Healthcare for International Students in New
Zealand
New Zealand offers a unique opportunity to study in a country with a mix of public and private healthcare. This system can be confusing for some students, so it is essential to be familiar with it before going there for higher education. Healthcare in New Zealand is free for citizens, but international students need to purchase it separately. With some research and preparation, you can ensure that you are ready for anything that comes up during your time here.
Why is Health Insurance Required?
As an international student in New Zealand, you must have health and travel insurance that meets the standards set by the government. Your policy should comply with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students and be accepted by your educational provider. Make sure your cover extends for the length of your student visa and any time you travel to and from New Zealand.
As an international student, you will not be able to access publicly funded health services. This means that you will not be covered under the national healthcare system. So you will be responsible for your own health insurance. This is to ensure that in the event of any medical emergencies, you will be able to cover the costs. There are a few different options for health insurance, so do your research to find the one that best suits your needs.
Types of Health Care Systems in New Zealand
Public Health Care System
The public health system is funded through general taxation and managed by regional agencies known as District Health Boards. This system provides access to a wide range of medical services for all country residents. New Zealand's public healthcare system is world-renowned for its high-quality care. However, patients often have to wait long for elective or non-emergency procedures.
Private Health Care System,
The main advantage of having private health insurance is that you can quickly get treated and avoid long waiting lists. This is especially the case for elective surgeries and procedures that are not urgent. For more severe illnesses requiring diagnosis and treatment, private health insurance can make a big difference in getting the care you need promptly.
Benefits of International Student Health Insurance in
New Zealand
Healthcare insurance ensures timely treatment, especially during times of emergency. Moreover, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) covers the damages, treatment and rehabilitation costs of people injured in accidents in New Zealand. This includes residents, international students and visitors.
Cost of Health Insurance for International Students in New Zealand
As an international student in New Zealand, you should be aware that medical treatment is expensive and not covered by subsidies. For example, a visit to the Student Health Center costs 75 NZD, and prescription costs are in addition to this. A single night stay in the hospital can cost over 1,000 NZD.
Insurance premiums are the amount of money an insurance company charges for a policy. Premiums for Studentsafe policies in New Zealand dollars are shown in the table below for one person in 2022.
|
Length of time
|
Cost
|
|---|---|
|
1
academic year
|
$697.00
|
|
1
semester
|
$348.50
|
|
Short courses of less than 1
month
|
$116.17 minimum charge
|
Age of Students
All international students studying in New Zealand are required to have comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of their stay. This insurance must cover the student until their visa expires. If a student graduates or discontinues their studies, they must make alternative arrangements for insurance coverage while they remain in New Zealand.
Length and Level of Coverage
The health insurance
that universities and colleges provide will only be valid until the completion
of your course. Once you finish your studies, you'll need to get private health
insurance or find another health insurance plan. International students can
access free medical care at the university medical centre, but some conditions
apply, as mentioned in their policy. As a student, it's essential to have
insurance that covers you during semester breaks, including travel to your home
country and back to New Zealand the following year.
Ways to Apply for Student Health Insurance in New
Zealand
International students attending colleges in New Zealand will be able to take advantage of the Studentsafe Inbound University policy. Different universities offer this insurance policy, including the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and the University of Canterbury. There are several insurance plans available to university students. These plans are often provided by private insurance providers with which the university has partnered. All you have to do is pay the premium and tuition fees at the beginning of the semester.
Suppose you do not want to purchase insurance through the university. In that case, many other approved insurance policies will still meet the minimum requirements for travel and medical insurance. Research and find the policy that best suits your needs among the many options available.
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Thank you AECC Global for fulfilling my study abroad dream.
All the information provided by my counsellor is excellent and process of visa file was very fast as compared to my other friends. Excellent services of AECC Global. It is a great place to visit for student visa service.
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