Private health insurance helps protect you from the unexpected. It’s an alternative to public, government funded healthcare and may offer a broader range of treatment options.
New Zealand has a great public healthcare system, with wonderful doctors and hospitals. It does a great job for Kiwis who need urgent treatment. The reality is that most treatment is not considered urgent, and often requires long periods on a waiting list (or for a condition to be considered severe enough to get a place on the waiting list!). Private health insurance funds quick access to, and a choice of, treatment in the private medical sector meaning you can get the best care without having to wait for the public system.
Health insurance is different from
income protection or
trauma insurance in that it pays for your medical costs. It is important to understand the difference.