Queens Academic Group

Insurance Information

Why do I have to get insurance to study in New Zealand?

As a signatory to the NZ Ministry of Education's Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, International students that are enrolled with Queens, must adhere to the following:

MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE: International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.

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 http://www.moh.govt.nz.

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 other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz.

What type of insurance should I get?

You have to get both travel and medical insurance. Most insurance providers will sell you travel and medical insurance as a package deal. Medical insurance should cover you for emergency costs, hospital fees, emergency surgery, resuscitation, and emergency evacuation to your home country. Travel insurance should cover you for theft of personal property, damage you cause to other people's property, missed airport transfers, and cancelled travel plans.

You should ask the school or seek professional advice if you are not sure if an insurer is reputable. As a general guide you should ensure the insurer has a credit rating no lower than A from Standard and Poors, or B+ from A M Best.

How long should I get insurance for?

You have to get insurance for the duration of your study. Research has shown that most of the risk associated with going to another country is when you are travelling - e.g. lost baggage or cancelled air flights. Therefore, you are strongly advised to obtain travel insurance that covers you prior to your departure to New Zealand.

What will happen if I refuse to provide evidence of travel and medical insurance?

If you cannot obtain or refuse to provide evidence that you have travel and medical insurance, New Zealand government regulations require that we do not enrol you at Queens. If you do not have insurance when you arrive or have forgotten to bring your insurance documents, we will grant provisional enrolment status and give you a brief opportunity to provide evidence that you hold suitable travel and medical insurance.

Where can I buy suitable insurance from?

Your education agent can organise this for you or your can do it through the school. You can buy insurance from the following New Zealand insurance companies or you can organise your own insurance.

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