Health Insurance
Skip the public waiting list. Private health insurance gives you fast access to specialists and elective procedures, and the freedom to choose your own surgeon and hospital. We compare cover from across the New Zealand market and recommend what fits your family and budget.
Why It Matters
New Zealand's public health system handles emergencies well, but elective procedures like hip replacements, cataract surgery, and specialist appointments can mean waits of many months. Private health insurance means a diagnosed condition that might wait half a year in the public system can often be treated within weeks, with a specialist and hospital you choose.
01
Faster specialist access. See a private specialist quickly instead of joining a public queue for non-urgent referrals.
02
Choice and control. Choose your specialist, hospital, and timing rather than being assigned them.
03
Elective surgery without the wait. Joint replacements, cataracts, and similar procedures on your schedule, which matters most if you work for a living.
04
Optional extras. Some policies add GP visits, dental, physio, and other day-to-day cover on top of surgical and hospital care.
Who We Help
Not everyone needs private cover, and we'll tell you honestly if it's not worth it for your situation. It tends to matter most for these groups.
Working people
If time off work hits your income, waiting months for an operation costs far more than the premium. Private cover gets you treated and back on your feet fast.
Families
Cover for children is comparatively inexpensive and means non-urgent but pressing issues get seen quickly, without fighting for referrals.
Healthy today
Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from NZ health policies. Taking out cover while you're healthy means future conditions are covered when they arise.
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"Highly recommend Upmeet — he likes to meet regularly and check in, which is a bonus. He picked up on a claim we would have overlooked and missed if it wasn't for him checking in. Outstanding service."
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Common Questions
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Generally no. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, which is why the best time to arrange cover is while you're healthy. Always disclose your full medical history when applying. Read our full guide to medical insurance in NZ →
How much does it cost?
Comprehensive cover typically runs from around $1,500 to $3,000+ per year per adult, depending on age, excess, and cover level. A higher excess or surgical-only cover brings the premium down substantially.
Will claiming push my premiums up?
No. Personal health insurance in New Zealand does not increase your premiums because you have claimed. Read what actually drives premium changes →
Does the advice cost anything?
No. We're paid a commission by the insurer if you take a policy, and we disclose how we're paid before you commit. See our disclosure statement →
One free conversation and we'll show you what private cover would look like for your family, and whether it's worth it at all.