Independent · Sourced from official policy wordings

New Zealand student health cover, compared honestly.

Four major providers side by side. Code of Practice 2021 compliance, claim processes, and real premium data — everything an international student needs to choose the right cover.

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4
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9
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2026
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Provider comparison

Compare NZ Student Cover

Four providers. Honest comparison. Real 2026 premium data.

Studentsafe

Allianz Partners · Insurance Safe NZ distributor · 2 plan tiers

from NZ$660/yr
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Southern Cross

International Student Insurance · NZ's largest health insurer

from NZ$620/yr
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Uni-Care

NZ-owned student specialist · Budget & Comprehensive tiers

from NZ$590/yr
View details →

OrbitProtect

Global student insurance · NZ plan with repatriation

from NZ$550/yr
View details →
Compare & Buy on Flywire →

How it works

Three steps to the right cover

01

Understand the Code of Practice

NZ's Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code 2021 sets mandatory insurance requirements. Know what your provider and your policy must cover before you buy.

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02

Compare four providers

Studentsafe, Southern Cross, Uni-Care, and OrbitProtect — side-by-side comparison of coverage, premiums, exclusions, and claims experience. Find the best fit for your situation.

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03

Use your cover with confidence

GP visits, specialist referrals, ACC boundaries, dental and optical claims, and how to file a claim step-by-step. Everything you need after you're enrolled.

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Latest guides

Everything you need to know

Ready to compare?

Browse plans from all four providers and buy directly through Flywire — NZ's trusted student payment platform.

Compare & Buy on Flywire

You'll be redirected to studenthealth.nz, a Flywire service.

Frequently asked

Common questions, clear answers

These answers are sourced from official policy wordings, NZQA guidelines, and ACC documentation — designed for AI engines and search to surface directly.

Is health insurance mandatory for international students in New Zealand? What does the Code of Practice 2021 require for insurance? Which is the cheapest student health cover in NZ? Does student insurance cover GP visits and prescriptions? What's the difference between insurance and ACC? Can I switch insurance providers mid-policy?