Understand the real differences between budget and premium health insurance, and find the right balance for your needs and budget.
Cheapest health insurance starts from $25-40/month (Partners Life, Accuro basic plans) but offers limited coverage (typically $250k hospital cover, restricted specialists). Best health insurance costs $80-150/month (Southern Cross comprehensive plans) with $500k-$1M+ coverage, wider provider networks, and fewer restrictions. The "best" choice depends on your health needs, age, and budget - young healthy individuals may be fine with budget plans, while families or those with health concerns benefit from comprehensive coverage.
Price Range:
$25-50/month
Hospital Cover:
$150k - $300k
Provider Network:
Limited (500-800 providers)
Waiting Periods:
12 months (pre-existing)
Typical Providers:
Partners Life, Accuro, Fidelity Life
Price Range:
$80-150/month
Hospital Cover:
$500k - $1M+
Provider Network:
Extensive (2,000-2,800 providers)
Waiting Periods:
6-12 months (shorter for some)
Typical Providers:
Southern Cross, nib, AIA
| Feature | Cheapest Plans | Best Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Cover | $150k-250k | $500k-1M+ |
| Specialist Restrictions | ||
| GP Visits Covered | ||
| Dental Coverage | Optional Extra | |
| Optical Coverage | Optional Extra | |
| Physiotherapy | ||
| Cancer Treatment | Basic ($30-50k) | Comprehensive ($100k+) |
| Cardiac Cover | Basic ($50k) | Comprehensive ($100k+) |
| Maternity | Often Included | |
| Mental Health Support | Limited | Comprehensive |
Don't want the cheapest OR the most expensive? Consider these "best value" options that balance price and coverage:
$70-100/mo
Good hospital cover ($400k) with fast claims and wellness benefits
$75-110/mo
Solid coverage ($350k) with good specialist access and maternity
$65-95/mo
Decent coverage ($300k) with no age limits and good cancer cover
Budget plans often have exclusions that aren't obvious. Common surprises include:
A typical hip replacement in NZ costs $25,000-35,000 privately. Here's how different plans compare:
$5,000-10,000
Out of pocket due to specialist restrictions and co-pays
$1,000-3,000
Covered but with excess and some co-pay
$500-1,000
Fully covered minus your excess
Compare plans side-by-side and get personalized quotes to find the best value for your situation.