New Zealand requires private health insurance for all international students — but the country's ACC system already covers you for any accident from day one.
Last updated: February 2026
Best for: University students (most popular plan)
Recommended by most NZ universities. Covers medical, surgical, hospital, prescriptions, emergency dental, repatriation, and travel within NZ. Administered by Allianz Partners.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting a local NZ insurer
New Zealand's largest health insurer. Covers hospital, specialists, prescriptions, and some dental. Strong claims network across NZ.
Learn moreBest for: Budget-conscious students
More affordable option. Covers hospital, medical, and repatriation. Prime plan has broader coverage than Lite plan.
Learn moreBest for: Minimum compliant coverage
Cheapest compliant option. Basic medical and hospital coverage. Limited outpatient and specialist benefits.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting flexible plan options
Covers medical, hospital, emergency dental, and vision. Multiple tier options available.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Studentsafe University (Annual) | NZD 670/year (~€370) | Most comprehensive university-recommended plan. Often bundled with enrollment. |
| Southern Cross (Annual) | NZD 633/year (~€350) | Local insurer with strong NZ hospital network. |
| Orbit Prime (Annual) | NZD 510/year (~€283) | Mid-range option with good coverage. |
| Orbit Lite (Annual) | NZD 350/year (~€194) | Budget option meeting minimum Code requirements. |
| GP Visit (out of pocket) | NZD 50–80 per visit | General practitioner visits are not free for international students. Insurance reimburses most costs. |
Studentsafe University (Annual)
NZD 670/year (~€370)
Most comprehensive university-recommended plan. Often bundled with enrollment.
Southern Cross (Annual)
NZD 633/year (~€350)
Local insurer with strong NZ hospital network.
Orbit Prime (Annual)
NZD 510/year (~€283)
Mid-range option with good coverage.
Orbit Lite (Annual)
NZD 350/year (~€194)
Budget option meeting minimum Code requirements.
GP Visit (out of pocket)
NZD 50–80 per visit
General practitioner visits are not free for international students. Insurance reimburses most costs.
Receive an offer from an NZQA-approved institution. They'll provide guidance on approved insurance plans.
Buy health insurance that meets the Code of Practice requirements. Most universities offer Studentsafe or Southern Cross at enrollment. You can also arrange your own compliant plan.
Include proof of insurance in your visa application. Immigration NZ checks that coverage meets Code requirements and covers your full stay.
ACC accident coverage is automatic from the moment you arrive — no registration needed. Present your insurance card at medical appointments.
Register with a local General Practitioner (GP) near your campus. GP visits cost NZD 50–80 but are partially reimbursable through your insurance.
New Zealand welcomes around 70,000 international students to its world-class universities, including the University of Auckland, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, and Canterbury. Known for its stunning landscapes, high quality of life, and welcoming culture, New Zealand is an increasingly popular study destination.
New Zealand has a unique system that gives international students dual protection:
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) — Automatically covers everyone in NZ for accidents. If you break your leg skiing, have a sports injury, or are in a car accident, ACC covers treatment costs. No enrollment, no premiums — it’s funded by taxes and levies.
Private Health Insurance — Mandatory for illness-related care, GP visits, hospital stays for non-accident conditions, prescriptions, and repatriation. This is what you purchase.
Your insurance must comply with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. This means coverage must include:
NZ healthcare is high-quality but works differently from many countries. You need to register with a GP (General Practitioner) who acts as your primary care provider. Specialist visits require a GP referral. Emergency departments handle urgent cases regardless of insurance status.
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) is New Zealand's no-fault accident insurance. It covers ALL people in NZ (including tourists and students) for injury from accidents — sports injuries, car accidents, falls, etc. There's no enrollment; it's automatic. ACC covers treatment costs, rehabilitation, and compensation. Your private insurance covers illness and non-accident medical needs.
Annual costs range from NZD 350 (Orbit Lite, basic) to NZD 855 (comprehensive plans). Most popular plans like Studentsafe cost NZD 670/year (~€370). Your university may negotiate group rates.
Only if it meets all requirements of New Zealand's Code of Practice for Pastoral Care. It must cover medical, hospital, surgical, repatriation, and be valid in NZ for your full stay. Most universities prefer you use their recommended plan.
No. Unlike NZ citizens and residents, international students pay full price for GP visits (NZD 50–80). Your health insurance typically reimburses most of this cost. On-campus health centers may offer lower-cost consultations.
Basic plans cover emergency dental only (accidents, acute pain). Comprehensive plans include some routine dental. For full dental coverage, consider a top-up plan. ACC covers dental injuries from accidents.
Compare NZ-compliant insurance plans for international students. Find coverage that meets visa and Code of Practice requirements.
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