Insurance information for international students

Your insurance helps cover medical costs in New Zealand. Find out what’s included, what’s not, and where to get help to claim for your healthcare expenses.

International students are required to have medical insurance because you are not eligible to use the public funded healthcare in New Zealand. This insurance pays the costs associated with most consultations and prescriptions.

Hamilton campus 

Some insurance providers such as StudentSafe and Uni-Care allow Student Health Service to send the bill for consultation costs directly to the insurance company, so you don’t have to pay on the day of your consultation. This does not apply for consultations for pre-existing conditions and other services listed below. 

For other insurance providers, you will usually need to pay for your appointment at Student Health Service and then apply for reimbursement through your insurer.

Waikato Sexual Health Clinic offers free treatment to international students for sexually transmitted infections.

Tauranga

Students can see the on-campus Student Health Nurse for healthcare and advice, with the cost billed directly to your insurance so you don’t need to pay upfront. If you are referred to South City Medical Centre by our Student Health Nurse, you will need to pay the associated medical costs and then apply for reimbursement through your medical insurance.

Clinic 2 offers free sexually transmitted infection checks.

Immigration Medications are offered at The Doctors, Tauranga.

What’s not covered by insurance

Some consultations and services are not covered by most insurance policies. You will need to pay for these at the time of your appointment. This includes: 

  • Pre-existing symptoms and medical conditions you had before coming to New Zealand)*
  • Preventative care and health screening such as a general check-up
  • Pregnancy care
  • Contraception / Sexual health**
  • Vaccinations
  • Minor surgeries 

*If you have a pre-existing medical condition, contact your insurance provider to see if you can arrange extended cover. This may allow you to claim costs for your care.

**StudentSafe insurance allows you to claim up to $300 for sexual health care.

If you have questions about what your insurance will cover, please contact your insurance provider or the International Office.

Immigration medicals

Immigration medicals are not done at Student Health Service. 
They can only be completed at the following approved clinics in Hamilton and Tauranga: