Health Insurance for Foreigners in New Zealand

Comprehensive health insurance coverage for expats, visitors, and foreign residents. Get protected with plans designed specifically for non-New Zealand citizens.

6+
Visa types covered
95%
Applications approved
48hr
Fast approval
Get Foreigner Quotes

✓ All visa types welcome ✓ No residency requirement ✓ Instant online quotes

Eligibility by Visa Status

Your visa type determines your health insurance options. Find out what coverage is available for your situation.

Work Visa Holders

Eligible Visas:

  • • Essential Skills Work Visa
  • • Working Holiday Visa
  • • Post-study Work Visa
  • • Work visa 2+ years duration

Coverage Options:

  • • Full comprehensive plans
  • • Hospital-only coverage
  • • Competitive pricing
  • • All major providers

✓ Best coverage options available

Student Visa Holders

Eligible Visas:

  • • Student visa 6+ months
  • • PhD students
  • • Exchange students
  • • International students

Special Features:

  • • Student discount rates
  • • University-approved plans
  • • Mental health support
  • • Sports injury coverage

✓ Student-focused benefits

Visitor Visa Holders

Eligible Visas:

  • • Tourist/visitor visa
  • • Transit visa
  • • Short-term visas
  • • Business visitor visa

Limited Options:

  • • Travel insurance preferred
  • • Emergency coverage only
  • • Higher premiums
  • • Limited providers

âš  Limited coverage available

Best Providers for Foreigners

These providers offer the best coverage and support for foreign residents in New Zealand.

Southern Cross Health Society

4.2/5 (2,450 reviews)
Most Comprehensive
From $42/month

Foreigner Benefits:

  • ✓ Accepts most visa types
  • ✓ No residency requirement
  • ✓ Largest provider network
  • ✓ Fast claims processing

Coverage Options:

  • • Hospital-only from $42/month
  • • Comprehensive from $85/month
  • • Premium plans available
  • • Family coverage options

Requirements:

  • • Valid visa documentation
  • • NZ address required
  • • Medical declaration
  • • 2+ year visa preferred

nib Health Insurance

4.4/5 (890 reviews)
Best Value
From $35/month

Foreigner Benefits:

  • ✓ Competitive non-resident rates
  • ✓ Flexible visa requirements
  • ✓ Online application process
  • ✓ Quick approval times

Coverage Options:

  • • Basic hospital from $35/month
  • • Mid-tier from $65/month
  • • Premium from $95/month
  • • Customizable extras

Ideal For:

  • • Work visa holders
  • • Students
  • • Young professionals
  • • Budget-conscious expats

Application Process for Foreigners

Getting health insurance as a foreigner is straightforward. Follow these simple steps.

1

Gather Documents

Collect your passport, visa, NZ address proof, and medical history

2

Compare Quotes

Use our comparison tool to find the best rates for your visa status

3

Apply Online

Submit your application with instant quotes from multiple providers

4

Get Approved

Receive approval within 48 hours and start your coverage

Required Documents for Foreigners:

Essential Documents:

  • • Valid passport
  • • Current NZ visa
  • • New Zealand address
  • • Contact phone number

May Be Required:

  • • Medical history/records
  • • Bank account details
  • • Previous insurance certificates
  • • Employer letter (work visas)

Pricing for Foreign Residents

Health insurance premiums for foreigners are typically 10-30% higher than resident rates.

Basic Hospital Cover

$35-60
per month
  • ✓ Hospital treatment
  • ✓ Surgical procedures
  • ✓ Specialist referrals
  • ✓ Emergency care
Get Quote
Most Popular

Comprehensive Cover

$80-150
per month
  • ✓ Hospital + extras
  • ✓ GP visits
  • ✓ Dental coverage
  • ✓ Optical benefits
  • ✓ Physiotherapy
Get Quote

Premium Plans

$120-250
per month
  • ✓ Maximum coverage
  • ✓ No annual limits
  • ✓ Choice of specialist
  • ✓ Private rooms
  • ✓ International coverage
Get Quote

Ready to Get Health Insurance in New Zealand?

Compare plans from providers that welcome foreign residents. Get covered quickly and affordably.

✓ All visa types ✓ Fast approval ✓ No residency required ✓ Instant quotes