medical tourism new zealand

Discovering Medical Tourism in New Zealand

The best medical treatments in new zealand, advanced orthopedic procedures, cosmetic and plastic surgery, renowned dental care, fertility treatments and assisted reproduction, cardiovascular and cardiac services, specialized cancer treatments, new zealand's robust healthcare system, overview of the healthcare system, accreditation and quality standards, accessible and affordable healthcare, highly skilled medical professionals, technological advancements in healthcare, patient safety and well-being, adventurous escapes and wellness retreats, exploring the great outdoors, thrilling water sports, a golfer's paradise, thermal springs and spa retreats, yoga and meditation retreats, wildlife encounters, must-visit spots in new zealand, milford sound, abel tasman national park, popular choices, dental care, plastic surgery, obstetrics & gynaecology, gastroenterology, dermatology, psychotherapy, bariatric surgery, beauty salons, orthopaedic, organ transplant, buenos aires, urzola dentistry dental clinic, zurkovic dental clinic, dentalpro - dental specialist centre, soraca med clinic, acıbadem beylikdüzü surgical medical center, barcelona ivf clinic, malo clinic lisbon, malo dental clinic porto, chelsea bridge clinic, tingsvall - mccarthy clínica dental, dr. islam abdelkhalek weight loss center, cayra clinic, goodness dental, dr. fabio maltese - gcr clinics, doctor lópez cano hospital, malo clinic warsaw, advanced ent centre, jose alonso dds, dazzling smiles dental clinic, acıbadem altunizade hospital, guven hospital, acıbadem maslak hospital, academic hospital, hm sanchinarro university hospital, bayındır icerenkoy hospital, sama hospital, mission hospital bangkok, asia cosmetic hospital, sarang plus hospital, bayındır söğütözü hospital, near east university hospital, hospital doctor lópez cano, bayındır kavaklıdere hospital, marijana mrle, prof. dr. gökhan yağcı, dr. esteban urzola, dr. josue chavez, ana santos ferro, dds, dr. hwang in sung, monika kovacs, dr. mantas sakalauskas, dr. fatma köse, dr. tanongsak panyawirunroj, dr. lee ji yong, dr. koo jin mo, your medical journey starts here, world clinics, for patients.

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• WHY CHOOSE NEW ZEALAND?
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Why choose New Zealand for treatment

Tourism is constantly growing and in recent years international medical patients have been travelling to New Zealand to take advantage of competitively priced private medical treatments in the country's leading private hospitals. New Zealand has a well advanced medical profession with highly skilled doctors and surgeons, often training in the US, Australia or Europe. International patients can take advantage of an extensive range of surgical operations and medical procedures, like CT and MRI scans, infertility treatment, elective, as well as cosmetic surgery.

The country's small population (approximately four million) means a smaller economy and a favourable exchange rate enables first class surgery and treatments to be available at lower prices.  New Zealand has a well run public health system and its private hospitals are available for patients for non-acute treatments and procedures done privately (through private health insurance, or self-payment).

Private healthcare prices are good in New Zealand, with many medical tourism agencies and private hospitals offering surgery packages (medical holidays) including flights, treatment, aftercare and accommodation.

New Zealand has mild temperatures and the average temperature drops the further south you travel. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south is more temperate. The islands experience a fair bit of rain but also plenty of sunshine and the weather can change quickly due to cold fronts or tropical cyclones. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. Average maximum temperatures in summer range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and in winter between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.

English is the national language but many place names are Maori inspired and Te Reo Maori is New Zealand's second official language. In short, New Zealand offers great value medical holidays in a stunning environment.

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Reasons to choose New Zealand

• One of the best healthcare systems in the world
• Prices 30% less than the United States
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Medical tourism

Page reviewed:21/1/20 Print page

It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas, and this includes for the purpose of medical tourism. Many New Zealanders are tempted by the perceived prospect of cheaper and more immediate access to medical treatment overseas.

New Zealanders are strongly advised to discuss any plans they have to travel overseas for a medical procedure with their local health practitioner well in advance of their trip, to ensure they are aware of potential risks and implications, particularly if things go wrong. Your travel insurer should also be informed of your intentions.   Before seeking medical, cosmetic or dental treatment overseas, we strongly encourage all New Zealanders to thoroughly research the standards and qualifications of their prospective health provider and consider the following factors:

• Communication – receiving treatment in a facility where you do not speak the language fluently may increase the risk of misunderstandings about your care.
• Complications – countries vary in their capacity for the type of intensive medical care that may be required if there are serious complications from a medical procedure. In some cases evacuation back to New Zealand for care may be required. This is very expensive and medical tourism is often not covered by travel insurance policies.
• Hygiene standards vary; diseases such as hepatitis B and HIV can be transmitted though unsterile medical equipment. 
• Medication may be of poor quality or even counterfeit in some countries. 
• Resistance to antibiotics is a global problem, and resistant bacteria may be more common in some countries than others. 
• Blood products may not be screened for blood-borne infections. 
• Flying after surgery may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot).

If you have an existing physical or mental health condition, we recommend you and your family carefully consider the extra stress and expense that may be caused by language difficulties or receiving medical care in a different cultural and economic environment. You are financially responsible for medical costs incurred overseas.

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Reviewed:21 Jan 2020, 11:52

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Destination Spotlight

New zealand ~ where recovery meets discovery.

Whether visiting for medical reasons or otherwise, New Zealand tops the list in terms of a travel destination. This small but perfectly formed country is located in a remote spot in the Southern Hemisphere, and is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation.

Nature at Its Best

The environment here is treasured and protected by the people, who, by international standards enjoy an exceptionally high standard of living and an enviable lifestyle.  The air, waterways and ecosystems in New Zealand are among the freshest and cleanest in the world, and the landscape, which includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, tranquil fiords and lush rainforests, are simply breathtaking. ‍

Along with the beautiful natural spaces, there’s also the unique wildlife. There are fourteen official National Parks spanning the length and breadth of the country, encompassing a diverse range of environments and playing home to a remarkable assortment of indigenous flora and fauna. ‍

Largely free from pollution, this beautiful green land is one of the few remaining countries around the globe to boast a pristine environment – a place where you can experience ‘the great outdoors in its original and most spectacular state – nature at its best. ‍

Commitment to the Environment

Importantly, New Zealand’s ‘clean, green’ image extends beyond the scenery, with the local government placing significant emphasis on conservation, anti-pollution and environmental matters. There are many stringent, long-standing policies and practices in place to ensure that the country’s valuable natural resources are preserved, and the population is currently pulling together on numerous innovative and groundbreaking initiatives to guarantee a sustainable, eco-friendly future. ‍

As a whole, New Zealand understands and acknowledges the importance of its clean, green image and strives to support it with aims such as:

• Being the world’s first carbon-neutral country, ‍
• Generating 90 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025, and ‍
• Halving its transport emissions per head by 2040. ‍

This commitment to the environment is not only good for the health of the nation – it also makes good business sense on an international scale. In a world where untouched and unspoiled surroundings are increasingly hard to find, New Zealand certainly has an edge. ‍

A Mecca for Medical Tourism

Indeed, this country is fast becoming a popular destination for medical tourism, one of the key reasons being that it offers such a wonderfully natural and healthy setting for overseas visitors to enjoy both treatment and recovery. ‍

Ainsley White, Operations Manager for one of New Zealand’s leading medical tourism companies, Medtral New Zealand, comments, “People who travel to Auckland, New Zealand for surgery consistently remark on both the cleanliness and greenness of our country. They love having the convenience of being located in a cosmopolitan city, yet still experiencing the fresh air, beautiful parks and trees and clean and clear blue water during their recuperation.” ‍

Adding to the appeal is the fact that New Zealand is first and foremost an English-speaking, first-world country with a rich heritage of producing world-class doctors and medical research. Patients who travel here from destinations such as the United States and Canada have no trouble at all relating to the culture and the people of this country, and more importantly, they can communicate clearly and easily with their medical team while at the same time enjoying the finest level of professional clinical care. ‍

World Class Treatment

Many of New Zealand’s private hospitals are internationally accredited and offer the very latest, state-of-the-art facilities. The surgeons here are also of the highest caliber, having been trained both in New Zealand and abroad, and usually spending years of their training in either North America or Western Europe. Visiting patients benefit from both the advanced surgical amenities on offer, as well as the clinical and people skills of the medical specialists and staff.

Comfort levels for prospective patients are further assured by the fact that the hospital and medical industry in New Zealand is highly regulated and works to stringent international codes. ‍

This country has one of the safest transfusion blood supplies in the world, operating on a ‘safety first’ policy, and employing the latest tests to screen for transmissible diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. This is despite the fact that New Zealand has an extremely low incidence of community infections such as HIV, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis, as well as a low incidence of hospital acquired infections such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus). In all cases every care is taken to protect the patient. ‍

Over the past few years, the number of international tourists traveling to New Zealand for surgical procedures (particularly orthopedic procedures) has grown significantly. Word is getting around that this is a destination not only renowned for providing the very best quality care, services and facilities but also great cost efficiencies in a beautiful environment. ‍

Exceptional Healthcare Value

While New Zealand is aligned medically and culturally to North America, the cost of the surgical care in this country is significantly cheaper. Prices vary depending on the particular surgical procedure required, however on average patients typically save around 60% on what they would have paid for the same operation at a hospital in another first-world country, such as the United States. ‍

Why is it so affordable? Having a total population of only four million, the New Zealand economy is much smaller and more geographically isolated than the USA, with lower wage costs. There are two medical systems in New Zealand, a publicly funded system (which is essentially free to New Zealand residents), and a private system for those who don’t wish to wait and are willing to pay. The effect of the health insurance industry on the medical system is therefore less prevalent than in the USA, with market prices being led by the biggest funder of health care, the New Zealand Government. ‍

In addition to this, the private hospital system in New Zealand only treats non-acute arranged surgical patients. It does not have to cope with (or need the infrastructure for) trauma and chronic conditions, which are handled by the parallel public system. As a result the costs for running a private hospital are much less. ‍

Dr. Edward Watson, Chairman and Founder of Medtral New Zealand, was one of the first to note the huge difference in costs between New Zealand and the USA, and realized that this exceptional value combined with the country’s spectacular scenery and sophisticated tourist infrastructure gave New Zealand enormous potential as a medical tourism destination. ‍

“Other medical travel organizations operating in a first-world environment would be hard pressed to match our overall package,” says Watson. “Even when factoring in the cost of travel and accommodation, the patient still enjoys significant savings and comes out ahead.” ‍

Dr. Watson is also quick to point out that New Zealand provides a particularly enjoyable, restful and peaceful setting for recuperation – and like most ‘Kiwis’, he’s not only supportive but also extremely proud of his country’s clean, green heritage. ‍

Living The Green Philosophy

“At Medtral we strive to operate as a socially responsible organization that cares about environmental, social and cultural sustainability” he says. “All our travel partners are very ‘green’ companies, including Air New Zealand who has its own carbon offset program, and the hotel chains we use, who have Green Globe certification. Medtral itself is doing its bit towards conservation, by helping with the Kauri 2000 project.”

The Kauri 2000 Project

For every patient visiting the country, Medtral New Zealand donates a native New Zealand Kauri tree seedling to the Kauri 2000 project in the patient’s name. They are presented with a certificate with the seedling number and site of planting – a legacy that will remain for thousands of years.

“In this day and age,” says Watson, “it’s important to take a leadership role in protecting the environment. New Zealand is unique, and a truly wonderful place to visit. Our aim is to keep it that way.”

About the Author

Steve Nichols is the Managing Director of Medtral New Zealand, New Zealand’s leading Medical Tourism Company. Medtral enables medical tourist’s access to world class medical treatment in a first world country, delivering exceptional healthcare value.  Find out more at www.medtral.com

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

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Medical Tourism New Zealand

About new zealand.

New Zealand is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, just south of Australia. The country is not part of Australia and has never been (many people make that error), but it has been its own country since the late 19 th  century. Before then, the country was actually considered to be part of the United Kingdom and was under the laws and jurisdiction of the crown. New Zealand is actually a number of smaller islands, with two main islands (the North Island, also called Te Ika-a-Māui by the natives, and the South Island, also called Te Waipounamu) that comprise most of the land area of the country.

Healthcare in New Zealand

New Zealand is a most sought destination for tourists who seek a serene atmosphere without any pollution and is 2nd in the overall Prosperity Index rankings. New Zealand is a country with vast opportunities and natural virgin habitation. The specialty of this country and the facilities provided by it has given birth to medical tourism. New Zealand provides state of the art medical facilities that easily are comparable to some of the best in the business and at the same time, the cost of treatment is very low as compared to that of the other developed countries.

Even though New Zealand is very famous for its flora, fauna and virgin beaches, its top-notch hospitals are in no ways inferior to that of the developed nations. All the Hospitals have well-trained staff, most of whom have been trained in the US and Europe and hence are in sync with the latest feature with respect to the field of medicine. English is freely spoken across the country and hence will encourage all types of patients to avail the treatment facilities without any hindrance.

New Zealand is a popular destination for patients seeking treatments for Heart & Orthopedic surgery , cosmetic surgery, Infertility treatment, Kidney transplant, and Gynaecological treatments. Hospitals in New Zealand have the latest equipment and the doctors are up to date with all the latest medical procedures. One New Zealand dollar equals to 0.83 US Dollar (xe.com) encouraging patients seeking treatment in New Zealand end up saving close to 55% of their money, which includes accommodation, treatment, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous charges.  For example, a simple open-heart surgery that approximately costs $65,000 is likely to cost $20,000 that is inclusive of all associated miscellaneous charges. New Zealand is considered to be one of the safest places in the world and the best thing is that it is connected to almost all major cities by air.

New Zealand snapshot

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New Zealand

New Zealand is a newcomer in the medical tourism industry but not a newcomer to providing high quality treatment at a significantly lower price than the UK or US. Quality of the care received in New Zealand is equal, if not greater, to medical care in Europe or the United States. As English is also the primary spoken language in New Zealand patients should have no problem with language barriers.

Popular Treatments

• Heart surgery
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• General surgery

Private hospitals in New Zealand are at their all time best in quality due to personalized care. A lot of private hospitals feature hotel-style rooms to cater for medical tourists and are all in accordance with national standards to make sure foreign patients receive no compromise in quality.

Patients can save more than 60% on their treatment in New Zealand which also includes consultations, the treatment itself, accommodations, nursing and aftercare. Many people travel to New Zealand to have complex surgeries, such as heart surgery, performed at a much lower cost (the US cost of heart surgery is around $60, 000 whereas New Zealand compares with $13, 000).

Many people will benefit from the links New Zealand has with the UK and US. Patients can carry out their consultation online or through an online agency with free quotes and sometimes free consultations within the package. Surgeons will also stay in contact with patients long after their treatment and even when they return home to ensure the healing process runs smoothly.

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HOSPITAL VISITING

All hospital visitors are recommended to wear a medical face mask. For more information about visiting: Visitors and family .  See our COVID-19 page for general COVID-19 advice, detailed hospital visiting guidelines and COVID-19 tests.

See West Coast COVID-19 vaccination clinics for info on vaccinations link COVID-19 Vaccination • West Coast • Healthpoint

Last updated: 16 September 2022

Fewer visitor restrictions now apply

For visitors to all facilities (effective from and last updated on 16 september 2022).

Some visitor restrictions for all Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini West Coast health facilities remain in place, but we have relaxed others.

There is still a heightened risk to vulnerable people in hospital and so people must continue to wear a mask when visiting any of our facilities and follow other advice designed to keep patients, staff and other visitors safe.

Kia whakahaumaru te whānau, me ngā iwi katoa – this is to keep everybody safe:

• Visitors or support people must not visit our facilities if they are unwell. Do not visit if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and haven’t completed your isolation period.
• Patients in single rooms may have more than one visitor while patients in multi-bed rooms can have one visitor only per patient to ensure there is no overcrowding.
• People can have one or two support people to accompany them to outpatients appointments.
• Women in labour in a birthing suite, in Te Nīkau Hospital’s Maternity Ward and in Buller’s Kawatiri Maternity Unit can have the usual support people, subject to space, for the duration of their stay in our facilities.
• Eating or drinking at the bedside is at the discretion of the Clinical Nurse Manager. Visitors must not eat or drink in multibed rooms because of the increased risk when multiple people remove their mask in the same space.
• Hand sanitiser is available and must be used.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as our staff work hard to protect and care for some of the most vulnerable in our community.

Mask wearing

• Surgical/medical masks must be worn at all sites, except in counselling, mental health and addiction services where it’s on a case-by-case agreement with patients. Masks will be provided if you don’t have one. In higher-risk environments, people, including young children, may not be able to visit if they cannot wear a mask.
• Any member of the public with a mask exemption is welcome in all our facilities when attending to receive health care and *treatment . Please show your mask exemption card and appointment letter to staff at the entrance. *Treatment includes coming into the Emergency Department, outpatient appointments, surgery or a procedure.

Visiting patients with COVID-19

• People are able to visit patients who have COVID-19 but they must wear an N95 mask – this will be provided if you don’t have one.
• Other methods of communication will be facilitated e.g. phone, Facetime, Zoom, WhatsApp etc where visits aren’t possible.

You must NOT visit our facilities if you

• are COVID-19 positive
• are unwell. Please stay home if you have a tummy bug or cold or flu/COVID-19-like symptoms (even if you’ve tested negative for COVID-19).

Te Whatu Ora West Coast Aged Residential Care facilities

Visitors are welcome at our Aged Care Residential facilities, subject to the space available. All visitors must wear a surgical mask.

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Healthcare for tourists is covered for accidental injuries.  Everyone in New Zealand, including visitors, is covered for medical care for accidental injuries through ACC. When you visit a doctor or hospital for an injury, you will be asked to fill out a form so ACC can pay for your treatment. There may still be some cost to you.

You will have to pay for healthcare for illnesses, and it is highly recommended you have travel insurance.

If you have a work visa for more than two years, you may be eligible for other health subsidies and benefits. See the Ministry of Health’s eligibility guide .

At hospital, an Interpreter Service is available for tourists and visitors to New Zealand who do not speak fluent English. Please ask a nurse for an interpreter.

How do I pay?

If you have to go to hospital during your stay in New Zealand, staff will discuss the cost of treatment with you during your stay. You will get an invoice when you are discharged from hospital.

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Medical Tourism

A comprehensive overview of stem cell treatments in new zealand: regulatory landscape and innovative practices.

‍ Stem Cell Treatments in New Zealand: Regulatory Framework and Clinical Practices

New Zealand, known for its breathtaking landscapes, is also making significant strides in the field of regenerative medicine, specifically, stem cell treatments . New Zealand's robust healthcare system, characterized by its commitment to innovation and adherence to stringent regulatory norms, has allowed the country to effectively integrate stem cell therapies into its clinical practices.

Regulatory Framework for Stem Cell Treatments in New Zealand

The regulatory landscape governing stem cell treatments in New Zealand is administered by Medsafe , the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. This authority is responsible for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of therapeutic products, including stem cell therapies.

The Human Tissue Act 2008 is a vital piece of legislation in New Zealand's stem cell treatment regulatory framework. It prescribes requirements for the donation and use of human tissue, including stem cells, ensuring ethical considerations are met and the rights of donors are upheld.

The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights further enshrines the rights of patients undergoing stem cell treatments, including the right to informed consent, the right to be treated with respect, and the right to services of an appropriate standard.

Clinical Practices and Leading Clinics

New Zealand has an increasing number of clinics offering stem cell therapies for various conditions. The Regenerative Clinic and The Stem Cell Clinic are among the leaders in the field, leveraging cutting-edge technology and specialized expertise to deliver tailored treatments.

These clinics primarily focus on orthopedic conditions, using mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (fat cells) to promote tissue repair and regeneration. Other conditions, such as neurological and autoimmune disorders, are also being explored as potential targets for stem cell therapy.

Ongoing Research and Clinical Trials

The University of Auckland and University of Otago are at the forefront of stem cell research in New Zealand, undertaking various studies that delve into the therapeutic potential of stem cells.

Clinical trials are vital for advancing the application of stem cell therapies. New Zealand, with its meticulous research standards, continues to host various trials, investigating the efficacy of stem cell treatments in conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and heart failure.

Expanding the Scope of Stem Cell Treatments

As stem cell treatments continue to advance globally, New Zealand has shown great interest in broadening the application of these therapies. Currently, areas such as ophthalmology , cardiology , and neurology are actively explored, with stem cell treatments showing promise in treating age-related macular degeneration, heart diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions, respectively.

Ethical Considerations and Public Sentiment

The application of stem cell treatments inherently brings about ethical considerations. The source of stem cells, especially embryonic stem cells, has been a topic of debate worldwide. New Zealand's Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART) provides ethical guidelines on the use of embryos for research, including stem cell derivation.

Public sentiment plays a crucial role in the growth and acceptability of stem cell treatments. Thus far, the New Zealand public has shown considerable support towards medical research and innovative treatments. However, this support is closely tied to adherence to ethical guidelines and transparency in the application of stem cell treatments.

Collaboration with International Entities

International collaboration plays a crucial role in advancing stem cell research. New Zealand scientists actively collaborate with global counterparts, participating in international trials and research initiatives. This international engagement not only helps drive the advancement of stem cell treatments but also ensures that New Zealand's practices align with global best practices.

Regulatory Evolution

As stem cell treatments continue to evolve, so must the regulatory frameworks governing them. Medsafe and other regulatory bodies in New Zealand are constantly working to update and refine the regulations around stem cell treatments, ensuring they stay relevant in the face of rapid scientific advancements.

New Zealand's commitment to upholding stringent regulatory standards, fostering cutting-edge research, and maintaining ethical considerations places the country in an enviable position within the global stem cell treatment arena. The continued progress in this field promises a future where innovative stem cell therapies are an integral part of the healthcare system, offering hope for patients with conditions that are currently challenging to treat.

Remember, healthcare decisions should be made in consultation with qualified professionals and the latest research. For more information about stem cell treatments and to explore your options, please visit www.stemcellcouncil.com . If you're seeking a free quote for treatment, obtain one via this link: www.stemcellcouncil.com/free-quote .

Best Hospitals for CyberKnife Radiosurgery in Turkey

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

If you are applying for a New Zealand visa you may need to provide us with information to show you have an acceptable standard of health.

Preparing a visa application

• The application process
• Your journey to New Zealand

Acceptable standard of health criteria for visa approvals

Evidence you are in good health, who needs an x-ray or medical examination, getting an x-ray or medical examination, find a radiologist or doctor near you, identity documents for x-rays and medical examinations, finding your emedical and inz health case reference numbers, what we do with your x-ray and examination results, countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis, countries with a high risk of hiv, working holiday visa medical requirements, medical and x-ray certificates for existing essential skills work visa applications, getting public health care in new zealand, medical waivers for visa applications.

• Identity and character
• Financial arrangements
• English language
• Bringing or joining family
• Studying in New Zealand
• Working in New Zealand
• Living in New Zealand

How we use the acceptable standard of health criteria when assessing applications for a residence visa or a temporary visa to visit, work or study.

We use X-rays and medical examinations to assess whether you meet the acceptable standard of health criteria.

If you are applying for a visa you may need a chest X-ray or medical examination as evidence of your good health.

Check if you need a chest X-ray or medical examination, and how to plan your appointment.

If you need a medical or chest X-ray examination for your visa application, you need to use a doctor or radiologist from our approved list of panel physicians if there is one in your country.

You need to provide documents to prove your identity when you have a chest x-ray or medical examination.

We may ask you for your eMedical reference number (NZER) or INZ health case reference number (NZHR) when you apply for a visa using Immigration Online.

How to get copies of your x-ray and medical examination results to help us decide if you meet the acceptable standard of health criteria for your visa application.

You need to have a chest x-ray if you have been living in a country that does not have a low incidence of tuberculosis (TB).

If you are applying for a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa, you must have a medical examination if you are from a country with risk factors for HIV.

If you are applying for a working holiday visa you may need to have a chest x-ray or medical examination as proof of your good health.

Instructions for existing Essential Skills Work Visa applicants if you are asked to upload a medical or a chest X-ray certificate even if you have provided one before.

Only some people with visas can get publicly funded health care in New Zealand. Find out if you are eligible and what services you may be able to get.

Find out about medical waivers which let us process your residence or temporary visa application when health criteria is not met.

Covid-19 travel safety and information

Know what to expect while travelling and follow some simple guidelines to stay safe in New Zealand.

On this page, you'll find helpful information on what you need to know:

Before travelling to New Zealand

• When in New Zealand

Leaving New Zealand

1. check your eligibility.

Before planning your travel to New Zealand, make sure you are eligible for travel, meet the visa requirements and have taken the right steps.

Everyone entering New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) (opens in new window) including babies and children. It’s free and you can complete it on the NZTD website or by downloading the NZTD app ahead of your travel.

2. New Zealand’s vaccination requirements

COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for all travellers arriving in the country, including air crew, are no longer required.

However, all travellers are strongly encouraged to remain up to date with their vaccinations before travelling to New Zealand. Vaccination remains a significant tool for preventing infection, reducing COVID-19 symptoms and severe illness.

3. Pre-departure test

To enter New Zealand, travellers no longer need to get a pre-departure test. 

4. Other things to consider before leaving 

For peace of mind during your trip in New Zealand, you may also want to consider medical and travel insurance.

When you're in New Zealand

Once you arrive in new zealand.

Antigen tests

Travellers entering New Zealand do not need pre-departure tests or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. Check with your travel provider as they may still require proof of vaccination. If you have COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive in New Zealand, it is recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RATs). COVID-19 tests are free and widely available in New Zealand. Find more information on how to get a free RAT or PCR test (opens in new window) . Find more  information on taking your test (opens in new window) .

COVID-19 safety practices in place

With COVID-19 case numbers falling, a highly vaccinated population, and increased access to antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19, New Zealand has removed most COVID-19 restrictions. It is still recommended to practice healthy habits when travelling around New Zealand.

Practice healthy habits

• While travelling around New Zealand, you should try to physically distance yourself in airports or busy transport hubs.
• Wearing a face mask is no longer required, although masks are still encouraged in some places such as hospitals.
• Find further information on face mask requirements (opens in new window) here.

What to do if you develop symptoms

• Find a COVID-19 testing centre (opens in new window) in your current location
• Order a rapid antigen tests (RATs) home testing kit
• Isolate for seven days. Find more information on self-isolation requirements (opens in new window) .
• Find more information on what to do if you  test positive while travelling (opens in new window) .

Helpful links

• New Zealand emergency information and numbers
• List of public hospitals in New Zealand (opens in new window)
• Testing centre locations (opens in new window) across New Zealand

Check entry requirements

The country you are travelling to may have entry requirements in place. Be sure to check the requirements of the country you are travelling to.

• the official website of the country you wish to enter
• that country’s diplomatic representative in New Zealand
• More information if you require a pre-departure test before leaving (opens in new window) New Zealand
• List of testing centre locations (opens in new window) in New Zealand

More information on travelling to NZ

Visas and entry requirements long-arrow-right

Flights To New Zealand long-arrow-right

Travel agents and agencies long-arrow-right

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Terms & Conditions

Health insurance for visitors to New Zealand: Do you need it?

Should I buy health insurance before I visit New Zealand? What cover would I need and how would I get it?

You’ve planned your visit to New Zealand down to the finest details: flights, accommodation, activities, and how to get from one part of that beautiful country to another. But what about health insurance? If you fall ill and need medical treatment, will you be able to afford it - or even access it?

The short answer is: possibly not. One thing you can’t plan for is illness or accidents – both of which can result in overwhelming stress when you are travelling internationally.

Health | Life | Trauma | Total and Permanent Disability | Income Protection

Learn more on different types of insurance from an expert licenced financial adviser and see what's best for your circumstances.

Learn more about different types of insurance from a licenced financial adviser and see what's best for your circumstances.

Why do I need health insurance as a visitor to New Zealand?

Buying health insurance to cover you in the country you intend to visit is a practical decision no matter where in the world you are located. Many short-term health insurance plans can protect you from the cost of medical care, help you access high-quality medical services, and ease some of the anxiety of dealing with unfamiliar healthcare systems.

Consider these points:

• While it’s not mandatory to have health insurance before entering New Zealand as a visitor, most travel advisers would recommend you purchase a policy as an integral part of your travel plans.
• If you already have a health insurance policy in your home country, it’s certainly recommended you revise this plan if it does not extend to treatment abroad.
• The New Zealand Government strongly advises that visitors to New Zealand who are not eligible for publicly funded health services hold comprehensive health insurance.

However, some visitors may be eligible for publicly funded healthcare. Let’s find out if that’s you.

How do I know if I’m eligible for free healthcare in New Zealand as a visitor?

If you don’t hold a private health insurance policy that covers you while visiting New Zealand, can you still rely on the public healthcare system for treatments and medications?

• are ordinarily resident in their own country
• are on a temporary stay in NZ, and 
• require immediately necessary medical treatment for a condition that arose after arrival in New Zealand, or that, without treatment, would have become acutely exacerbated after arrival. The arrangement excludes publicly funded emergency transport by ambulance.
• Some work visa holders are eligible for healthcare provided by the New Zealand public healthcare system. A person who holds a work visa and is staying in New Zealand for two years or more is eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. Once again, check your situation with New Zealand Immigration thoroughly and never assume. 

Can I purchase visitor health insurance for my stay in New Zealand?

Buying visitor health insurance for your trip to New Zealand is an open option for anyone in any country, as long as they meet certain criteria. Some Kiwi insurers only provide cover for New Zealand residents, so if you are a non-resident, you may need to contact several insurers before you can find a suitable plan.

Policywise works with several providers who offer a comprehensive visiting New Zealand health insurance package , open for application by non-NZ residents planning to visit New Zealand for up to two years.

To be eligible for this policy, you must:

• hold a current New Zealand work visa or visitor visa ;
• be exempt from the requirements to hold a visa to New Zealand; or
• be exempt from the requirements to hold a visa to visit New Zealand but must instead hold a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

You are not eligible for this policy if you:

• are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand; or
• are travelling to New Zealand to obtain medical or dental treatment, cosmetic surgery, or related advice; or
• have been advised by a registered medical practitioner that you are not fit to travel.

Embarking on some research before you embark on your journey is a very wise idea. Read the wording on your policy document carefully or consult with a reputable insurance broker, such as Policywise . A Policywise adviser can work through your situation, help you understand if you are eligible for the public health system, and provide you with multiple options to consider from different insurers. Once you’ve figured out your boundaries, you’ll be good to go!

Can I buy NZ visitor medical insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Pre-existing conditions (PECs) are medical or physical conditions you currently have or previously had at the time you buy your insurance - diagnosed or not. They include symptoms you might have asked a doctor about, even if you didn’t receive a formal diagnosis, which may have required medical care.

It is important to know that pre-existing medical conditions are generally not covered under most visiting New Zealand health insurance policies. Some insurers have automatic cover for certain pre-existing conditions, and others may allow you to buy additional cover for pre-existing conditions, although not all insurers provide this service.

Certain providers offer fair health insurance to New Zealand visitors with pre-existing conditions. Although you will not be covered for any claims that are related to or associated with your PECs, don't be discouraged from applying for cover - you might just have to pay an additional premium over and above the base premium charged. 

Below are some illnesses and injuries commonly classified as PECs:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart and vascular illnesses, such as high blood pressure
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lung illnesses, such as asthma

Remember to declare all pre-existing conditions when applying for health insurance, otherwise, you may not be covered under all or part of your policy. If you are concerned that your pre-existing condition may limit your health cover in New Zealand, touch base with a Policywise adviser. They can help you find the best plan for your needs, so you can forget about what might go wrong, and instead, just relax, and enjoy your time away. 

What visitor health insurance should I buy and who from?

Knowing what insurance cover you need when travelling as a visitor to New Zealand is the first step to buying health insurance. How much is too much and how little is too little?

If you are overseas and planning your trip, go online and book a 5-minute callback with a Policywise adviser who can connect you with an appropriate insurer. Policywise can also help you during claim time - just another simple point to consider as part of your travel planning.

Policywise offers a fast, free service which tells you which insurance provider will tick each box in your checklist. Some of these providers specialise in health insurance for visitors to New Zealand and offer plans which are cost-effective and practical, allowing you to have fun on your holiday without worrying about what will happen if you get sick.

If you are staying in New Zealand for three days or up to 12 months and are not eligible for publicly funded healthcare given visa or residency requirements, some New Zealand insurers offer well-thought-out health insurance packages, specifically designed for tourists, working holiday visitors, workers, international students, prospective residents, and everyone in between.

These plans can provide comprehensive protection from the moment you set out from your home country to the moment you return, offering cover for:

• Medical treatment; doctor, hospital, and daycare treatment costs.
• Evacuation due to illness or injury.
• Prescribed medication.
• Plus the option of add-ons to cover you as a manual worker in general farming (excluding any activity relating to forestry), building and related trades. 

What if I have a visitor visa, student visa, or working holiday visa?

Immigration New Zealand holds full legal sway over the entry requirements of visitors to New Zealand. All visa applications have points of difference, but the following information gives a broad look at why you need to include visitor health insurance in your travel budget.

• When you apply for a visitor visa (for a stay of up to 6 or 9 months), you must declare that you will pay the costs of any healthcare or medical assistance you receive in New Zealand or get health insurance. Immigration New Zealand strongly recommends that you have full medical insurance for the length of your visit.
• A fee-paying student visa (up to 4 years) must have full, evidenced medical and travel insurance for the length of their stay in New Zealand, including repatriation.
• Working holiday visa applicants (12 months), except those applying under the Working Holiday Schemes with Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, or the United Kingdom, are required to hold evidenced medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance throughout their stay in New Zealand. 

Some New Zealand insurers offer excellent medical cover for those visiting or working on a visa valid for more than three months and less than two years. These policies give you all the benefits you’d expect from a quality health insurance product, including cover for urgent treatment in a hospital as well as the option of purchasing add-on plans. 

Talking to an adviser from Policywise is super helpful in guiding you in the direction you need to take in a ‘secure your good health overseas’ sense. A sturdy visitor to New Zealand health insurance plan can offer you cover like this:

• Admission to a private or public hospital for reasons other than surgery.
• Surgical treatment, hospital stays, specialist fees.
• Oral surgery.
• Angiograms, MRI scans, CAT/CT scans, and MP scans up to their individual limits.
• Minor surgery performed by a GP, such as the removal of moles, cysts, and toenails.
• Some offer virtual clinics for online consultation. 

How much cover do I need and how much will it cost?

As a visitor to New Zealand, the cost of your health insurance plan will vary according to your requirements. Consider your overall health at the time of application, whether you have any pre-existing conditions, and how long you plan to stay in New Zealand.

The type of cover purchased determines the premium you’ll pay. Typically, travellers can expect to pay higher premiums when their visit includes high-risk activities (especially those not supervised by a licensed New Zealand operator), or an extended time in the country. Likewise, if you are prone to certain illnesses, it would make sense to have cover for GP visits and prescription medicines. Additionally, older travellers, especially those with medical issues or pre-existing conditions, may need to pay more for their cover.

If you already own a health insurance policy in your home country, you may be able to add on a comprehensive medical travel plan with the same insurer. If not, researching providers in New Zealand (before you arrive!), comparing their policies, budgeting for the right amount of cover, and arranging it is a sensible process.

It might be helpful to access a broker, such as Policywise , who can take all the hassle out of planning the necessary insurance for your trip before you leave. This service is 100% free, it’s fast, and it’s a spot-on way of determining which health insurance provider will best fit your needs. 

Buying visitor health insurance as part of planning for your overseas adventure is pure common sense. Whether you are visiting New Zealand for some time out, as a fee-paying student, or on a working holiday, the evidence is all in favour of having a comprehensive health insurance plan in place before you get there.

While, as a short-term visitor or tourist, you won't be denied entry without health insurance, it’s still a practical decision to check out your options, compare policies, and budget for a good policy so you can enjoy your trip without the stress of wondering how you’ll cope - both financially and physically - if you fall ill. 

How can Policywise help?

Policywise is a 100% free service which tells you which health, life, and disability insurance provider best fits your needs. We offer fast, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand comparisons of all leading providers, and a simple summary clearly recommending which insurer is best for your situation.

Not all insurance policies are the same. Policywise can help you sort out the duds, avoid the lemons, understand the fine print and exclusions, and get the right insurance for you and your family.

We make the important decision of where to buy your insurance super easy. We’ll answer your questions, provide experienced advice, quotes, and comparisons, and manage all the back and forth throughout the application process. Taking out your cover through us means you'll have our lifetime support and claims advocacy, and we'll help you negotiate a positive outcome at claim time. We can also take care of lodging any claims on your behalf and back you up if the going gets tough.

Check out the reviews on our homepage for how other New Zealanders have found our service because now is the time to get your visitor health insurance sorted. Give your family or someone you love the most outstanding financial support possible. Book a 5-minute callback with Policywise today ; our service is fast and free.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Nothing in this blog or on this website is intended as medical, dietary, or financial advice. Although Policywise aims to update our content regularly, you are advised to consult a financial adviser, health professional, or an appropriate specialist before acting on any information herein. They can factor in your personal circumstances or preferences and help guide your decision-making process.

Quickly find the cover that’s best for you

Policywise tells you which health, life or disability insurance best matches your circumstances, 100% free. Talk to one of our insurance advisers to find out which health or life insurance is best for throat cancer, and other serious illnesses.

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand. (n.d.). Publicly funded health and disability services. Retrieved 28/11/2023 https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/our-health-system/publicly-funded-health-and-disability-services/

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand. (n.d.). Guide to eligibility for public health services. Retrieved 28/11/2023 https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/our-health-system/eligibility-for-publicly-funded-health-services/guide-to-eligibility-for-public-health-services#eligibility-for-a-limited-range-of-publicly-funded-health-services

Insuremytrip. (2023, June 22). Travel Insurance for New Zealand. Retrieved 28/11/2023 https://www.insuremytrip.com/destinations/new-zealand-travel-insurance/

ACC NZ. (2022, December 9). If you're a visitor injured in New Zealand. Retrieved 28/11/23 https://www.acc.co.nz/im-injured/what-we-cover/if-youre-a-visitor-injured-in-new-zealand/

New Zealand Immigration. (n.d.). Medical Insurance for Working Holiday Visa. Retrieved 28/11/23 https://www.immigration.govt.nz/formshelp/medical-insurance#:~:text=You%20may%20be%20required%20to,your%20arrival%20in%20New%20Zealand

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New Zealand Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for New Zealand.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to New Zealand. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to New Zealand.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

New Zealand is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in New Zealand, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although New Zealand is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in New Zealand include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call New Zealand’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in New Zealand, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in New Zealand.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for New Zealand for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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New Zealand Working Holiday & Student Insurance: FULL Guide 🩹 [2024]

How to pick the best insurance for a working holiday or studying new zealand.

The nitty-gritty of planning a trip to New Zealand starts here. Choosing the best medical, health and travel insurance for New Zealand can quickly become a nightmare and result in a decision made too quickly. You do not want to end up with a cover way too expensive or lacking the very basics that you will need for a working holiday or as an international student in New Zealand.

We have worked on a series of articles for you to understand the travel insurance world and make the best decision for you to get the right cover for your trip, such as the   14 Questions to Ask Before Buying Medical Travel Insurance . The article below, however, focuses on the basics of choosing a cover and what to look for when comparing your different options for working holiday and international student insurance for New Zealand.

What’s the Best Working Holiday and International Student Insurance for New Zealand?

Want to just skip to the good stuff? Scroll down to the “ What’s the Best Insurance for New Zealand? ” section toward the end of this insurance guide to get this question answered.

Why Do You Need Insurance for a Working Holiday or Studying in New Zealand?

First up, if you are on a Working Holiday Visa or a Student Visa in New Zealand, it is mandatory for you to have comprehensive health insurance for the length of your stay. This is one of the conditions of your visa, according to Immigration New Zealand . Make sure that you have your insurance policy certificate with you when entering the country and your proof of cover. You will also need proof of insurance when enrolling as an international student at a New Zealand university.

If you are only visiting New Zealand on a Visitor Visa , it is not mandatory to have health and travel insurance. If you’re still interested in picking something out, check out our guide, How to Choose Travel Insurance for New Zealand .

What to Look for When Choosing Working Holiday or International Student Insurance for New Zealand…

The cover length of new zealand travel health and travel insurance.

The first thing you need to consider when choosing working holiday insurance or international student insurance for New Zealand is how long the cover lasts, especially considering you could be in New Zealand for a few months to even a few years!

How Long to Get Insurance for a Working Holiday?

There are multiple schools of thought on the choice of cover length. If you have a Working Holiday Visa and have to get a cover for the length of your stay most people choose to go for a six months cover and renew it halfway through the year. This gives them more flexibility in case their trip runs short. On the other hand, this costs much more as two six-month plans are, on average, 30-40% more expensive than a 12-month plan, so bear that in mind.

How Long to Get Insurance for an International Student?

The length of your insurance cover for international students is usually a long more clear-cut. You can just select the length of your policy depending on when the term begins and ends (with a couple of weeks on either end to allow for settling in New Zealand, for example, see below). Or if you’re staying for the whole program, whether it’s a year, three years or five years, you can get cover for the first six months and see if you want to renew later. On the other hand, this costs much more as two six-month plans are, on average, 30-40% more expensive than a 12-month plan, so bear that in mind.

When to Start Your Cover

Then, there is also the matter of your cover start date. This determines the very day when your cover starts applying. If your cover includes transit to your destination then you will want the cover to start on the day you are planning to leave your home country. If it does not include transit, then get it to start on the day you are landing in New Zealand. The same rule applies to the cover end date.

What’s Included in the Travel Insurance?

This is the very point where things become complicated. Every single insurance company and every insurance plan will have widely different offers. It is important that you carefully check out all the inclusions in an insurance plan and consider what is useful and what is not. Many insurance companies like to throw huge numbers at you like, “Evacuation cover up to 1 million dollars”, which is pure bogus. A plane ticket out of New Zealand even on a medical seat costs nowhere near that much. Don’t get scammed paying for things that you don’t need.

What to Look for in Your New Zealand Working Holiday or International Student Insurance are:

• Medical care
• Medical evacuation
• Baggage/personal items (property)
• Loss of deposits (including tuition fees for students)
• Disrupted travel and transit .

Those are the items that you have the most chance of needing when travelling to, in and from New Zealand.

Bonus Tip : Covering possessions like your cell phone and laptop as an add-on to your travel insurance tends to be much cheaper than covering these items with separate insurance. By the way, be sure to check  Will Your Phone Work in New Zealand? and  How to Choose the Best Laptop for Backpacking .

What’s Excluded From Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

This category is even more important than the inclusions of a plan. It will tell you what items are not covered and what would make an item not covered.

Take Note of the Insurance Excess

Exclusions also indicate when the insurance usually kicks in, also known as your “excess”. For example, many insurance companies will only pay for a claim after the first NZ$1,000 has been paid or on top of New Zealand’s universal cover, the ACC (find out what ACC is in What is ACC and Employee Accident Cover? ). If you are considering an insurance company with a very high excess that you believe you wouldn’t be able to afford to pay should something go wrong, then it’s best to go with another company.

Sports Exclusions

Most insurance plans will not include adventure sports, such as skydiving, white water rafting or anything in between. However, it is important for you to know that almost every single operator in New Zealand has insurance of their own that will cover you while on a tour with them. So those items are not as important as it seems at first glance.

What Can You Add to Your New Zealand Travel Insurance?

Virtually every insurance company will offer you to add additional cover from a few personal items, such as your laptop or camera, to specific situations like sailing. This is a great way to personalise your cover plan to your very needs, so it is always worth asking. Asking about these extra services also helps you test the customer service level of an insurance provider. We strongly suggest you get in contact with an insurer prior to subscribing to one of their plans, so to help you know if they will be helpful or not when you really need them.

It is also very important for you to know what you are looking for before shopping for insurance. This will shape your discussion with your insurer and make sure that you get what you want. Sometimes a simple basic plan with a small add-on specific to you is all you need. This simple tip can save you hundreds!

Not sure of what to ask? Check out these  14 Questions to Ask Before Buying Medical Travel Insurance .

Where is the Insurance Company Based?

Where are the insurance company that you are comparing based? Having a health insurance company based in New Zealand is likely to be a lot more helpful in desperate situations than back in your home country. If an insurance company is based in New Zealand, you know they are more specialised in dealing with emergencies that may occur in New Zealand, as well as the customs when it comes to medical situations.

Then again, if you have been using an insurance company from your home country for a long time and they have provided excellent service in the past, then you may feel safer going with what you know. But, for most international students and working holidaymakers in New Zealand, dealing with insurance companies for a long-term trip is often a new experience, so picking a company based in New Zealand is a great place to start.

What’s the Best Insurance for New Zealand?

Due to many of the reasons we have covered above and because we like to support local businesses, we recommend you check out Orbit Protect . They offer insurance plans specially designed for working holidaymakers and international students and are some of the most affordable on the market.

The Best Working Holiday Insurance for New Zealand

Working holiday insurance for New Zealand that we have used and can vouch for, Orbit Protect ‘s Working Holiday Insurance is a good go-to for making sure you’re covered for the whole time you’re in New Zealand, as well as for up to 31 days if you’re travelling in the South-West Pacific to places like Australia , Fiji and New Caledonia .

Their working holiday insurance covers medical care, medical evacuation, loss of deposits with optional baggage cover, as well as cover for working in the most common jobs found in New Zealand.

The Best International Student Insurance for New Zealand

International student insurance that’s much more affordable than many of the New Zealand universities’ recommended choices, Orbit Protect ‘s International Student Insurance is a good go-to for your time in New Zealand. Their international student insurance has two cover choices: a fully comprehensive insurance covering medical care, medical evacuation, loss of deposits (including tuition fees) and property or a cheaper insurance policy excluding property cover.

Orbit Protect also has insurance plans, specially designed for seasonal workers and visitors (just in case your parents come to visit), so go and check them out at orbitprotect.com .

More About Working Holiday and International Student Insurance for New Zealand

And if you need more information about insurance and staying healthy during your working holiday or studies in New Zealand, we’ve got a lot of great easy-to-read articles to help you shop around and find the best fit for your trip. Check out:

• How to Choose Travel Insurance for New Zealand
• How to Pay for Healthcare Services in New Zealand
• Things to Know Before Seeing a Doctor in New Zealand

For more pre-travel tips for a trip to New Zealand, make sure to read our Health Tips for Travelling to New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• MBIE Immigration and Workers Rights (Working rights in New Zealand - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Council websites (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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