Hi there, it’s Ash, aka the Still Life Nomad! Since Comprehensive Health Insurance is a required element of getting a working holiday visa, let’s go over your options.

What is Comprehensive Health Insurance? It is essentially travel insurance, but for those going abroad long term. It usually covers things like stolen or lost items and documents, extreme sports injuries, and medical evacuation or emergencies. Sometimes, a list of pre-existing medical conditions are covered, although this list is limited. It generally does not cover basic care like doctor’s appointments, teeth cleanings, ect. Unfortunately, it is mandatory to have this insurance for NZ, but you cannot get the proper care without paying out of pocket.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (STCI)

STCI is hands down my top recommendation. It is what I feel most expats on working holiday visas end up using.

• Cost: I believe the base is $580 a year, making it the second most affordable on this list.
• Covers: Medical and evacuation, cancelling or changing your journey, personal accidents, personal liability, rental car excess, stolen or lost documents or cards/cash/passport, a list of pre-existing medical conditions.

OrbitPlanet

OrbitPlanet is another popular option for those going to NZ on a WHV. Simply select “Working Holiday Insurance” and receive your free quote. I recommend this insurance to those that don’t have pre-existing conditions, so you don’t lose money on the non-refundable fee mentioned below.

• Cost: I believe base is $340 a year plus a $45 non-refundable medical assessment fee if you have any pre-existing health conditions. This is the most affordable option, however, if you have a condition you are not guaranteed approval.
• Covers: All the basics like medical care and evacuation, loss of deposits, stolen items, extreme sports, ect.

SafetyWing

SafetyWing is a rather popular option for nomads and expats on a WHV. I’ve heard mixed reviews, and it is a bit more costly, but good if you plan to be abroad long-term. If you need preventative care, the Complete plan is for you. But keep in mind they do not cover pre-existing conditions.

• Cost: $56 a month for short-term trips and $150 a month for long-term worldwide trips. I believe a WHV in NZ would be short-term.
• Covers: Essential Plan covers medical treatment and hospitalization, evacuation, lost checked luggage, injuries from leisure sports, motor accidents, trip interruption, travel delay, evacuation from local unrest, arrangements if you die, and optionally electronics theft and adventure sports. Complete Plan covers all the above plus preventative care (this is extremely rare in insurance), doctor and specialist visits (also rare), wellness therapies, visits to a psychiatrist (rare), cancer treatment, maternity care, trip cancellation, and stolen belongings.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global is a rather pricey but comprehensive insurance option.

• Cost: $1055 a year for worldwide travel or $846 a year if you’ll only be in NZ.
• Covers: All the basics, but keep in mind that Close Care does not cover medical evacuation, travel safety, or maternity care.

World Nomads

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend World Nomads. While it is affordable, it only has two plan options: Single Trip and Annual Plan. Single Trip covers one trip up to 180 days. Annual Plan covers worldwide travel but you can only stay in each location for up to 45 days. This is an excellent plan if you want to travel the world on visitor visas, but not if you will be in NZ for more than 180 days on a working holiday visa. The cost for the annual plan is $506 a year.

Closing

Now you should have a solid idea of how to decide what Comprehensive Health Insurance plan to go with. Keep in mind that it is mandatory to have in order to move to NZ and they generally do not cover pre-existing conditions, unless on their occasionally provided list. They also generally do not cover preventative care, wellness, psychiatrists, ect. To see the pre-existing list, fill out the free quote on SCTI or any other insurance you are interested in. This list is not comprehensive, but it covers the top recommendations I’ve heard. I will be going with SCTI!

Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts.

Love,

Ash