insurance-basics
NZ Code of Practice: Insurance Requirements for International Students
Detailed breakdown of the New Zealand Code of Practice insurance obligations for international students, including minimum coverage standards and compliance requirements in 2026.
NZ Code of Practice: Insurance Requirements for International Students
International students in New Zealand must hold appropriate and comprehensive health insurance for the full duration of their student visa. This requirement is mandated by the New Zealand Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the Code), which sets minimum standards for insurance coverage. Without compliant insurance, you cannot enrol or maintain your student visa.
What is the NZ Code of Practice for International Students?
The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021 is a legally enforceable set of standards that all New Zealand education providers (schools, universities, polytechnics, and private training establishments) must follow. The Code’s purpose is to ensure the wellbeing and safety of international students studying in New Zealand.
One of the most critical requirements under the Code is that every international student must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance for the entire length of their stay in New Zealand. This is not optional—it is a mandatory condition of enrolment and, by extension, your student visa.
Minimum Insurance Requirements Under the Code
The Code does not specify a single insurance policy or provider. Instead, it outlines the minimum cover that any policy must provide. Education providers are responsible for ensuring their enrolled international students have policies that meet these minimum standards.
Here are the key minimum requirements as set out by the Code:
- Medical and hospitalisation costs: Cover for treatment in a public or private hospital, including surgery, specialist fees, and intensive care.
- Doctor and specialist visits: Cover for consultations with general practitioners (GPs) and medical specialists.
- Prescription medicines: Cover for medications prescribed by a doctor.
- Diagnostic tests: Cover for X-rays, blood tests, and other medical investigations.
- Ambulance services: Cover for emergency ambulance transport.
- Dental treatment for accidental damage: Cover for urgent dental treatment resulting from an accident (not routine dental care).
- Repatriation: Cover for the cost of returning your remains to your home country in the event of death.
- Travel insurance elements: Cover for lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, and personal liability (especially important if you travel outside New Zealand during your studies).
How Does the Code Apply to You?
As an international student, you must provide evidence of compliant insurance to your education provider before you can enrol. Your provider will check your policy against the Code’s minimum requirements.
Key points to remember:
- Your insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your visa. If you have a one-year visa, you need one year of continuous cover.
- You must renew your insurance before it expires. A gap in cover can breach your visa conditions.
- Your policy must be from a provider that is licensed and approved by your education provider. Many universities and polytechnics have a list of approved insurers.
- If you change providers, you must ensure the new policy meets the Code’s standards and there is no gap in cover.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Compliant Insurance?
The consequences of not having insurance that meets the Code’s requirements are serious:
- Your education provider can refuse to enrol you.
- Your student visa can be declined or cancelled. Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of insurance as part of the visa application process.
- You may be personally liable for all medical costs. New Zealand’s public healthcare system is subsidised for residents and citizens, but international students are generally not eligible for free public healthcare. A hospital stay can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- You could be deported if you are found to be in breach of your visa conditions.
The Role of the ACC System
New Zealand has a unique no-fault accident compensation scheme called ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). ACC covers the cost of treatment for injuries resulting from accidents, regardless of who was at fault. This means if you have an accident (e.g., a sports injury, a car accident, a fall), ACC will cover your medical costs related to that accident.
However, ACC does not cover illness, disease, or non-accident-related conditions. This is why comprehensive health insurance is still essential. Your insurance covers what ACC does not—sickness, doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays for non-accident-related issues.
What to Look for in a Compliant Policy
When choosing an insurance policy, check that it explicitly states it meets the NZ Code of Practice requirements. Look for these features:
- Comprehensive medical cover: Covers GP visits, specialists, hospitalisation, and surgery.
- No pre-existing condition exclusions (or limited exclusions): Some policies cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period. Check the policy wording carefully.
- Adequate coverage limits: Ensure the policy has high enough limits for hospital costs and repatriation. A minimum of NZD $300,000 for medical cover is common.
- Travel insurance included: If you plan to travel outside New Zealand during your studies (e.g., back home or to Australia), your policy should cover medical emergencies while abroad.
- Direct billing options: Check if the insurer can pay doctors and hospitals directly, so you don’t have to pay upfront and claim later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Code of Practice and my visa conditions?
The Code of Practice sets the standards that education providers must follow regarding student welfare, including insurance. Your student visa conditions are set by Immigration New Zealand and require you to hold appropriate insurance as a condition of your visa. Both work together: the Code ensures your provider checks your insurance, and your visa requires you to maintain it. Violating the Code can lead to your provider reporting you to Immigration New Zealand.
Can I use my home country’s health insurance for my studies in New Zealand?
Generally, no. Most overseas health insurance policies do not meet the minimum requirements of the NZ Code of Practice. They often lack cover for repatriation, have low coverage limits, or do not cover the full range of services required. You will almost certainly need to purchase a policy from a New Zealand-based provider that is specifically designed for international students.
How do I prove my insurance meets the Code’s requirements?
Your education provider will ask for a copy of your insurance policy certificate or a letter from your insurer confirming the policy meets the Code’s minimum standards. Some providers have a list of pre-approved insurers. If you choose a provider not on that list, you may need to submit the policy wording for review. Always confirm with your provider before purchasing.
What if I have a gap in my insurance coverage?
A gap in coverage is a serious issue. If you fall ill or have an accident during that gap, you will be personally responsible for all medical costs. Furthermore, a gap can breach your visa conditions and your enrolment. If you realise you have a gap, contact your insurer immediately to reinstate coverage. Some insurers allow you to backdate cover, but this is not guaranteed.
Is Studentsafe a good option for meeting the Code’s requirements?
Studentsafe is a well-known insurance option specifically designed for international students in New Zealand. It is recommended by many universities and polytechnics because its policies are structured to meet the minimum requirements of the Code of Practice. Studentsafe policies typically include comprehensive medical cover, repatriation, and travel insurance elements. However, you should always compare policies to ensure you choose the one that best fits your individual needs and budget.
How to Choose Your Insurance Provider
When comparing insurance options, consider the following:
- Check your education provider’s list of approved insurers. Many institutions have negotiated group rates with specific providers.
- Read the policy wording carefully. Look for coverage limits, exclusions (especially for pre-existing conditions), and the claims process.
- Consider the cost versus coverage balance. The cheapest policy may not provide adequate cover. A slightly more expensive policy might offer better coverage limits and fewer exclusions.
- Look for easy claims processes. Some insurers offer online claims portals and direct billing with major healthcare providers.
- Check customer reviews and the insurer’s financial stability. You want an insurer that will be around to pay your claims.
Need Help Comparing Insurance Options?
Choosing the right insurance can be confusing, especially with multiple providers offering different policies. The easiest way to find a policy that meets the NZ Code of Practice requirements and fits your budget is to compare your options side-by-side.
Use the CohortGo comparison tool to see quotes from leading insurers, including Studentsafe, and find the best policy for your needs. The tool is free, easy to use, and helps you make an informed decision without the hassle of visiting multiple websites. Start comparing today and ensure you have the right cover before you arrive in New Zealand.
Last updated: June 2026