Health Insurance
Faster access to private specialists, tests, and surgery — without the public hospital waiting list.
What health insurance actually covers
Private health insurance covers the cost of private medical treatment, from specialist consultations to surgery, so you can choose your treatment timeline instead of waiting on a public list. It complements the public system rather than replacing it — for most people it's about speed and choice, not emergency care.
Who it's for
- You want to avoid long public hospital waiting lists for non-urgent surgery
- You'd like the choice of specialist and hospital
- You're planning for a family and want maternity or specialist options
- Your employer doesn't offer health cover, or you're self-employed
What it covers
- Private specialist consultations and diagnostic tests
- Private surgical and hospital cover, with excess options to manage premiums
- Optional extras cover for GP visits, dental, and optical (insurer-dependent)
- Cover for major and non-PHARMAC-funded treatments in some plans
Common scenarios
Rather than a 12-month public wait list, a client with health cover has surgery privately within six weeks and returns to work sooner.
A client uses health cover to see a specialist and get imaging done within days, rather than months, easing the wait for results.
Frequently asked
Cover typically excludes pre-existing conditions (unless later accepted by the insurer) and routine/non-medical costs — we'll walk through the specific policy wording with you.
Yes, health insurance works alongside the public system; it's not a replacement for emergency or acute care, which remains public.
Most insurers apply a waiting period (commonly 2–12 months) before certain claims are payable — we'll set expectations upfront.
Ready to talk about health insurance?
Book a free consultation and we'll walk through your options — no pressure, no jargon.
You might also want to review
Life Insurance
Financial protection for the people who depend on you, paid out when it matters most.
Critical illnessTrauma Insurance
A lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness, so treatment and recovery come first.
Ongoing incomeIncome Protection
A regular replacement income if illness or injury stops you from earning.