Certainly. You can apply for private health insurance regardless of your current employment status or occupation.

Chronic conditions, including arthritis and asthma, require ongoing treatment and monitoring and have no known cure These make them impossible to insure under standard health insurance policies. Insurers cannot take the risk of unknown treatment costs, so chronic conditions are not covered by such policies.

A congenital condition is a health issue or abnormality that exists from birth. If such conditions are detected at birth or within the first three months of life, insurers do not offer coverage for them, including any investigations or treatments related to them.

To cover your entire family, you need a family policy as individual policies won’t suffice. While you can insure each family member separately, it’s not a common practice and may not be cost-effective if someone has a pre-existing medical condition. It’s important to determine your family’s specific needs and ensure that the policy you choose is suitable.

You are allowed to cover your children with private health insurance. However, the maximum age at which they can be covered may differ depending on the insurer. For instance, Accuro’s maximum entry age for children is 25, while AIA, Nib, Partners Life, and Southern Cross have a maximum entry age of 21 or 20.

In New Zealand, health insurance providers cannot refuse coverage or increase premiums due to pre-existing conditions, as the country has a universal public healthcare system that offers basic health services to all residents, regardless of their health condition.

Hence, although health insurance policies usually don’t cover pre-existing conditions, there are exceptions depending on how insurers assess medical conditions. Your adviser will ask you about your pre-existing conditions to determine which policy will offer you the best cover. It’s important to disclose all pre-existing conditions as failure to do so could result in a declined claim.

Some policies may cover pre-existing conditions after a specified period of time or with an extra premium, while others may exclude them altogether. Conditions like hip or knee problems, back issues, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions are usually not covered. If you have pre-existing conditions, your premiums may be higher to reflect the increased risk you pose to the insurer. It’s still possible to get health insurance that covers unrelated illnesses.

When applying for health insurance, you will need to disclose your medical history. The insurer will assess whether they can cover any pre-existing medical conditions. In case the health insurance provider is unable to offer coverage, they will inform you before the policy starts. Then, your adviser can advocate on your behalf to achieve the most favourable resolution.

When considering private health insurance policies, it’s crucial to review the details carefully, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. This includes looking at the stand-down period and any other limitations or exclusions that may be in place.

Private health insurance providers in New Zealand may impose a stand-down period for pre-existing conditions, which means that any treatment related to a pre-existing condition may not be covered by the insurance policy for a certain period of time after enrolling in a new health insurance plan. This period ranges from three months to two years, depending on the insurance provider. However, it’s important to note that this period only applies to treatment related to the pre-existing conditions. If you have a new health condition that requires treatment during the stand-down period, it will still be covered by your insurance policy.

A pre-existing condition refers to any health condition or event, including signs or symptoms, that occurred before a health insurance policy was taken. It includes any medical condition for which the patient received medical advice or treatment before purchasing health insurance coverage. In short, a pre-existing condition is any health issue that existed prior to the policy commencement date.

Normally, individuals, regardless of age, who are either New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or those holding a two-year Work Visa or long-term business visa are eligible to apply for health insurance. Non-New Zealand citizens or non-permanent residents may be subject to minimum residency requirements or need to show their intention to reside in the country in order to be eligible for certain benefits or services.

If you don’t belong to any of the aforementioned categories, you may still qualify for health insurance coverage. Consult your adviser to explore the available policies that cater to individuals outside of the given criteria.

A workplace health cover is similar to private health insurance, as you pay for it through your regular income from work. However, it’s important to determine if the policy covers your family as well, and to understand its benefits and exclusions. This will help you decide if you need additional coverage through private health insurance.

To choose the right health insurance plan, you need to follow a few steps. First, determine the health insurance marketplace that you have access to. Once you’ve found your marketplace, compare the different types of health insurance plans that are available. Then, look at the networks of healthcare providers that are covered by each plan. Next, compare the out-of-pocket costs of each plan, taking into account both deductibles and copayments. Don’t just look at monthly premiums, but also consider your estimated yearly costs. It’s also important to consider your healthcare needs, and how much coverage you may require. Beware of any plans that seem too good to be true, and always consider your family’s needs. Make sure to note when the open enrollment period is, and review your coverage options. Check that your medications are covered by the plan. Also review the premiums, copayments, and deductibles. Keep in mind the difference between HMOs and PPOs. By following these steps, you can choose the right health insurance plan that meets your needs.

Policies that don’t require underwriting before taking them out are not recommended because they offer minimal security and slow down the claiming process. These policies underwrite claims at the time they are made, leaving you with the least amount of security compared to policies underwritten at the time of application. Also, most of these policies don’t cover non-Pharmac drugs.

GP visits are not typically covered by health insurance in New Zealand, as they are covered by the publicly-funded healthcare system. However, some private health insurance plans may offer coverage for GP visits as an optional extra. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy to understand what is and is not covered.

Health insurance in New Zealand typically does not cover dental and optical costs. However, some private health insurance plans may offer additional coverage for dental and optical services, either as a standalone policy or as an add-on to a health insurance plan. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand what is and is not covered.

Health insurance policies in New Zealand generally do not cover policyholders while travelling overseas. However, some providers offer travel insurance plans that cover medical emergencies and travel-related expenses. It’s important to check with your insurance provider for available options.

Health insurance typically does not cover loss of income or financial hardships due to illness. While some policies may offer a lump sum payment to assist with family expenses, critical illness insurance is the best option if you want to insure for loss of income or similar situations. Critical illness insurance provides a one-time lump sum payment if you develop an illness covered by your policy, which can be used to pay for expenses such as mortgage or rent while you recover.

Health insurance policies in New Zealand generally do not cover policyholders if they relocate to another country, such as Australia. However, some insurance providers may offer international health insurance plans that cover policyholders while they are living abroad. It is recommended to check with the insurance provider to see what options are available. There are insurance companies that do offer reimbursement for non-urgent medical conditions treated in Australia, up to a reasonable and customary charge. Policyholders will be paid in New Zealand dollars and are advised to refer to their policy documents or contact the insurance provider for further clarification before undergoing any treatment.

Your health insurance policy, coverage, and premiums will not be affected by your vaccination status. If you need urgent medical attention after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, head for the Accident and Emergency unit at your nearest public hospital, as acute care is provided by the public health system in New Zealand. Private health insurance plans do not cover vaccine-related treatment injuries, but you can receive treatment and support from ACC for any adverse reactions to any Medsafe-approved vaccine. Having a Medsafe-approved vaccine will not impact your health insurance policy. Any treatment needed due to vaccine-related issues will be covered by the public health care system.

Before and after hospital treatment, typically within six months, these costs are covered, but the extent depends on the insurance provider. Without hospitalisation, these costs are generally not covered unless you opt for the additional Specialists and Tests coverage.

Health insurance plans may offer coverage for pregnancy and birth, but this varies widely between insurers. Most health insurance providers will not cover existing pregnancies. Fertility treatment is also generally not covered, but there are a few plans that offer an obstetrician benefit. Contact an adviser for more information. Additionally, most policies do not cover pregnancy, as it’s usually provided by the public health system. However, some policies may offer a pregnancy loyalty benefit after three years of coverage.

Your Private Health insurance in New Zealand will not expire based on your age or on any particular date. As long as you fulfil the policy terms and keep paying the premiums, you will remain covered, regardless of your age, There is no maximum age limit for coverage.

You can typically opt for an additional coverage called “Specialists and Tests”, which covers costs associated with specialist consultations and medical tests, even if you don’t require hospitalisation. This is particularly beneficial as multiple specialist visits or tests can be costly. Moreover, certain plans provide add-on coverage for routine medical expenses, such as visits to the GP and dental charges.

Exclusions refer to items not covered by a health insurance policy, including general exclusions and personal exclusions based on an individual’s medical history. General exclusions are listed in the policy document and apply to all policyholders. Personal exclusions are specific to an individual’s pre-existing conditions and may exclude coverage for a certain length of time. It’s essential to review the policy terms and conditions to understand what is and isn’t covered. Exclusions can include medical treatments, procedures, or specific conditions. Some policies may have limitations or exclusions for certain types of care or only provide cover up to a certain amount. Contact your insurance broker/provider for any questions or concerns about your cover.

If you require emergency treatment, you will be taken to a public hospital which is provided for free. Therefore, it is not covered by your health insurance. However, if you need follow-up treatment after emergency stabilisation, there may be waiting lists for public health care, and health insurance can cover these costs. This assumes that you are eligible for the public health system.

A good health plan in New Zealand covers most or all of your medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital charges, specialist and test costs, and major diagnostic costs like MRI and CT scans. Health insurance policies cover private medical procedures and treatments, such as cancer treatment, diagnostic imaging and tests, medical hospitalisation, specialist consultations, home nursing, treatment away from home, and treatment overseas. Specialised health insurance is also available for covering costs related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

ACC provides cover for medical costs only if they are the result of an accident. In some cases, they may only partially pay for a procedure. Policyholders can make a claim to their insurer to cover the difference. If the surgery is required due to an accident, the policyholder must apply for cover through ACC first. If ACC declines coverage, policyholders can contact their insurer for clarification and may need to provide extra information for a review by lawyers on their behalf.

For public health insurance, you need not undergo a medical examination or test. Public health insurance, also known as the public healthcare system, is available to all New Zealand residents and eligible visa holders, regardless of their health status. There are no medical questions or tests involved in enrolling with a general practitioner (GP) or accessing publicly funded healthcare services.

For private health insurance, it depends on the insurance provider and the specific policy you are applying for. Some insurers may require you to undergo a medical examination or provide additional medical information before accepting your application. However, not all policies require this, and many providers offer online application processes that do not require a medical examination. It’s best to check with your chosen insurance provider to see what their specific requirements are.

It’s generally possible to add your partner and children to your health insurance policy. Nonetheless, the exact process and any additional premiums required may vary depending on your insurance provider. Keep in mind that adding family members can increase your premiums, so it’s important to consider the cost and eligibility criteria before making changes. It’s recommended to check with your provider to see what options are available. Adding family members to your policy can be important, as they may also require medical treatment that may not be immediately available in the public system and could be expensive to pay for out of pocket.

Yes, the process of applying for health insurance can involve a significant amount of paperwork, as you may need to provide personal information, answer questions about your medical history, and sign various documents related to the policy and its terms and conditions. However, many insurance providers now offer online applications and streamlined processes to minimise the amount of paperwork involved.

For public healthcare, enrolling in the New Zealand healthcare system may take up to three months, and the first step is to register with a GP who is currently accepting new patients and can provide care that meets your needs and those of your family.

To enrol in a private healthcare plan in New Zealand, you can directly contact an insurance provider or use the services of a broker. You will be asked about your medical history and current health status. Based on this information, the insurer will provide you with a quote and policy details. If you decide to proceed, you will need to complete an application form and pay the premiums. Depending on the insurer, a medical examination or additional information may be required. Before enrolling, carefully review the policy details and ask any questions you may have. You also have the option to get a quote and apply online, which typically takes less than 20 minutes.

The processing time for a private health insurance application varies depending on the provider and complexity. Typically, it can take days to weeks, but some providers offer faster processing for a fee. Initial processing is done promptly, but missing details or additional information may prolong the process. Contact the insurance provider for their specific processing times and options for faster processing.

It is recommended that you disclose all relevant health history information during the application process. If needed, additional information may be requested from you or your doctor.

After you submit your application for private health insurance, the insurer will assess your application and may request additional information or medical exams if necessary. Once your application is approved, you will receive a policy document that outlines the terms and conditions of your coverage. You will also be given information on how to pay your premiums and access the healthcare services covered under your policy. It is essential to carefully review the policy document and understand the benefits and limitations of your coverage.

It’s crucial to maintain your current health insurance plan until your new plan is established. If you have pre-existing conditions that were covered under your previous policy, they may not be covered under the new policy. Seeking advice from your adviser can help you decide whether to stick with your current coverage or switch to a different provider. Replacing an existing health insurance policy carries risks, including the possibility of not being covered for pre-existing medical conditions and having different benefits, conditions, exclusions, and coverage. It’s important to seek independent financial advice before making any changes.

If you want to purchase additional health insurance while keeping your current policy, you can do so. However, it’s important to note that having multiple insurance policies may not always mean more coverage or benefits. You should carefully review the terms and conditions of your current policy and any additional policies to ensure that you are not paying for duplicate coverage. It’s also recommended to seek independent financial advice to ensure that the additional insurance is necessary and fits your budget. Any benefit received from the other policy will be deducted from the benefit you’re entitled to receive under the new policy, so it’s important to consider whether it’s worth the additional cost.

It is best to assess your own situation and decide when you should apply for cover. It is important to keep in mind that unexpected medical conditions can arise at any time, so delaying your application could result in exclusions being added to your policy or increased premium costs.

When applying for health insurance in New Zealand, you will typically need to provide personal information such as your name, age, address, and contact details. You will also need to answer questions about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions or current health concerns. The insurer may ask about your lifestyle, such as whether you smoke or drink alcohol, as these factors can affect your health and insurance risk. Additionally, you may need to provide information about any previous insurance cover and claims history. The exact questions may vary depending on the insurance provider and policy you are applying for.

To ensure that you are eligible for your claim and to avoid any potential confusion, it is recommended that you request “pre-approval” from your insurer. This process involves the insurer paying the health provider directly, which simplifies matters and typically means that you only need to pay the excess. By obtaining pre-approval, you can confirm your coverage and avoid any unexpected costs.

If you have pre-approval, you can ask the provider to send the invoices directly to your insurer. For faster processing, include your pre-approval reference number. If you don’t have pre-approval, you may still send invoices to your insurer, along with all supporting documentation Still, reimbursement is not guaranteed. Additionally, the provider may require payment upfront if they do not have pre-approval confirmation from your insurer.

Pre-approval is a verification that your upcoming medical treatment or surgical procedure is covered. It is advised that you apply for pre-approval before undergoing any procedure that costs more than $1,000. This is to ensure that you have adequate coverage and understand any excess payments that may be required. Pre-approval can also be obtained for procedures that cost less than $1,000. To apply for pre-approval, you need to fill out a pre-approval form and provide supporting documents.

The start date of your coverage is determined by the date you select.

Some insurance providers offer lower premiums for non-smokers, who are defined as those who have been smoke-free for 12 months. Those who have smoked within the past 12 months may have to pay higher premiums. However, there are options to help smokers get lower premiums if they quit smoking. Insurance companies may offer lower premiums to both non-smokers and former smokers who have been smoke-free for 12 months or more, depending on the policy.

To pay your excess, you can usually do so when you file a claim. The insurance provider will subtract the excess amount from the claim payment. The payment process for your excess may vary depending on your insurer and policy type, so it’s best to refer to your policy documents or contact your insurer directly to confirm. In some cases, if you have pre-approval for a surgery, you need to submit all invoices directly to the insurer for payment. After deducting any excess amounts due, the provider will invoice you for the excess amount, which must be paid directly to them. If you don’t have pre-approval, you can still submit your invoices along with the necessary supporting documents. Note that reimbursement is not guaranteed. The insurer will assess your claim against your coverage, and any excess will be subtracted from the amount that they can cover.

For most insurers, insurance premiums can be paid through direct debit or credit cards. You can choose to pay weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly. The most popular payment frequency is fortnightly, but you can choose whichever option is most suitable for you. You have the flexibility to select the day of the week or date of the month for your payments to be deducted. You can modify your payment frequency at any time, and you will be informed before your first premium is deducted. However, the first premium will not be deducted until at least 10 days after your policy has been issued.

In many cases, choosing a higher excess amount can lower your premiums, as you are taking on more of the financial risk yourself. This means the insurer will have to pay less in the event of a claim, and as a result, they can offer you a lower premium. However, it’s important to note that a higher excess also means that you will need to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.

Some medications are subsidised by the government to lower their cost. The cost of prescriptions varies depending on factors such as age, immigration status, subsidy category, and prescriber category. New Zealand has universal health coverage, including prescription drugs, which are mostly funded by general taxes. The standard prescription charge for subsidised medicines is $5, but there is no charge for children under 14. Patients can receive a prescription subsidy after collecting 20 new prescription items in a year. However, most private insurers in New Zealand only cover the co-payments on prescription medicines that are publicly funded.

Yes, GST is included in the health insurance premium that has been quoted. The current GST rate in New Zealand is 15%. This is added to the premium amount when it is quoted to you.

It depends on your insurance policy and the terms and conditions set by your insurer. In some cases, you may be able to change your excess level after your policy has been issued. However, this could result in a change in your premium or the terms of your coverage. It’s best to check with your insurer or insurance broker to see if changing your excess is an option and what the implications may be.

The excess is applied to eligible claim payments for each insured person from the policy’s commencement or join date until the excess amount is met. It’s applied every policy year. This means that the excess is applied to each claim payment until the excess amount is reached during the policy year. However, not all benefits are subject to the excess. Despite the excess applying generally, there are some benefits that always have no excess, regardless of the excess level you choose.

Your insurance provider typically grants a grace period of three months for you to catch up on any missed premium payments. However, if you miss a premium payment for your private health insurance, your policy may be at risk of being cancelled. It is important to pay your premiums on time to ensure continuous coverage. If you miss a payment, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible to discuss your options and any potential consequences. Depending on the terms of your policy and the length of time you have missed payments, your insurer may allow you to make a late payment or work out a payment plan with you. However, if you do not make arrangements to bring your account up to date, your policy may be cancelled, which could mean you lose coverage for any medical expenses incurred after the cancellation date.

The excess is the amount deducted from eligible claim payments for each insured person every policy year. It applies from the policy commencement date and is optional, starting at $250. A higher excess means lower health cover payments. Excess is paid if you make a claim and often applies only once per person per calendar year. Different excess amounts may apply to different plans. If you want to reduce your excess, it requires underwriting and may result in exclusions, stand down periods, or both. The policy year is the 12-month period from your policy start date to the first annual renewal date.

Health insurance premiums are influenced by various factors including age, medical inflation, and the number of claims made in a given year. In New Zealand, health insurers paid out over 1.32 billion dollars in claims in 2019. Over 95% of claims were approved and paid. An increase in claims is due to the public health system’s slow wait times for elective treatments, limited medical options, and an ageing population. Premiums can increase by 5-15% per year and can vary from year to year. Therefore, health insurance premiums are affected by age, the number of claims made, and medical inflation.

Different health insurers in New Zealand have different policies regarding the selection of providers for procedures. Southern Cross, for instance, covers some procedures only if they are performed by one of their affiliated providers. Other insurers usually allow you to choose your provider. Often, your GP or Specialist can recommend someone. You can choose whichever private hospital or specialist you prefer, as long as they are a registered Medical Specialist with the Medical Council of New Zealand. You can also receive treatment in New Zealand regardless of the insurer. AIA, for example, does not require you to see a preferred provider. In some cases, you can receive treatment at an overseas hospital, provided that it has been approved by AIA beforehand.

In some cases, a health insurance claim may be declined due to various reasons, such as the condition being pre-existing and not disclosed during the application process, or the treatment not being covered by the policy. However, if the claim falls within the policy’s terms and conditions, the insurer will aim to pay it and offer the option to review the decision. If the claim is declined, the insurer will provide a written explanation and the right to appeal or make a complaint. It is essential to review the policy’s exclusions and limitations and contact the insurer for any queries or concerns regarding the claims process.

Waiting periods are the duration after you join a health insurance plan during which the insurer will not provide coverage for specific benefits. The length of the waiting period depends on your insurer, the level of cover, your specific policy, and pre-existing conditions. Some policies may have a waiting period of just a few days, while others, several months. You can claim some benefits straight away. For those with pre-existing conditions, waiting periods are usually longer. It’s important to read your policy documents carefully or contact your insurer directly to find out the waiting period for your policy.

In New Zealand, health insurance providers do not provide a refund for premiums if no claims are made.

In New Zealand, people usually don’t select a particular doctor as their primary healthcare provider. Instead, they usually go to a nearby medical centre and see whichever doctor is available. Therefore, changing your health insurance plan is unlikely to impact your access to primary care doctors. However, if you have a specific specialist you see regularly, it’s essential to confirm with your new health insurance provider that they are covered under the new plan. It’s also recommended to review your new health insurance policy’s details to understand coverage, limitations, and exclusions that may apply.

Stand-down periods are a common feature in some policies, like the Dental and Optical plan, where you cannot claim services during an initial period after taking out cover. These stand-down periods are specified in your policy document. Once they end, you can submit claims for services received after that period. Some benefits require continuous coverage before claiming, which are known as loyalty benefits. Optional benefits like the “GP Benefit” and “Dental and Optical” may also have stand-down periods.

If you need treatment, you should seek medical assistance from a healthcare provider that is covered by your insurance policy. After receiving the treatment, you will likely need to pay for it upfront and keep a copy of the receipt and any other relevant documents. You can then submit a claim to your insurer with the supporting documents. Your insurer will assess your claim and either approve or deny it. It is important to note that there may be certain exclusions or limitations to your coverage, so it is important to read your policy carefully and ask your insurer if you have any questions. Your GP can request cover or refer you to approved providers. The range of treatment options available depends on the comprehensiveness of your policy.

To make a claim on your health insurance policy in New Zealand, you should seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider covered by your policy and pay for the treatment upfront. Keep a copy of relevant documents. You can then submit a claim to your insurer either directly, through a third-party, your policy adviser, or online, providing supporting documentation and waiting for approval. It’s important to be aware of any exclusions or limitations in your policy and to ask your insurer if you have any questions.

A referral or specialist letter is required for every pre-approval or claim to provide evidence of medical necessity and to ensure that the treatment is covered by the policy. It helps the insurer determine whether the proposed treatment is appropriate for the patient’s medical condition and whether it is covered by the policy. The referral or specialist letter also helps to prevent unnecessary treatments or procedures that may not be covered by the policy, thus avoiding potential financial burden on the patient.

A medical report is important for health insurance claims because it helps the insurance provider assess the validity of the claim and determine whether the symptoms or condition being claimed for were pre-existing. This is particularly important during the first five years of the policy when pre-existing conditions are not covered. The medical report provides the insurer with information about the patient’s medical history and any previous conditions or treatments they may have received. This allows the insurer to make an informed decision about the claim and ensure that the policy is being used appropriately.

Health insurance companies typically provide a 14-day period known as the “free look” period. During this time, after you receive your policy document, you have the option to cancel your policy and receive a refund of the insurance premium.

It is advisable not to cancel your existing insurance policy until your new coverage is in effect and you are satisfied with the terms and coverage offered by the new policy. It is important to complete the full application process to gain a clear understanding of the terms and conditions provided by the insurer. Based on your pre-existing conditions, additional exclusions may be included in your policy, and it is important to be aware of them before agreeing to a new policy.

Yes, in most cases you can cancel your health insurance policy anytime for whatever reason. However, it’s important to check the terms and conditions of your specific policy to see if there are any restrictions or fees for cancelling. Additionally, keep in mind that cancelling your health insurance policy may leave you without cover for unexpected medical expenses and you won’t be able to make a claim. Hence, it’s important to consider your options carefully and ensure that you have appropriate cover in place.

While you can terminate your policy anytime, enrolling in a new plan is generally not allowed without a special enrollment period. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you qualify for a special enrollment period before cancelling your current coverage to have alternative plans in place. If you decide to reapply for health insurance at a later time, new underwriting requirements may be imposed, resulting in exclusions or increased premiums. Furthermore, if you cancel your policy before the term ends, you may be charged a cancellation fee.

Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can protect you from financial ruin in case of a medical emergency. While not necessary in New Zealand, it can offer benefits such as faster and personalised care alongside public healthcare. Having private health insurance is a personal choice, and it can complement the public services already available. Private health insurance can cover medical expenses and surgery costs, making it a good option for those at high risk of health problems. Private health insurance allows patients to choose their own surgeon and treatment schedule and avoid public hospital waiting lists. Over 1.4 million people in New Zealand have private health insurance, and it helps reduce financial stress while providing access to specialist consultants, diagnostic procedures, and scans.

Health insurance is designed to complement the health services provided by the Ministry of Health. Even if you have a health insurance policy, you are entitled to receive full state health services. Therefore, health insurance is only advantageous if you want to avoid waiting lists or require urgent consultations and specialised treatments. If you are comfortable waiting for treatment, health insurance may have limited benefits.

It is possible to switch health insurance policies and save money by comparing policies and finding one with better coverage at a lower price. However, it’s important to carefully consider your current needs and budget, any exclusions or limitations in the new policy, and any penalties or fees associated with switching. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it may be difficult to get cover for them with a new provider. As you get older, you may be tied to your current provider as they know your medical history. Before switching, make sure the coverage is the same as or better than your existing policy.

It depends on your policy adviser or broker. Some advisers may offer their services for free, while others may charge a fee for their expertise and assistance in finding the right insurance policy for your needs. In some cases, advisers may receive a commission from insurance companies, but they should disclose this to you upfront. It’s important to clarify any fees or commissions with the adviser before engaging their services so you understand any potential costs.

According to a survey, the average monthly spending on health insurance in New Zealand is just under $200. Auckland spends the most at $213, with those over 70 paying an average of $362. The insurance premium is determined by factors such as age, gender, smoking status, excess, and additional options. Healthcare costs in New Zealand are largely driven by the price of medical care, caring for those with medical conditions, an ageing population, and the rising costs of new medicines, procedures, and technologies. However, the government funds the majority of healthcare costs using public tax money, which means that healthcare for citizens and permanent residents is free or low-cost.

Although some health insurance covers have different prices for men and women, charging different premiums based on sex is considered discriminatory in many countries, including New Zealand. In general, women tend to have higher medical costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth, are more likely to suffer from certain health conditions such as breast cancer and reproductive issues, and may require longer-term health care services due to their longer lifespan. All of these can increase their insurance premiums. However, these factors are not always taken into account in setting premiums, as sex-based pricing is not allowed.

Non-residents, tourists, and immigrants with less than two years of work visa are not covered under the national healthcare system in New Zealand. However, they can opt for specially-designed health insurance from companies like Accuro that offer coverage for medical treatment and emergency services during their stay. It’s important to compare policies to find the best option for their specific needs and circumstances. In addition, non-residents may be eligible for free or low-cost emergency treatment under the public healthcare system in New Zealand.

Usually, yes. Most insurance companies provide a copy of their policy wording on their website or upon request. It is important to review the policy wording carefully to understand the terms and conditions of the policy and ensure that it meets your needs.

The process of transferring ownership may differ depending on the insurance company and policy type. Thus, it’s best to contact your insurance provider for specific instructions. All parties involved, including the current and new policy owners, must agree to the change. Nonetheless, it is possible to transfer the ownership of a policy to another person.

The term “policy owner” refers to an individual or entity who possesses an insurance policy and has the authority to make related changes and decisions. The policy owner is also accountable for paying the premiums. It is possible that the policy owner is not the same person as the insured individual. For instance, a parent may be the policy owner of their child’s insurance policy.

To determine if you need additional coverage if your employer offers a workplace scheme, you should review the scheme to see if it meets your healthcare needs and government requirements. If the scheme is adequate, you may not need to purchase additional coverage. Still, if you require more coverage, you can purchase it separately. It’s essential to evaluate the details of your employer’s scheme to make sure it’s appropriate for your individual needs. Additionally, some New Zealand employers offer policies through workplace schemes that are similar to private policies, and you should confirm that the scheme covers yourself and maybe even your family. If you don’t have a workplace scheme, you may be able to join one through your partner’s employer.

Yes, changes in your circumstances can affect your insurance policy. Hence, it is important to inform your insurer about them. Certain developments, such as a change of address, occupation, or health condition, can impact your coverage and premiums. Failing to disclose such new information to your insurer could result in your policy being invalidated or your claims being denied. It is always best to keep your insurer updated of your circumstances to ensure that you have adequate coverage and avoid any potential issues with your policy.

No problem, you can either chat with us or schedule a call with our health insurance specialists.

In New Zealand, there are three primary types of private health insurance policies available: Primary Care (also known as Minor Medical or Day-to-Day Insurance), Major Medical, and Comprehensive. Primary Care policies provide coverage for day-to-day medical treatments, but offer limited or no coverage for significant surgical or treatment costs. Major Medical policies usually cover elective surgery, major treatments, and specialist visits. However, they do not cover everyday medical expenses. Comprehensive policies provide coverage for both major surgery and day-to-day medical expenses. Insurance providers typically offer a range of excess options that allow policyholders to tailor their coverage level to their specific needs, with higher excesses resulting in lower premiums. Additionally, insurers may offer add-ons for services, such as diagnostic, optical, or dental cover.

Private healthcare in New Zealand is more expensive than public care, but offers shorter wait times, access to specialist doctors, and more personalised care. Public healthcare provides general coverage, emergency services, and little to no cost for covered services. However, it has long waitlists for general medical services, limited coverage for specialised medical services, and doesn’t allow patients to choose their care provider. Private health insurance provides full coverage depending on policies, has no waitlists for general medical services, offers various options for specialised medical services, and allows patients to choose their medical professional. Nonetheless, it comes with costly premiums ranging from $1,200 to $2,800 for wide levels of coverage.

Insurers charge different rates for kids as children typically require less healthcare than adults. This means lower risks for insurers to pay out for medical expenses. This enables insurers to provide lower premiums, making it more affordable for families to obtain health insurance coverage for their children. Each health insurer has its own approach to child rates. For instance, Accuro offers child rates until age 25 and only charges for the first 2 kids, while Southern Cross has child rates up to age 20.