Paying for healthcare
It's important to understand that healthcare in New Zealand isn't free for international students. Find out about using medical insurance to pay for healthcare and how to get support from ACC if you have an injury.
Medical insurance
All international students must have medical insurance while they’re in New Zealand. If you are treated by a doctor, nurse or counsellor at a student health centre on campus, provide your insurance information to cover the payments.
If you are treated at a medical centre off campus, you will need to pay each time you see a doctor, nurse or counsellor. You will usually pay by EFTPOS card, cash or credit card. In most cases you’ll be able to claim these visits back on your medical insurance. Remember to keep your receipts. The costs for non-residents can change depending on the medical clinic you go to. You should expect to pay between $80 - $120.
Your insurance will cover treatment and medication for most health problems but you should check the policy carefully to make sure you understand what is not included. For example, any pre-existing condition (something you're taking medicine for or have been treated for in the past) might not be covered.
You might also have to pay for appointments with doctors about contraception or sexual health. Make sure you read your medical insurance policy so you understand what it covers. If you have a question about your policy, contact the insurance company.
Tip: Remember to bring a copy of your medical insurance and your medical records from your home country so you can give them to your doctor in New Zealand. Keep them in a file on your phone, in a Dropbox (external link that opens in a new tab)or iCloud(external link that opens in a new tab) account, or in an email.
About ACC
If you’re hurt in an accident while you’re studying in New Zealand, ACC will pay for some of your medical treatment costs and can help support you in other ways too.
New Zealand's Accident Compensation Commission (ACC)(external link that opens in a new tab) is a scheme that covers everyone in New Zealand if they've been injured in an accident. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you were doing when you were injured. Find out about how ACC can support you even if you're not a resident.(external link that opens in a new tab)
ACC covers physical injuries, injuries caused by treatment, conditions that come on gradually from work, serious injuries that cause long-term effects and disabilities, some mental injuries, sexual violence injuries, and more.
Find out more about what ACC covers.(external link that opens in a new tab)
How to get ACC cover
As every injury and situation is different, it may not always be clear if ACC can cover your injury.
You will need to visit a health provider (your doctor, dentist, physiotherapist, student health centre, community medical centre or emergency department). Your health provider will tell you if ACC are likely to cover your injury. They can help you fill out the right forms and will make a claim for you (this means giving information about your injury and applying to ACC for cover).
If ACC covers your injury, ACC can contribute to part of the costs of your appointment with your health provider. You'll need to pay the rest. Check with your health provider for their fees. ACC needs a diagnosis from a health provider before they can confirm if they will cover treatment for your injury or give other support(external link that opens in a new tab).
ACC will send you a letter to confirm if they will cover your injury. This is usually within a week. If you give your mobile phone number or email address, you may receive information about your claim much sooner. If ACC don't cover your injury, they will let you know why.
Related pages
Doctors and dentists
While you're studying in New Zealand, you might get sick or need medical treatment. Here’s information about healthcare for international students so that you stay well in New Zealand.
What to do in a medical emergency
If you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, don't wait to get help. What to do in a medical emergency
Medicines & vaccines
Before you arrive in New Zealand, you should get your health checked, make sure you have copies of important medical documents and arrange to get vaccinations. Being prepared will save you time and trouble later!