[Jeni Elise]

The visa (working holiday) I have obtained in order to come to New Zealand requires that I hold "Medical and Comprehensive Hospitalization Insurance" for the length of my stay.

I can't seem to figure out how to go about doing that. I've been searching online, but it's unclear to me whether I am supposed to arrange it through a U.S. or a N.Z. company; and also whether I need full insurance or just travel insurance.

Can anyone assist me with that? I would appreciate even a link to someone who can.

[Ana&Steve]

Have you tried Southern Cross? I don't know if they have the best prices, but I know it's the insurence a lot of people stated with.
www.southerncross.co.nz

Hope that helps,
Ana

[Jeni Elise]

^ Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

[Ana&Steve]

Oops, that was supposed to read "started with"
Ana

[Oregonkiwi]

we used this company:
http://www.uni-care.org/

[Leccy-Lee]

I have mine with World Nomads.. www.worldnomads.com

[constablechuck]

It's actually a travel insurance policy and it doesn't cover any pre-existing conditions. We paid about $600 USD for my wifes policy and the NZIS never even asked if she had it when she arrived.

[Oregonkiwi]

NZIS never even asked if she had it when she arrived.

But the hospital certainly would ask for it if your wife ever requires hospital treatment.

Jeni Elise - you need insurance which will cover your costs should you need hospitalization, as you will not be covered by NZ's public health system.

[Jeni Elise]

...Jeni Elise - you need insurance which will cover your costs should you need hospitalization, as you will not be covered by NZ's public health system.

Yea, I gathered that. The link you recommended seems like a good option - I'll look further into that. Thanks.

[Jeni Elise]

I have mine with World Nomads.. www.worldnomads.com

Am I seeing correctly that they are underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield? If so, I don't think I want to use them. :uhoh

[kelleyb]

BCBS are everwhere! You can't escape them.

[CjChris]

BCBS are everwhere! You can't escape them.

This is disappointing!!! They are making a gajillion bucks off everyone in the US already! :mad:

[kelleyb]

Isn't that the truth.

[Jeni Elise]

Damn the BCBS! :mad:


......:p

[Jeni Elise]

Okay, I've found a couple of health insurance companies that are underwritten by NZ-based companies, and both have basically the same policies, but different pricing. Please let me know if anyone has any input on these companies - I'll be picking one this week.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (www.scti.co.nz)
Underwritten by Southern Cross Benefits Limited (as they put it: "100% NZ owned")
For an Essentials plan (doesn't cover baggage & personal items), the rate is:
12 months/2 people = $976 + $75 excess
6 months/2 people = $583 + $75 excess

Comprehensive Travel Insurance (http://www.comprehensive.co.nz/)
Underwritten by Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited (http://www.vero.co.nz/)
For an Essentials plan, the rate is:
12 months/2 people = $736 + $75 excess
OR
12 months/2 people = $840 (nil excess)

[Jeni Elise]

^

Edit:
The Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy maximum time is 6 months, not 12.

Also, I decided to go with Southern Cross. They were more affordalbe, and seemed to respond to my questions more quickly.