Do I Need
Health Insurance?
What Is The Difference Between Public & Private Healthcare?
The public health system and ACC provides a good level of healthcare for emergency treatment, acute care and accidents.
​
The public healthcare system classifies non-emergency conditions as ‘elective’ treatments, this means you’ll have to qualify for treatment and go on a waiting list, which can sometimes take months to years to get to the top of. Common ‘elective’ treatments include hip or knee replacements, heart surgery, hysterectomy, cataract removal, cancerous tumor removal, and diagnostic services.
​
Private health insurance can provide faster access to private hospitals for many of these treatments as well as help with the cost.
​
Private health insurance (with some companies) can also provide more treatment options, not limited to pharmac approved treatments as the public system is. This gives you access to a wider range of treatments when you need it most.
How Does Health Insurance Work?
There are a number of health insurance providers in New Zealand, as financial advisers we work with all major providers including AIA, NIB, Partners Life and Southern Cross.
​
Health insurance providers offer a range of different plans – sometimes with optional add-ons, so you can tailor your plan to your own needs and budget. For example, all companies offer cover for health care services like cancer treatments and surgery but some do not provide day to day care for things like dental care and GP visits. If you have an illness or injury that’s covered by your health insurance plan, part or all of the costs for treatment can be met by your insurer. How your healthcare provider gets compensated and what treatments you are covered for depends on the details of your policy, which is why it’s important to read through your policy document and consult your financial adviser before you buy.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?
The cost of health insurance in New Zealand can vary significantly based on several factors including
Coverage and Benefits: The scope of coverage and benefits included in the health insurance plan significantly affects its cost. Comprehensive plans covering a wide range of services and treatments will generally have higher premiums compared to more basic plans with limited coverage.
Age and Health Status: Premiums for health insurance often increase with age. Younger people or families might pay lower premiums than older people. Additionally, the health status of the insured person can affect the premium amount.
​
Insurance Provider: Different insurance companies offer various plans with different pricing structures. Prices can vary between insurers. This is why we are always comparing offerings from different providers to ensure we recommend the cover that suits your budget cost & quality.
Excess Options: You may be able to adjust your policy excess (the amount you pay towards the treatment) which can affect the overall cost. This can range from $0 to upward of $2,000 depending on each persons situation.
Why Get Advice on Medical Insurance?
1
Expert Advice - One Size Does Not Fit All
Navigating the complex world of medical insurance can be overwhelming. Our experienced advisers simplify the process for you. We'll provide you with expert advice, answer all your questions, and find the ideal plan that suits your needs.
2
Working With Top Insurers
We work with multiple insurance providers, offering you a diverse range of insurance plans. You'll have access to a selection of policies, ensuring you find the one that perfectly fits your requirements.
3
Transparency & Information
Transparency is at the core of our values. We provide clear, easy-to-understand information about each insurance plan, including benefits, premiums, and any exclusions. You can make informed decisions with confidence.
FAQ
How Does ACC work with private medical cover?
ACC is an accident insurance scheme that all New Zealanders have access to. Its role is to provide treatment and rehabilitation services for anyone who suffers an injury as a result of an accident. It does not cover you for anything that ACC does not deem to be an accident.
​
If your claim is not caused by an accident (many are not!) or not accepted by ACC, that’s when health insurance kicks in to pay for your eligible treatment costs.
​
The availability of insurance cover is subject to your application being approved. All applications are subject to individual consideration. Special conditions, exclusions or premium loadings may apply. An excess may apply for health insurance policies. For full details refer to the Policy Document which is available on request.
Can I Cover My Kids?
Yes we can help with cover for the whole family! You can cover kids from the day they are born, get in touch for more details.
I Have Pre-Existing Conditions, Can I Get Insurance?
Depending on the condition, you can still get medical insurance in most cases. However medical insurance policies may exclude pre-existing conditions, either permanently or for a stated timeframe. It is important to remember, there are many things that can happen in life, having some exclusions is generally speaking still better than no insurance cover at all.
Can I Get Treatment Overseas?
Yes, overseas medical treatment & medical tourism benefits are available with some providers. If this is important to you, we would look to use a provider than aligns with your needs. There may be some limitations on overseas treatment, but we go through these options with you once we have established your medical insurance needs.
Can I Choose My Own Preferred Treatment Provider?
Yes, generally you can choose who provides your treatment and where it takes place. There are exceptions to this, so it important to get advice on what provider/cover suits your needs best.
How Do I Make A Claim?
Most companies have an online claims tool - but if you need any assistance with claims, our advisers are always just a phone call away and willing to help.
What Does Medical Insurance Pay For?
Typically, medical insurance usually covers hospital stays, surgeries, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and some outpatient treatments.
Some people choose to get cover for more day to day costs such as GP Visits and Dental Treatment. There are many add on's available with various providers. Coverage can vary significantly between policies, so it's crucial to choose one that aligns with your specific healthcare needs.