HEALTH INSURANCE ON A WORK VISA.

Do I Really Need Health Insurance In NZ?

You're visa requirements may mandate health cover in New Zealand to ensure your can cover the costs of any medical expenses that may arise. What the public health offers here can be found on the immigration NZ website. If you can secure cover in your home country, that could be beneficial and if English is not a first language, easier to understand. If not Health Insurance in NZ on something a Visitor or Work Visa might be possible.

Health Insurance options for those without residency and exisiting access to the state health system are limited. I won't discuss providers here but will go over why you would want this and what it covers.

I'm on a work visa why do I need Health Insurance

I get the draw of the Kiwi lifestyle, I moved here with my family almost 16 years ago and it's no surprise to me that others want to come and experience this lifestyle. I have been here for long enough to know that the health system isn't what I was used to. There was the ACC there to help anyone through any accident, even a traveller will be treated the same as a citizen. Really amazing, but what if it's not an accident? What if it is a sickness because that can get very expensive experience.

GP visits can be expensive for non residents, they are expensive for registered patients and it will cost more if you're not. Hospital will require you to supply a passport if you are not an NZ citizen. They will want to know how they are getting paid.

What does health insurance cover for immigrants

Health insurance for work visa and visitor visa is in three levels.

• Surgical Cover: This covers the big stuff like surgery and hospital admission.
• Specialists and Tests: For the cost of consultants fees and tests
• Primary Care: for the cover of GP's and prescriptions.

Surgical cover is the first purchase and then add the other onto that. Your visa may dictate the level of cover you take.

Health insurance here will not cover pre-existing conditions for those on a work or visitor visa, only after you've access to the public health system can we look at cover around there.

Can My Travel Insurance Cover That

It might, I would certainly look to check if travel insurance from my own home was available for that length of time. There may be benefits including luggage cover and repatriation benefits. That might be more appropriate depending on your needs. It could even work out cheaper. If it's not available, not very good or you would rather base yourself here then ee can certainly help.

How Long Must My Visa Be For

If your visa allows you to stay here for between 3 months and two years then it is possible (in most cases) to apply for health insurances. If you are here for 2 years we might be able to look at other covers too and you should reach out to us about options. For Health Insurance as little as 3 months. It's not for a set time either so it you extend you stay you can keep the cover. If you change to a residency you can upgrade the policy.

What Happens After Residency

You would get access to the public health service, and you'd be wondering if you cancel the policy. Why pay for the public and private health insurance? The private heath system is considerably quicker and less likely to say no to treatments. Some health insurers offer treatment abroad if there is a 6 month wait, it can take that long just to get a referal letter in the public system.

It is upto you but an adviser would help you get to the right decision for you. 1.5 million New Zealanders have health insurance and wouldn't be without it.

I'm On a Work Visa and Want Health Insurance

Get in touch, give us a call and we can look at your options. Bet time to get health insurance is before you need it and the healthier you are the easier it is to get. If you do decide to go to another adviser then make sure they are independent. If they only write one company they might say no if the option isn't there.

New Zealand is a great country to live in, with a fantastic lifestyle and amazing opportunities if you want to take them but it is also important to make sure that your new lifestyle is protected financially and independent advice is essential in putting your plan together.

If you want to get insurance ready for touchdown at the airport we are set up to make online calls and will be happy to help you as we have many immigrants.

Cover Yours Ltd (FSP769531) and Marc Hamilton (FSP306046) are registered Financial Service Providers and you can search the register here. Marc Hamilton is a member of the FSCL Disputes Resolution Service. Cover Yours Ltd and Marc Hamilton’s disclosures can be found here or by emailing marc@coveryours.co.nz