MEDICAL COVER AND WORK VISAS
Medical Insurance When You Move to New Zealand.
What happens to your healthcare when you arrive on a work visa?
Moving to New Zealand is exciting, but understanding healthcare eligibility can be confusing - particularly if you're arriving on a temporary work visa.
A Simple Guide For
1 Year Work Visas That May Extend
Moving to New Zealand on a work visa is exciting, but the healthcare system can be confusing - especially when your visa starts at 1 year and is expected to extend.
This guide explains what cover you need, when it changes, and how to stay protected the whole way through.
The most important thing to know
In New Zealand, healthcare access is based on the visa you currently hold - not what is likely to happen later.
You are treated as a 1 year visa holder until any extension is officially approved.
Check your eligibility
For the most up-to-date information, check the official New Zealand guidance.
Your healthcare journey in New Zealand
01. ARRIVING ON A 1 YEAR WORK VISA
ACC covers accidents only. Public healthcare does not cover illness or disease. Without insurance, doctor visits, hospital treatment, and tests must be paid for privately.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Take out private medical insurance immediately. This type of cover is designed for people on short term or temporary visas and usually includes hospital treatment, emergency care, and optional GP or specialist cover.
02. DURING THE FIRST YEAR
Even if your visa extension is very likely, nothing changes until it is approved. Keep your insurance in place and do not assume public healthcare applies yet.
03. WHEN YOUR VISA IS EXTENDED TO 2+ YEARS
Once your visa allows a total stay of 2 years or more, you become eligible for publicly funded healthcare and standard New Zealand health insurance.
04. MOVING TO LONG TERM HEALTH INSURANCE
After your extension is approved, many people move to full NZ health insurance for higher limits, faster access to specialists, and long term, protection.
05. YEARS 2-3 AND BEYOND
Public healthcare covers essential treatment, while private insurance provides speed, choice, and certainty. Cover is usually reviewed annually.
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Yes. On a 1 year work visa you are not eligible for publicly funded healthcare for illness or disease, so insurance protects you from large medical bills.
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No. Eligibility is based on the visa you currently hold, not what is planned or likely.
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ACC covers accidents only, such as work injuries or sports injuries. It does not cover illness or disease.
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You would need to pay the full cost of treatment unless you have private medical insurance.
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Temporary or visa holder medical insurance designed for short term visas.
Questions people moving to New Zealand often ask
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Usually not on temporary visa policies. This is standard across insurers.
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Only after you hold a visa allowing at least 2 years’ continuous stay in New Zealand.
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Many people keep it for faster treatment, more choice, and greater certainty.
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Take insurance on arrival, keep it while extensions are pending, and upgrade once eligible for long term cover.
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Yes. Your visa type and how long you are eligible to stay in New Zealand can affect which health insurance options are available to you.
Different insurers have different eligibility requirements for people on work visas, and the type and length of your visa may be considered when applying for cover. Some policies may also have specific conditions around pre-existing medical conditions, waiting periods or the length of time you can remain insured.
If you're on a work visa, it's worth checking the eligibility criteria of the policy you're considering before applying. An adviser can help you understand which options may be available based on your individual circumstances.
Important information
This page provides general information about healthcare eligibility and insurance for people moving to New Zealand.
Visa and publicly funded healthcare eligibility depends on individual circumstances and can change.
For the most current eligibility requirements, refer to Immigration New Zealand and Health New Zealand.
Insurance availability, benefits and exclusions depend on the insurer and policy wording.
