Information guide for international students, not individual legal, tax or medical advice. The rules depend on citizenship, course and visa conditions: before paying or submitting an application, always check the updated text of the indicated authority.
Mandatory study insurance
International students must normally have medical and travel cover acceptable to the provider and compliant with the Code for the period required. Ask for the policy wording, not just the certificate: check excess, pre-existing conditions, mental health, dental, optical, sport, repatriation and periods outside of New Zealand. Some exceptions exist for specific categories, but must be confirmed by the institution.
GP, urgent care and hospital
Sign up for a general practice near your home/campus and ask for an international student rate and possible insurer reimbursement. The GP coordinates referrals and prescriptions. After-hours/urgent care is suitable for urgent non-vital problems but can cost a lot; for emergencies call111. Before non-urgent tests and specialists check pre-approval and maximum limits.
Public access and ACC
Eligibility for publicly funded services depends on status, not mere presence. Check Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ and don’t assume free.ACCit can also cover part of the treatment for injuries that occur in New Zealand to visitors, but it is not general health insurance and co-payment, loss of income or repatriation may remain.
Medicines and continuity of care
Bring permitted quantity, original packaging and letter/prescription in English; check Medsafe and Customs, especially for controlled drugs. Arrange a local visit in advance for ongoing therapies. Use the name of the active ingredient: brands and availability change.
Mental health and support
The provider must offer wellbeing channels according to the Code. University counselling, 1737 and community services can help, but in crisis or danger call 111. Save contacts and policy limits before you need them; isolation, winter and economic pressure must be treated early.
Official sources to open before acting
Read the policy
Check medical, travel, evacuation/repatriation, personal liability and belongings required by the Code. Read excess, limits, exclusions, pre-existing conditions and sporting activities. Ask for pre-approval for hospitalization and specialists. Maintain cover during breaks and travel if required.
Enrollment at the GP
Compare practice fees for non-eligible patients, times and services. Enrollment does not guarantee subsidy if you are not eligible. Bring medical history, vaccines and medications. The GP coordinates referrals; Healthline 0800 611 116 helps you choose level of care.
Urgent care and 111
For life risks call 111. Urgent care/after-hours treats urgent but not critical problems and may have a high surcharge. Ask for insurer direct billing and keep receipts. Don’t drive alone in a serious crisis.
Public Eligibility
Health NZ publishes precise categories: some work visas of sufficient duration may be eligible, an ordinary student visa is generally not enough except for specific categories. Check test and service; Don’t rely on friends’ experiences. Eligible patients may also have GP, dentist and prescription costs.
ACC
ACC is no-fault for personal injury in NZ, including visitors, but covers treatment under rules and not general illness. Ask the provider to submit a claim and verify co-payment. Repatriation and lost income may not be covered for visitors: insurance is required.
Medicines
Medsafe/Customs regulate quantities and controlled drugs. Bring packaging, prescription and English letter. Organize a GP before you run out of supplies; brands and Pharmac funding differ. Don’t buy online from unverified sources.
Dental and vision
Adult dental is often private and expensive; ask for written quotes and coverage. A dental accident can partially fall into ACC, not tooth decay. Optical follows the policy. University clinics and payment plans can help but compare total.
Mental health and crisis
Use campus counseling and insurer network soon. 1737 offers 24/7 support via call/text; 111 in immediate danger. Ask for interpreter if necessary. For continuous therapy, check session limits and referrals.
Sexual health and vaccinations
Ask for confidential clinic, costs and tests. Placement health may require vaccines and occupational screening; prepares translated records. In the event of sexual violence, Safe to Talk offers support, and you can receive treatment without immediately deciding on the legal path.
Practical case manual
These scenarios do not replace an individual assessment: they serve to recognize the problem, stop the risky action and identify the next control.
- Case 1— The policy excludes a previous condition: ask for definition and alternatives before the trip, not after a crisis.
- Case 2— The GP full tariff quota: confirmation of eligibility and insurer reimbursement; enrollment does not guarantee subsidy.
- Case 3— Need urgent care: call Healthline if sure and ask for cost; in danger use 111 without delay.
- Case 4— You suffer an injury: ask for ACC claim number and verify co-payment; ACC does not cover the illness that caused the fall.
- Case 5— The specialist proposes the procedure: get referrals, quotes and insurer pre-approval for doctor and facility.
- Case 6— Drug is not available: talk to GP/pharmacist about active ingredient; do not import without Medsafe/Customs check.
- Case 7— You have controlled medication: letter holder, permitted quantity and packaging; declare when requested.
- Case 8— Non-traumatic dental pain: basic insurance can exclude it; ask for a quote and plan before treatment.
- Case 9— Dental accident: report as injury to ACC, knowing that costs may remain.
- Case 10— Mental crisis: call 111 in danger or 1737 for support; also contact provider for continuity.
- Case 11— Travel to the Pacific: student policy may have geographic limits; purchase travel extension if necessary.
- Case 12— Provider changes: confirm that new institution accepts insurers and dates without gap.
Health record for the transfer
Prepare a summary in English with diagnoses, interventions, allergies, vaccines, medications by active ingredient/dose and doctor’s contact details. Bring prescriptions and allowable quantities in original packaging. Keep an encrypted copy and an essential version accessible in an emergency. For ongoing therapies, identify a GP and book before stocks run out.
Contact insurer in advance for pre-existing conditions, waiting periods and pre-authorisation. Ask for written responses with policy clause and claim number. A business letter from the provider does not replace wording. If a treatment is important, check the doctor, facility, medication, diagnostics and follow-up separately.
Ask for a healthcare quote
Describe the service and codes, ask for provider fees, insurer benefits, excess and annual maximum. “Covered” can mean partial refund. For scheduled procedures obtain informed financial consent. Check if referrals expire and if each specialist bills separately. Store invoices, receipts, referrals and reports.
Don’t put off an emergency because of the cost. Use the national number when it exists for non-urgent triage; in danger call emergency. After stabilization contact insurance. If an invoice is unmanageable, ask for itemisation, correction, payment plan and patient advocate instead of ignoring it.
Continuity and privacy
Choose a stable GP when possible and authorize record transfer. Please communicate if you prefer an interpreter; Don’t use a roommate for intimate information when a professional service is available. Ask how data is shared with the university, insurer or family. The educational provider must know only what is needed for accommodations or emergencies.
Personal emergency plan
Save emergency number, nurse line, insurer, campus security and trusted person. Record address and coordinates. Keep essential medications, allergy list and power bank. For mental health agree signals, contacts and safe place. Review the plan after moving house, phone or policy.
Verified: 2026-08-14. Next scheduled review: 2026-11-14.