Top 10 Insurance Companies in New Zealand for Expats
The top 10 health insurers in New Zealand for expats include Bupa Global, Allianz Care, AXA, DavidShield, GeoBlue, IMG, April International, Cigna, William Russell, and Vumi. Each of these insurers provides excellent health coverage and support, ensuring your family’s healthcare needs are met.
Discover the world's top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
Are you relocating to New Zealand? Concerned about long wait times in public hospitals? Many expats and locals choose private healthcare to enjoy shorter waits. Additionally, private health coverage offers valuable support from insurers.
Continue reading to discover the top 10 health insurance companies for expats in New Zealand—many of which are also featured in our list of leading international health insurance providers. We’re confident you’ll find the perfect health plan among them.
10 Best Health Insurance Companies for Expats in New Zealand
The 10 best health insurance companies in New Zealand for expats are:
- Bupa Global
- Allianz Care
- AXA – Global Healthcare
- DavidShield
- GeoBlue
- IMG
- April International
- Cigna
- William Russell
- VUMI
These insurers are recognized for their excellent service, fairness, and great value of their plans. Let’s examine each one in detail, exploring their features, benefits, and coverage options.
Bupa Global for Expats in New Zealand
Bupa Global provides private health insurance plans tailored for expats in New Zealand. These plans offer extensive coverage for medical expenses in New Zealand and internationally. Below is an overview of the available plans, assuming EUR €1 = USD $1.09 = NZD $1.84:
|
Plan |
Major Medical | Select | Premier |
Elite |
| Annual Limit | €2,500,000 (about USD $2,725,000 or NZD $4,600,000) | €1,250,000 (about USD $1,362,500 or NZD $2,300,000) | €1,875,000 (about USD $2,043,750 or NZD $3,450,000) | €3,750,000 (about USD $4,087,500 or NZD $6,900,000) |
| Areas Covered | Globally or globally except the U.S. | Globally or globally except the U.S. or Europe | Globally or globally except the U.S. or Europe | Globally or globally except the U.S. or Europe |
| Maternity Benefits | N/A | N/A | N/A | Pregnancy and childbirth after the mother has been covered by this health plan for 10 months; coverage includes pregnancy, childbirth complications, and Cesarean section; with limitations |
| Prescribed Medicines (Outpatient) | N/A | Included (with limit) | Included (with limit) | Included (with limit) |
| Home Nursing | 30 days | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
Key features common to all Bupa Global plans include:
- Inpatient Room Type: All plans provide coverage for standard private room accommodations.
- Diagnostic Tests: Bupa Global will cover the costs of diagnostic tests, pathology, and radiology recommended by your specialist during your hospital stay.
- Cancer Treatment: Once a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, Bupa Global covers expenses related to planning and executing treatment, including tests, diagnostic imaging, consultations, and prescribed medications.
- Medical Evacuation: Reasonable transport costs to the nearest appropriate treatment facility are covered if local treatment is unavailable.
- Medical Repatriation: This option allows you to return to your designated country of residence or nationality for treatment in a familiar environment when necessary care is not available nearby.
Allianz Care for Expats in New Zealand
Allianz Care provides a variety of international health insurance plans for expats in New Zealand. These plans include coverage for services like emergency medical evacuation, home nursing, rehabilitation treatment, and more.
Below is a summary of the plans currently on offer, with all money sums in USD:
|
Plan |
Care Pro | Care Plus |
Care |
| Maximum Plan Limit | $5,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Room Type | Private room | Private room | Semi-private room |
| Coverage Includes | In-patient, day-care, and out-patient treatment | In-patient and day-care treatment | In-patient and day-care treatment |
| Extra Benefits | Oncology treatment; personal oncology case management services | Oncology treatment; personal oncology case management services | N/A |
| Preventive Surgery | $40,500 | Not covered | Not covered |
| Laser Surgery | Covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Rehabilitation Treatment | $5,970 | $3,375 | $2,025 |
| Home Nursing | $5,740 | $3,375 | $2,025 |
| Medical Evacuation | Included | Included | Included |
Coverage is contingent upon the policy definitions, exclusions, and any specific conditions outlined in the Insurance Certificate.
AXA – Global Healthcare for Expats in New Zealand
AXA – Global Healthcare (“AXA” below) is your reliable partner for international health insurance in New Zealand. Whether you’re an expat moving to New Zealand for work, leisure, or retirement, their extensive coverage guarantees that your healthcare needs are well taken care of.
The key features of AXA’s plans include:
- Plan Options: AXA offers five main international health plans for expats in New Zealand, providing various levels of coverage and benefits:
|
Plan |
Coverage Limit (USD Per Year) |
| Foundation | $160,000 |
| Standard | $1,600,000 |
| Comprehensive | $2,400,000 |
| Prestige | $3,200,000 |
| Prestige Plus | $8,000,000 |
- Coverage Benefits: AXA’s international health plans may offer the following benefits:
- Inpatient hospital expenses and surgeries
- Comprehensive cancer treatments
- Emergency medical care
- Ambulance transport
- Optional outpatient treatment, tests, and vaccinations
- Optional outpatient medications and dressings
- Management of chronic conditions
- CT, PET, and MRI scans
- Routine maternity care
- Annual health check-ups
- Eye examinations and prescription eyewear
- Dental care (excluding check-ups)
- 24/7 personalized support from a multilingual team
- Convenient online access to policy benefits and claims information
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Second Opinions: Members can obtain a second medical opinion from top-tier medical professionals.
- Virtual Doctor Service: This allows members to consult with doctors through video or phone calls.
- Mental Health Support: A mental health support platform connects members with qualified psychologists worldwide.
DavidShield for Expats in New Zealand
DavidShield‘s plan provides extensive health insurance coverage for expats in New Zealand. It offers peace of mind for policyholders with a lifetime maximum benefit of USD $5,000,000 and no waiting period for most benefits. Here are the details of the plan:
|
Benefit Type |
Maximum Limit (USD) |
Notes |
| Inpatient Care | $5,000,000 | Hospitalization requires pre-admission notice within 72 hours |
| Physician Visits | $5,000,000 | No limit on visits |
| Adult Wellness Care | $500 per calendar year | |
| Maternity Care | $30,000 | Covers complications during the first 90 days of pregnancy |
| Child & Infant Development | $5,000,000 | |
| Child Vaccinations | $5,000,000 | |
| Emergency Room Visits | $500,000 | No limit on visits |
| Ambulance Services | $2,500 for every event | Maximum of $5,000 lifetime |
| Organ Transplants | $500,000 | Requires pre-hospitalization notice within 72 hours |
| Chiropractic/Physiotherapy | $50 per visit | Limited to 24 visits every calendar year |
| Mental Health Services | $10,000 every calendar year | Lifetime maximum of $20,000 |
| Durable Medical Equipment | $5,000 lifetime | |
| Nursing Services | $50,000 lifetime | As specified in the policy |
| Medical Evacuation | $25,000 per event | Includes travel and medical expenses |
| Family Unification | $1,000 lifetime | |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Up to $5,000,000 | Coverage as specified by policy |
GeoBlue for Expats in New Zealand
GeoBlue provides a variety of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats in New Zealand. The plans—Platinum, Premium, Plus, Select, and Essential—offer extensive coverage tailored to diverse healthcare needs, ensuring access to quality medical care globally.
Main features the GeoBlue plans have in common include:
- Worldwide Coverage: Members have access to a vast network of providers in over 190 countries.
- Inpatient and Outpatient Care: Comprehensive coverage for hospital stays and outpatient treatments is provided.
- Physician Services: Coverage is provided for primary care and specialist visits.
- Maternity Care: Extensive coverage is provided for prenatal, delivery and postnatal care.
- Prescription Drugs: Coverage varies by plan, with specific copays for medications.
- Emergency Services: 24/7 support and medical evacuation are included.
- Direct Pay Options: This avoids upfront costs and simplifies payment processes.
- Mobile App: This enables convenient access to services, such as finding providers and managing claims.
Following is a comparison of the GeoBlue plans:
|
Plan |
Essential | Select | Plus | Premium |
Platinum |
| Lifetime Maximum | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Deductible (Individual) | $500 | $250 | $0 | $100 | $0 |
| Deductible (Family) | $1,000 | $500 | $0 | $200 | $0 |
| Out-of-pocket Max (Individual) | $3,000 | $1,500 | $0 | $600 | $0 |
| Out-of-pocket Max (Family) | $6,000 | $3,000 | $0 | $1,200 | $0 |
| Hospitalization Coverage | 90% | 90% | 100% | 90% | 100% |
| Visits to the Physician’s Office | 90% | 90% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
IMG for Expats in New Zealand
IMG (International Medical Group) provides extensive international health insurance plans for expats residing in New Zealand. With an IMG plan, you can rest assured that your health and well-being are safeguarded, enabling you to fully enjoy your expat journey in New Zealand.
The following plans are being offered, with money sums expressed in USD.
Bronze Plan
- Area of Coverage: Worldwide, excluding the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan
- Lifetime Maximum: $1,000,000 per person
- Inpatient Coverage: $600 per day, with a maximum of 240 days.
- Deductible: Ranges from $250 to $10,000
- Pre-existing Conditions: Known disclosed conditions are covered like any illness or injury unless excluded by a rider; non-disclosed conditions are not covered. For unknown conditions (after 24 months of continuous coverage), the limit is $5,000 for the coverage period, with a lifetime maximum of $50,000.
Silver Plan
- Area of Coverage: Worldwide
- Lifetime Maximum: $5,000,000 per person
- Inpatient: Same coverage as under the Bronze Plan
- Deductible: Ranges from $250 to $10,000
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered like any illness or injury unless excluded by a rider
Gold Plan
- Area of Coverage: Worldwide
- Lifetime Maximum: $5,000,000 per person
- Inpatient: Same coverage as under the Bronze Plan
- Deductible: Ranges from $250 to $25,000
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered provided they are disclosed and not excluded by rider
Platinum Plan
- Area of Coverage: Worldwide
- Lifetime Maximum: $8,000,000 per person
- Inpatient: Same coverage as under the Bronze Plan
- Deductible: Ranges from $100 to $25,000
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered provided they are disclosed and not excluded by rider
Additional Plan Features and Benefits
- Flexibility: A variety of plan options and payment methods to suit your budget.
- Choice of Coverage Area: Select either worldwide coverage or worldwide coverage excluding certain countries.
- Freedom to Choose: Pick your own healthcare provider, no matter where you are.
- Assistance Services: Available on all plans, offering 24/7 support.
- Travel Intelligence: Get location-specific alerts regarding health, transportation, security, and weather.
- Healthy Travel Preventative Coverage: Access vaccinations and preventive prescriptions before your trip.
- Preventative Care: No waiting period for wellness benefits.
April International for Expats in New Zealand
April International’s MyHealth International plans offer extensive health coverage specifically designed for expats in New Zealand, ensuring access to quality medical care around the globe. With flexible options and strong support, these plans cater to the varied needs of expats in New Zealand.
Key Features of APRIL International’s MyHealth International Plans:
- Flexibility: These customizable plans cater to individual needs and budgets.
- Global Coverage: Access to medical care is available worldwide.
- No Upfront Payments: No upfront payments are required for hospitalization.
- 24/7 Support: Multilingual customer service is accessible through various channels, including chat, phone, and WhatsApp.
- Easy Claim Process: Claims can be submitted via the Easy Claim app for prompt reimbursements.
|
Plan |
Emergency Plan | Basic Plan | Essential Plan | Comfort Plan |
Premium Plan |
| Overall Annual Limit (EUR/USD) | €/$250,000 | €/$500,000 | €/$1,000,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Hospitalization Coverage | For accidents only | Full | Full | Full | Full |
| Cancer Care Coverage | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Optional Add-ons | Outpatient care, dental, vision, maternity | Low outpatient care, €/$500 dental limit, €/$150 vision limit (every 2 years) | Medium outpatient care, €/$1,000 dental limit, €/$250 vision limit, maternity coverage | High outpatient care, €/$2,000 dental limit, €/$500 vision limit, maternity coverage up to €/$6,000 | Deluxe outpatient care, €/$4,000 dental limit, €/$700 vision limit, maternity coverage up to €/$12,000 |
| Medical Repatriation | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Cigna for Expats in New Zealand
Cigna provides international health plans for expats in New Zealand, offering extensive coverage and customizable options to suit individual needs. There are no age restrictions for enrollment, and you have the option to include the USA in your coverage. Here are the plan details:
|
Plan |
Silver Plan | Gold Plan |
Platinum Plan |
| Annual Maximum Benefit (USD) | $1,000,000 for inpatient and day-patient treatment | $2,000,000 for inpatient and day-patient treatment | Inpatient and day-patient treatment covered in full |
| Private Room Accommodation | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Cancer Care Coverage (USD) | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $2,000,000 | Covered in full |
| Medical Imaging and Scans Coverage (USD) | Up to $10,000 | Up to $15,000 | Covered in full |
| A&E Room Treatment Coverage (USD) | Up to $500 | Up to $1,000 | Up to $2,000 |
| Rehabilitation Coverage (including physiotherapy) (USD) | Up to $5,000 | Up to $10,000 | Covered in full |
| Mental and Behavioral Healthcare Coverage | N/A | N/A | Covered in full |
| Inpatient Maternity Coverage (USD) | N/A | Up to $7,000 | Up to $14,000 |
| Newborn Care Coverage (USD) | N/A | Up to $75,000 | Up to $156,000 |
Cigna’s international health plans provide:
- Global coverage backed by local expertise
- Flexibility, choice, and portability across over 200 countries and jurisdictions
- Comprehensive mental health support programs and resources
- Coverage for a diverse array of medical treatments and services
- And much more
William Russell for Expats in New Zealand
William Russell provides extensive coverage designed for expats in New Zealand. With access to a network of over 40,000 hospitals globally and a variety of benefits that include inpatient and outpatient treatment, dental care, and more, William Russell prioritizes your health and well-being.
William Russell offers the Bronze, SilverLite, Silver, and Gold Plans. All plans cover mental health treatment, cancer treatment, and medical evacuations:
|
Plans |
Bronze | SilverLite | Silver |
Gold |
| Annual Benefit Limit (in USD) | $1,500,000 | $1,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Doctor Visits | Post-hospitalization | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Pregnancy & Childbirth | Should complications arise | Should complications arise | Should complications arise | Covered |
Direct settlement of medical bills with over 40,000 hospitals worldwide means you won’t need to stress about paying medical expenses while focusing on your recovery, nor will you have to deal with extensive paperwork for reimbursement claims.
In addition to consultations and treatments for cancer, William Russell plans also cover reconstructive surgery and restorative dental treatment following radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
VUMI for Expats in New Zealand
VUMI provides four primary international health insurance plans for expats in New Zealand. With annual coverage options ranging from USD $2,000,000 to unlimited, along with various deductible combinations for both inside and outside the USA, you can easily find the coverage that suits your needs.
Here’s a quick overview of the available plans, with all amounts listed in USD.
| Plan | Access VIP | Special VIP | Universal VIP | Absolute VIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Coverage | $2,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $7,000,000 | Unlimited |
| Room Type | Standard private room up to plan limit | Standard private room up to plan limit | Standard private room, unlimited | Standard private room, unlimited |
| Prescribed Medications | $5,000 | $30,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Surgery to Reduce the Risk of Cancer | N/A | $25,000 (lifetime) after a 12-month waiting period | $30,000 (lifetime) after a 12-month waiting period | $30,000 (lifetime) after a 12-month waiting period |
| Organ/tissue Transplant (Per Organ/tissue) | $300,000 (lifetime) | $500,000 (lifetime; with optional rider) | $1,100,000 (lifetime) | $3,000,000 (lifetime) |
| Nurse Care at Home | $6,000 | $10,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation | Inpatient: Unlimited; Outpatient: $6,000 | Inpatient: Unlimited; Outpatient: $10,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Durable Medical Equipment | $6,000 | $10,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Emergency Transportation by Air Ambulance | $40,000 (zero deductible) | $60,000 (zero deductible) | Unlimited (zero deductible) | Unlimited (zero deductible) |
The key features of all VUMI plans include:
- Age Limit: New applicants must be 75 years old or younger.
- Prescribed Medications During Hospitalization: All plans cover prescribed inpatient medications without limit.
- Emergency Room Visits: All plans cover A&E visits without limit.
- Physician and Specialist Visits: All plans provide unlimited coverage for outpatient physician and specialist visits, whether at the clinic or the insured’s home.
- Outpatient Surgery: All plans offer unlimited coverage for outpatient surgery.
- Second Medical Opinion: Second medical opinions are available with all plans.
- Emergency Ground Ambulance Transportation: All plans include zero-deductible unlimited coverage.
- Alzheimer’s Disease: All plans cover all directly related outpatient expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall quality of healthcare in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers high-quality healthcare with well-trained professionals and modern facilities. Residents benefit from effective care overall. However, problems like long waiting times and limited options affect New Zealand’s public healthcare system like in many other places.
Do expats have access to public healthcare in New Zealand?
Expats may access public healthcare in New Zealand if they hold residency or a work visa with validity of two years or more. However, many expats opt for private health insurance for quicker services and a wider range of treatment options.
How much does international private health insurance typically cost in New Zealand?
From our Cost of International Health Insurance Report 2023, the average premium of individual international private medical insurance (IPMI) in New Zealand was USD $4,661 in 2022, and for family IPMI the average premium was USD $13,048.
Conclusion
In this article, we highlighted the top 10 health insurance providers in New Zealand, detailing the key features of each. Our goal is to help you appreciate the differences among them, so you can choose the best option to protect your health.
However, there are many reputable health insurance providers in New Zealand beyond this list. Whether you are looking for health insurance or any other type of insurance product, it’s wise to work with a knowledgeable broker who prioritizes your needs.
For international health, expat health, family health, maternity, travel, or other insurance requirements, Pacific Prime offers extensive expertise and global experience to tailor a solution that meets your needs and fits your budget, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
And here’s the best part: you can benefit from our advice and support at no additional cost! Contact us today for a consultation, quote, or a FREE, no-obligation plan comparison.
If you’re considering a move to New Zealand, Greece and Tanzania may also be on your list of potential destinations. If that’s the case, we recommend checking out our articles on the top health insurers in Greece and the top health insurers in Tanzania after reading this one.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.
In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.
- Seeing a Doctor in the USA Without Health Insurance - October 10, 2024
- MSH International: The Best Travel Insurance - October 10, 2024
- Hospitals in Costa Rica – Expats Health Resources - October 4, 2024
Helpful Articles
Thailand Retirement Visa For US Citizens – 2024 Guide
Health Insurance For Thailand Expats
Morgan Price Insurance For Expats In Thailand
AXA Thailand: Top Thailand Insurance Provider For Expats
Comments
Comments for this post are closed.
We'll notify you
when our team replies!