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?
IIf 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. We provide insurance from Southern Cross Insurance company or you can organise your own insurance
from other insurance providers. |