What is health insurance?
Health insurance is a way to avoid public waiting lists, and access top medical care when you need it.
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What is health insurance?
Health insurance is a way to avoid public waiting lists, and access top medical care when you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Some frequently asked questions about health insurance
Insurer overview
Check out our trusted insurers
Health insurance for kids
Health insurance for children is an easy way to safeguard their future.
Health insurance for a pre existing condition
Your medical history may affect what you can get health insurance cover for.
What is a health insurance exclusion?
Depending on your medical history you may find an exclusion on your insurance.
Does health insurance work overseas?
New Zealand health insurance cover won`t protect you.
What is a health insurance excess?
Your excess amount is the part of your claim that you agree to pay.
Health insurance claim limits
These limits are the maximum your insurer will pay if you were to claim on a surgery.
Will New Zealand health insurance work in Australia?
Some insurance companies offer health cover in both New Zealand and Australia.
Southern Cross
We're working towards a healthier New Zealand, empowering all Kiwis to live healthier lives.
UltraCare
UltraCare is a premium surgical and healthcare plan for those who want the highest level of cover.
New Zealand's best little health insurer
Accuro is a New Zealand-owned, not for profit insurer. We put our 30,000 members before financial gain.
Put your health first with nib
At nib, we know that life can be unpredictable. That's why our health insurance is designed to be easy to use, affordable, and flexible so you get cover that suits your needs. Our aim is to support you with insurance claims while also being a true partner on your health journey.
SmartCare+
SmartCare+ is Accuro's top rated individual product for those who make their health a priority. The SmartCare range has been recommended by consumer experts for best product and price as well as highest customer satisfaction since its launch in 2008.
Health insurance through the life stages
Young and single or retiree? Is your family growing - or are your children flying the nest? Health insurance can give you faster access to private healthcare at any stages of life.
Health insurance for 50-plus
Some may say that life begins at 50. It's when you're most likely to reap the fruits of your hard work. A big part of your mortgage may be paid off. And if you have kids, they might be achieving their own financial independence.
Top tips to stay healthy during the festive season
'Tis the season to be festive, and fed. Here are some expert tips* on how to stay healthy during the festive season - to help you enjoy the celebrations, guilt-free.
Five steps to winter wellness
The cold season is here, which means shorter days, cooler nights, and perhaps waning motivation. But before you go into 'hibernation mode', we collated some handy winter wellness tips from some of New Zealand's top insurers - to help you kick your immune system into gear and chase away the winter blues.
When and why do I need to review my cover?
When was the last time you reviewed your cover? Many things can change in life, and sometimes, these changes happen very quickly. Whether it's a big milestone or something seemingly small, each life event can affect your finances, your goals, and insurance needs.
I'm young: Why would I take out health insurance?
As a young person, you're probably living in the now. The future is looming on the horizon, a kaleidoscope of seemingly endless possibilities and unique experiences, but perhaps you don't think too much about it as yet. And that's only natural. But what if we told you that health insurance is a gift you can give to 'future you'?
Do you know what you can claim?
Claim time can be a stressful time for anyone, but it's also when the value of having insurance really comes to life. So here are some pointers to help you make the most of your cover - by knowing when to claim on it.
Have you "outgrown" your insurance?
"Change is the only constant in life" - you've probably heard this quote before. And if you're in the second half of life, chances are you've already experienced some of life's biggest changes. Children grow up and become independent, the amount you owe on your mortgage shrinks, and your last day of work gets closer.
Pre-existing condition(s)? Yes, insurance may still be possible
Looking for new cover? If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be wondering how it may affect your new insurance application
A day in the life of a good sleeper
We all know how vital a good night's sleep is: there are simply too many health benefits to mention. Sure, some people are born sleepers - (pun alert!) they can do it with their eyes closed. Others, though, not so much.
Getting cover for non-Pharmac medical treatments
Insurance is all about having flexibility and choice, and when it comes to taking care of your health, there's no such thing as "too many treatment options".
DHB surgery backlog: How to get faster access to care
In New Zealand, we're certainly lucky to rely on low-cost access to public healthcare, especially when it comes to emergencies. But when it comes to non-urgent care, access to treatment often involves long waits — and the pandemic has exacerbated this issue.
Health insurance benefits you may not know about
With people's health taking a front seat in recent years, more and more insurers are focusing on supporting Kiwis' wellbeing from multiple angles. And depending on your health insurance policy, your policy may cover a lot more than just specialist visits, or surgery.
Fitting exercise into your busy schedule
Looking for ways to stay fit but don't have a lot of time to spare? We hear you — there are only so many hours in a day to get everything we need done. And motivation and time management are often two of the biggest obstacles to fitness.
Essential checks for your health 'warrant of fitness'
As the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine. But as we know all too well, when life gets busy, it can be easy to overlook your own health.
Five things to know about your health cover
If you've had your health insurance for a while, now may be a good time for a recap of how it all works. So, here's health insurance in a nutshell.
Essential checks for your health 'warrant of fitness'
As the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine. But as we know all too well, when life gets busy, it can be easy to overlook your own health.
Five things to know about your health cover
If you've had your health insurance for a while, now may be a good time for a recap of how it all works. So, here's health insurance in a nutshell.
How to make the most of health insurance
Like to get the most out of your health cover? From quotes to claim time, and year after year, there are some key things you can do.
Are you drinking enough water?
Are you drinking enough water? Many Kiwis are not, here we have some great tips and insight for staying hydated.
Five ways being kind is good for your health
Being kind to yourself and others is so important - and beneficial for your health
It's Movember! Key health checks all men should schedule
She'll be right, until she won't - Highlighting an important conversation
Four things about pre-existing conditions and health insurance
How may a pre-existing medical condition affect your health insurance cover? Short answer, “it depends” - on the condition, on the policy, and on the insurer. But here’s the good news: pre-existing conditions aren’t always ‘uncoverable’.
How much do common surgeries cost?
Have you ever wondered about the real cost of healthcare in New Zealand? It may come as a surprise, but even small medical procedures can add up to thousands of dollars.
Nine essential health checks for women
As the saying goes, ‘prevention is the best medicine’, and advances in medical technology are making a huge difference to people’s lives. If you’re a woman, here’s a handy list of checks and screenings to help you keep your health in tip-top shape.
Fascinating facts about women’s bodies
Did you hear the one about how women are from Venus and men are from Mars? Well, it turns out there might be something to that. Here are some fascinating facts about women’s bodies you probably didn’t know.
The benefits of health insurance for active Kiwi
Health insurance isn’t just important for people who have health conditions that require treatment. There are many reasons why people who are generally fit and healthy should consider taking health cover. Consider these benefits as a great bonus.
Seven fitness challenges for a healthier, happier you
In recent years, there has been an explosion of online training programmes, which give you access to some of the best the fitness world has to offer, sometimes in the comfort of your own home. Here are seven fitness challenges worth exploring for the next step in your fitness journey.
What do fitness and financial wellbeing have in common?
They are two key factors that can make a really big difference to your overall wellbeing – reducing stress, boosting your enjoyment of life and extending the range of things you’re able to do, no matter your age. Here are a few other similarities between the two.
LifeDirect advisers share their health journeys
In our Adviser Corner articles, we often speak about how to protect your financial future, but what about our personal health and wellbeing? Of course, our friendly advisers are not fitness coaches, but they have learned a thing or two in their own journeys towards a healthier lifestyle. So, this month, we asked them to share their stories.
Smartphone apps to boost your wellbeing
Help might be available in the palm of your hand. There are smartphone apps available that offer to help with everything from exercise to meal tracking, meditation to sleep. Here are eight free apps that could boost your health and wellness journey.
New year, new you: Aligning your goals with health insurance
As we step into the new year, many of us are setting health goals, seeking to improve our well-being. But how can health insurance fit into this renewed focus on health?
How to get your health insurance sorted
Here are five things you can do now to work out whether your health insurance is giving you the protection you need.
How your phone can help you get fit
Have you thought about using your smartphone to get fit? Here are five ways it can help you.
How much cardio do you need to do to boost your heart health?
We all know moving more is good for us. It can reduce stress, produce endorphins, and boost cardiovascular health and fitness. But how much do you really need to be doing each week to improve your heart health?
Five key benefits of having health insurance
Have you really thought about all the benefits of having health insurance? Here are five key ones.
Health insurance and winter wellness
There are health insurance options that can help you access healthcare for many of the more minor winter ills that can plague us through the winter months.
Common health insurance terms and what they mean
Having a good understanding of some of the most common terms can make it easier to get the most out of your policy, and to know what to expect when it comes time to claim.
Health insurance for families
When it comes to health insurance, there are reasons why it might make sense to have cover as a family group. Here’s what you might need to know.
Staying fit in winter
It's that time of year again - winter is rolling in. While we might not have snow to contend with, staying active and healthy can feel like a bit of a mission when temperatures drop. But fear not, we've got some practical tips to help you stay active and fit through the colder months!
Make the most of all your health insurance benefits
Are you getting maximum value from your health insurance? Here’s why it might be worth looking into what extra benefits are available
Tips to managing stress
Like to reduce stress and boost your wellbeing? Here are some practical tips that can serve as building blocks for a healthier you.
