Health Services & Insurance
Eligibility for Health Services
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 and can be viewed on their website at:
Medical and Travel Insurance
International students who are studying in New Zealand must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance for the duration of their studies. The insurance policy must cover the full length of time spent in New Zealand. Evidence of cover from a New Zealand or overseas insurance company (in English) is required on enrolment. A record will be kept by the College of the insurance policy number and type of cover provided.
Accident Insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at:
NauMai NZ – a student experience digital platform
Nau mai is an official government site for international students studying or about to study in NZ.
The platform addresses international students’ needs for accurate, relevant and easily available information on topics including visa conditions, work rights, how to ‘live like a local’, suggestions to improve wellbeing and help with understanding Kiwi slang and Te Reo. The platform is written in plain English, with a glossary where more specialist or technical terminology is used.
https://naumainz.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/
SIEBA mental health and wellbeing resource
In response to the Government’s International Student Wellbeing Strategy, SIEBA undertook a review of the mental health and wellbeing resources for international students last year.
They identified the need for a go-to resource to help frontline school staff identify issues that may affect international students.
Available on the SIEBA website, this free resource includes information on common mental health issues and barriers that may prevent international students from seeking support. A key focus of the project was to meet a need and build the capability and capacity of the sector.
The new resource is designed to complement the work currently undertaken in schools and elsewhere.
It was developed by SIEBA in close consultation with a range of health care providers. Research was conducted with schools, school counsellors, clinicians (a GP, a psychiatrist and a nurse), NZQA, MoH and the Health Research Council (HRC).
The resource is not intended to replace professional medical advice, but to assist school staff to identify possible issues and enable them to direct students to the appropriate professional services.