Essential Student Insurance for NZ
While New Zealand’s ACC covers accidents, international students must have private insurance for medical treatment, illnesses, and travel disruptions. We help you find compliant plans approved by NZQA.
ACC
Accident Cover
Private
Medical & Travel
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Compare Southern Cross, OrbitProtect & more.
How NZ Healthcare Works
The Role of ACC
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides no-fault personal injury cover for everyone in New Zealand, including visitors. If you get injured in an accident, ACC helps pay for your care. However, ACC does NOT cover illness, aging, or emotional issues.
- Covers physical injuries
- Does NOT cover sickness/flu
Mandatory Private Insurance
Since ACC doesn’t cover general medical needs, the NZ government requires all international students to hold a comprehensive insurance policy. This covers GP visits, hospital stays for illness, prescriptions, and sometimes even optical/dental emergencies.
- Covers GP & Specialist visits
- Required for Visa Enrollment
Travel & Property Cover
Student insurance in NZ is unique because it’s a hybrid of health and travel insurance. It typically covers lost luggage, travel delays, loss of deposits, and personal liability, ensuring you are protected not just medically but also logistically.
- Lost Passport/Laptop cover
- Missed flights coverage
Top NZ Insurance Providers
We partner with New Zealand’s leading insurers to offer Student Safe, Orbit, and Southern Cross plans.
Southern Cross
Market Leader
PremiumOrbitProtect
Value for Money
PopularUni-Care
Student Focused
TrustedStudentSafe
Allianz Partners
CCM
Campuses Support
NZ Insurance FAQs
Is insurance mandatory for international students?
Yes. Under the “Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students,” all international students must have appropriate medical and travel insurance from the time they leave home until their course ends.
Does ACC cover everything?
No. ACC only covers accidents (like falling off a bike). It does NOT cover illnesses (like flu, infections, appendicitis), dental treatment (unless caused by accident), or travel disruptions (lost luggage). That is why private insurance is mandatory.
Can I buy insurance from my home country?
It is highly recommended to buy from a NZ provider (like Orbit or Southern Cross). NZ universities often reject foreign policies because they may not meet the strict “Code of Practice” standards or have direct billing agreements with NZ clinics.