Yes |
| 🦷 Dental | Not covered (adults) | Optional/No | Optional/Yes |
| 👓 Optical | Not covered | Optional/No | Optional/Yes |
| 🤰 Maternity | 100% (public, standard maternity) | Optional/No (private obstetrics extra) | Yes/Optional |
| 🌿 Alternative medicine | Not covered | Optional/No | Optional/Yes |
| 🛡️ Preventive care | 100% (childhood vaccines, some screening) | Optional/Partially | Yes |
| 🧠 Psychological care | Limited (public mental health only) | Optional/No | Optional/Yes |
| 👂 Hearing aids | Not covered (adults) | No | Optional/Yes |
| ♨️ Thermal spa treatments | Not covered | No | No |
| ♿ Medical equipment and devices | Partially (means tested, certain cases) | Optional/No | Optional/Yes |
| 🍃 Non-covered alternative treatments (e.g. acupuncture) | Not covered | No | Optional/No |
| ✈️ Medical assistance abroad | Not covered | No | Optional/Yes |
| 💻 Teleconsultation | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
What does health insurance not cover?
The most common exclusions in health insurance in New Zealand typically include pre-existing medical conditions, which may not be covered or may have long waiting periods before becoming eligible for claims.
Cosmetic or elective treatments, such as plastic surgery without medical necessity, are not included, nor are experimental or unproven procedures.
Some policies also exclude certain pregnancy and maternity benefits, fertility treatments, or non-registered treatments provided by practitioners outside recognised medical associations.
Waiting periods often apply to some benefits before you can make a claim, and there may be annual or lifetime coverage limits on specific procedures or services.
| Exclusion type | Example | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | Pre-existing conditions, cosmetic surgery, fertility care | Pre-existing conditions may have permanent or temporary exclusions; waiting periods frequent. |
| Administrative | Non-registered providers, late premium payments | Claims rejected if care is provided by unapproved practitioners or payments lapse. |
| Legal/Policy-based | Experimental treatments, illegal acts | Treatments not proven effective, or injuries from illegal activity, are not covered. |
How much does health insurance cost in New Zealand?
Health insurance premiums in New Zealand are influenced by several factors, including your age, medical history, the level of cover selected, deductible (excess) chosen, and the number of people included on the policy.
Premiums typically increase as you get older because the risk of illness and need for medical services rises.
Those with pre-existing medical conditions or poorer health may pay more, and higher cover levels or lower deductibles lead to higher monthly costs.
Premiums may also increase annually due to inflation, rising healthcare costs, or after large claims, and insurers review risk and adjust pricing regularly.
| Age group | Cover type | Monthly premium (basic) | Monthly premium (premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 years | Basic | NZ$38 | NZ$75 |
| 25 years | Premium | NZ$58 | NZ$125 |
| 45 years | Basic | NZ$64 | NZ$130 |
| 45 years | Premium | NZ$98 | NZ$215 |
| 65 years | Basic | NZ$142 | NZ$235 |
| 65 years | Premium | NZ$190 | NZ$365 |
How to lower the cost of your health insurance?
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Compare offers | Use the HelloSafe comparison tool at the top of the page to easily identify the cheapest coverage that fits your needs. |
| Choose a higher excess | Increasing your policy excess can significantly lower your regular premiums, though you’ll pay more for a claim. |
| Review your policy annually | Checking your insurance policy each year helps make sure you’re not overpaying as your needs change. |
| Pay annually instead of monthly | Paying your health insurance premium in one annual lump sum can sometimes secure a discount from your provider. |
| Remove unnecessary add-ons | Only keep optional extras you truly need and remove ones you no longer use to lower your premium. |
| Maintain good health | Some insurers offer discounts for non-smokers or for those who regularly undertake health checks. |
| Consider joining as a family | Family or group policies often provide a lower per-member rate than individual policies. |
| Start your policy at a younger age | Taking out health insurance at a younger age ensures you lock in lower rates and avoid age-related increases. |
FAQ
Is private health insurance necessary in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s public healthcare system, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, provides most essential hospital and GP services free or heavily subsidised. However, private health insurance can offer faster access to elective surgery, a wider choice of specialists, and coverage for treatments not fully funded publicly.
What does health insurance typically cover in New Zealand?
Most health insurance policies in New Zealand cover private hospital treatments, some prescriptions, major diagnostics, and access to private specialists. Coverage for dental, optical, and day-to-day health costs is often optional and varies by provider, so it’s important to check your policy specifics.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by New Zealand health insurance?
Most health insurance providers in New Zealand have exclusions or waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Some policies may permanently exclude these, while others can consider covering them after a stand-down period, making it essential to discuss your health history with your provider.
How does health insurance work with Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand?
Health insurance in New Zealand is designed to complement public services offered by Te Whatu Ora. You will still have access to the public system for urgent or essential care but private insurance can reduce wait times and provide access to procedures or specialists not fully covered by Te Whatu Ora.
Can I change my health insurance policy if my needs change?
Yes, you can switch policies or providers in New Zealand if your circumstances or health needs change. It’s advisable to check for any waiting periods or exclusions that could apply to new cover, and compare benefits before making the switch.
Does New Zealand health insurance cover treatment overseas?
Some health insurance plans in New Zealand include limited overseas cover or emergency medical assistance abroad. Always check the terms, as travel insurance may still be necessary for full protection when you’re overseas.
Is there a waiting period for health insurance in New Zealand?
Most policies apply waiting periods, especially for pre-existing conditions or optional extras like dental or maternity coverage. These times vary, so check your policy schedule for when cover becomes active for each benefit.
Is private health insurance necessary in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s public healthcare system, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, provides most essential hospital and GP services free or heavily subsidised. However, private health insurance can offer faster access to elective surgery, a wider choice of specialists, and coverage for treatments not fully funded publicly.
What does health insurance typically cover in New Zealand?
Most health insurance policies in New Zealand cover private hospital treatments, some prescriptions, major diagnostics, and access to private specialists. Coverage for dental, optical, and day-to-day health costs is often optional and varies by provider, so it’s important to check your policy specifics.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by New Zealand health insurance?
Most health insurance providers in New Zealand have exclusions or waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Some policies may permanently exclude these, while others can consider covering them after a stand-down period, making it essential to discuss your health history with your provider.
How does health insurance work with Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand?
Health insurance in New Zealand is designed to complement public services offered by Te Whatu Ora. You will still have access to the public system for urgent or essential care but private insurance can reduce wait times and provide access to procedures or specialists not fully covered by Te Whatu Ora.
Can I change my health insurance policy if my needs change?
Yes, you can switch policies or providers in New Zealand if your circumstances or health needs change. It’s advisable to check for any waiting periods or exclusions that could apply to new cover, and compare benefits before making the switch.
Does New Zealand health insurance cover treatment overseas?
Some health insurance plans in New Zealand include limited overseas cover or emergency medical assistance abroad. Always check the terms, as travel insurance may still be necessary for full protection when you’re overseas.
Is there a waiting period for health insurance in New Zealand?
Most policies apply waiting periods, especially for pre-existing conditions or optional extras like dental or maternity coverage. These times vary, so check your policy schedule for when cover becomes active for each benefit.
