Medical and Travel Insurance

Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health.

Some countries (such as Australia and the UK) have reciprocal agreements with New Zealand for free medical treatment. Check with Immigration New Zealand or your nearest Embassy for details.

International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying within New Zealand and it is the responsibility of the student to understand and become familiar with the insurance policy terms and conditions.

  • Students are to have insurance that covers their travel to, from or within New Zealand, as far as practicable, even if the travel occurs outside of their enrolment period. Immigration New Zealand’s requirements for student visa holders states that students must maintain their medical and travel insurance while they study in NZ, from the time they enrol until their visas expire.
  • Students with pre-existing conditions are encouraged to take an additional premium so that the pre-existing condition is covered.
  • Students are to be aware of the limitation of their insurance policy and are responsible for any costs not covered by insurance.

International Student Insurance Requirements

International students will need to provide BTI with copies of insurance details for their student file at enrolment and are required to have insurance to cover the following for the duration of their study whilst living in NZ:

  • Health and medical care: Including for all medical conditions and emergency dental requirements. Without insurance, hospital or other treatment can be extremely expensive.
  • Accident: The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, however you may still be liable for all other medical and relates costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website.
  • Travel
  • Other emergencies

The cost of insurance for international students range from $400 NZD-$600 NZD for a full year.  

Some insurance options include:

If needed, the BTI International Student Coordinator is able to help with advisement regarding insurance.