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students, workers & explorers going to New Zealand & travelling from New Zealand.
Answer our simple questions to get started
InsurancesafeNZ provides three different travel insurance policy categories: Studentsafe, Workersafe and Explorersafe. This means that if you’re travelling to New Zealand, travelling within New Zealand or temporarily leaving New Zealand, we have something to offer you. Use the Policy Finder to narrow your policy search and get a quote. Our website is also packed with great information on how to keep safe, how to make the most of your time abroad and how to understand your travel insurance policy better. If you need further assistance contact one of our friendly staff on our toll-free number 0800 486 004 (within NZ) or +64 9 488 1638 (outside of NZ).
A sudden medical emergency struck, a collapsed lung due to an undiagnosed cyst, Tasbiha's world was turned upside down. Tasbiha is an international PhD student studying Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Otago, she came to New Zealand to pursue her passion in science.
With her family thousands of kilometres away in Pakistan, Tasbiha faced one of the most challenging moments of her life. Thankfully, she had Studentsafe Medical and Travel Insurance when she needed it most, e
Studying in New Zealand is an adventure of a lifetime, which is why a range of unexpected bumps and accidents are covered under Studentsafe policies.
But when it comes to certain medical conditions, you may not be automatically covered. That’s why it’s important to disclose any medical conditions you want cover for.
The term “Pre-existing Medical Conditions” is commonly used when applying for insurance. This refers to your medical history and the full definition can be found on
Being in good health is key to embarking on an exciting study adventure in New Zealand.
Anyone planning to study in New Zealand for more than three months is required to apply for a student visa.
When applying for a new or to renew a visa, you may need to provide New Zealand Immigration with medical information to demonstrate an acceptable level of health.
Studentsafe policies do not cover medical costs for your visa application.
Studentsafe policies are desig
Your wellbeing is important which is why Studentsafe provides cover for medical and related expenses.
But before you make an appointment for check-ups related to your health, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered under your policy.
Studentsafe does not provide cover for certain medical tests listed as Exclusions under Section 1: Medical and Related Expenses as set out below:
9. Health screening, medical and dentals reviews or vaccinations.
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Staying healthy plays a vital role in making the most of your study adventure. If you have been prescribed medication and are looking to make a claim, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered under your policy.
Just because a certain medication has been prescribed by your doctor, it does not mean that it is automatically covered.
Studentsafe does not provide cover for certain medical tests listed as Exclusions u
Starting a new school is a big change for anyone. It’s an extra big change if your new school is also in a new country! It’s natural to feel nervous and unsure about what school in New Zealand might be like, but the good news is that most schools here are friendly, supportive environments where students of all ages are encouraged to do their best and find subjects that they are interested in.
The most common way that schools
If you’re reading this article, you’ve already made a sensible choice. If you’re in a new relationship, or thinking about starting to date, it’s important to think about how you can ensure that you and your partner stay safe when you’re having a little extra ‘fun’.
So read on to learn more about what steps you should be taking to keep safe. The consequences can range from irritating to life-threatening – and that isn’t a gamble anyone should take.
Unless you’re really into skiing, winter in New Zealand isn’t really the most exciting time of year. It’s not cold enough for there to be pretty snow falling in the cities, but it’s still cold enough that you don’t want to spend time outside unless you have to. Instead of snow, we mostly get rain and wind. It’s certainly not terrible – but it does give you a good excuse to go somewhere sunny if you have the time and budge
Adjusting to a new workplace comes with challenges wherever you are in the world – and if you're in a new country as well as a new workplace, those changes can be even more extreme. New Zealand culture is quite friendly and informal, and this extends to many workplaces. But it can be difficult at times to understand where the limit is – how casual is too casual and what will make you look unprofessional? How formal is too formal and what will make you look too unapproachable?
Some of
A healthy worker is a more productive worker. It seems like an obvious statement to make, but in today’s working world, many workers feel that they have keep pushing and pushing to get results – even at the expense of their health and wellbeing. Workplaces need to be more supportive of their staff to make sure that they feel they are able to take time to get healthy if they are unwell, or to express their concerns if they are overburdened with stress.
In some ways many may find New Zealand airports easier to understand and less stressful than other airports. Our customs agents aren’t armed, and they tend to be friendly unless you give them reason not to be. The airports themselves aren’t huge multi-terminal places where you can get lost just trying to find the right place to check-in.
But in other ways, they can seem very strict for people not familiar with New Zealand and our unique place in the world. Our biosecurity rules in par
Every city has its secrets. When you live somewhere it can be very easy to get caught up in your day-to-day activities and forget about the beauty that surrounds you. However, while travelling it is a completely different story; you’re there to create memories and explore every corner
Flatting doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a number of ways you can set up a flat on a budget without losing out on quality and the occasional treat. To make sure that you get the best experience possible no matter what your income may be, we’ve brought together a few of our favourite tips and t
When you’re planning adventures overseas, there’s so much excitement that it can be easy to forget about the parts of travel that are a little less glamorous. Organising travel insurance may not be as thrilling as planning your routes and researching the major attraction
You’ve booked your flights and accommodation, bought your travel insurance, taken time off work and are just about ready to take off on your holiday!
Regardless of whether you’re a frequent flier or
For many people, the shift from university study to the working world is one of the biggest changes they will ever experience. Life until that point is focused on formal education – sitting in class, doing homework, taking notes… and then all of a sudden, it’s time to step out into
Graduating is an exciting process – it’s time to celebrate the years you’ve spent working hard towards getting your degree! But then it’s time to become a fully-fledged grown-up contributing your part to society.
Everyone has something to offer
Whe
Relocating to a new country for work is hugely exciting. Getting a new job and home and navigating new cultures, practices and languages is an immersive experience and can be incredibly consuming.
An “out with the old, in with the new” approach can be tempting – after all, you’re making a
Your Duty of Disclosure
When you apply for insurance cover, you are required by law to provide complete and up-to-date risk-relevant information – this is sometimes called disclosure of material facts. You must also disc
In general, the younger your children are the easier it will be for them to pick u
For many of us, our pets are part of the family. For expats intending to move overseas with their pet, planning and research before the move is essential. It is crucial to ensure the welfare of your beloved pet during and after transit, and that regulation surrounding the importation and exportation of pets is complied with.
Research animal import regulations for your new country of residence, to determine what conditions must be met for your pet to be allowed en
Reverse culture shock refers to the difficulty sometimes experienced when returning to your home country after studying abroad, and it is a common phenomenon among many international students today. It can result in unexpected difficulty in readjusting to the culture and values of your home country, now that the previou
There is a wide variety of scams that, unfortunately, are specifically targeted at international students preying on the vulnerability of living independently in a foreign country. International students are unaware of the normal local protocols and processes in place, making it hard to spot and identify any scam. Whether you are just starting university or wrapping up a master's, it is more important than ever for you to be cyber conscious.
Scammers are never going to go away, so i
No matter where you go in the world, someone will tell you to keep safe and often there’s a good reason for it. When travelling or moving somewhere new it can be tempting to step outside of your comfort zone and give everything a go. While this is a great attitude it’s important to explore your new surroundings in ways that will keep you safe and healthy.
Ensuring you’re familiar with the customs and cultures of your new home will help you take in to account things you may never have thought to look out for before you moved.
Learn the road rules
Learning the road rules is essential to safe driving and will help you know which direction to look in when you’re crossing the road. In New Zealand we drive on the left-hand side of the road which can be confusing for many people coming from countries where one drives on the right-hand side. You may also find that the steering wheel and indicators are in a different position to what you are used to. Before you set out on an adventure it’s worth familiarising yourself with the car you’re driving. If you own your own vehicle, it’s also a good idea to invest in car insurance.
Looking after yourself
Diet
Big lifestyle changes often cause weight gain, which can cause many people to experience changes in their mood (often for the worse). Make sure you are looking after yourself by having at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day to maintain a healthy weight and immune system, combat illness and keep your mood sunny!
If your body isn’t used to certain foods from your new local cuisine try introducing them into your diet gradually by having small amounts at a time at first. This will allow you to ensure you aren’t allergic to new foods and if you are, the effects should be minimal due to the small quantities you’ve eaten.
Exercise
Being surrounded by new and exciting experiences often means your exercise routine goes to the bottom of the list of things to do. However, keeping fit is important for maintaining a sound mind and to reducing illness and injury. Don’t let your body down – consider joining a local gym, social sports team or community activity centre just by searching online. This is also a great way to meet new people in your local area who share your interests.
Being safe around water
If you live somewhere like New Zealand that’s surrounded by water, it’s worth enrolling in swimming lessons to ensure you stay safe. Your local YMCA or leisure centre should be able to point you in the right direction. Water safety and swimming lessons are also vital for kids who may not have had much experience in and around bodies of water. If you’re out on the water in a boat, kayak, canoe or even a paddleboard, always wear a life jacket even if you’re a strong swimmer. You never know what could happen and if you go overboard a lifejacket will help you to float, prevent fatigue and help you be visible to rescuers.
If you’re at the beach in New Zealand and lifeguards have flags on the beach make sure you only swim in the area between them. These flags indicate the safest place to swim and will be where lifeguards focus their attention should anything happen. Many New Zealand beaches have rips (strong underwater currents that can pull you out to sea) just off the shore. Rips appear as flat, glassy sections of water – familiarise yourself with that they look like and keep yourself and kids away from them when swimming.
Be equipped
If you head out for a walk it’s important to be equipped for anything as the weather can change any minute especially in New Zealand! Pack a bag with sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, a water bottle, charged mobile phone and an extra top layer just in case the weather turns.
When hiking make sure you tell someone where you are headed and what time you are expected to be back. Many people not familiar with their local terrain get lost or trapped in remote areas. Check the weather conditions before you head off and pack a bag with the essentials; food, water, extra layers of clothing, a torch, a pocket knife, and a charged mobile phone.
Take a note of local support organisations
When moving to a new country, learn the numbers for local support organisations like your student support office and emergency services such as the police, fire station and ambulance. In New Zealand the emergency services line is 111.
Have a buddy
Safety really is in numbers so wherever you are, it’s always worth having a buddy. When walking home late at night check to see if anyone you are out with is walking in the same direction as you are, and walk together. When catching a taxi get the name and cab number and send it to a friend so that you have a record should anything happen. If you’re going away for weekends try and get a group together rather than setting out on your own. If you do go out alone, let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Have insurance
Hopefully you won’t need to claim anything on your insurance while you are studying abroad, but it’s a good idea to have insurance anyway in case something unexpected happens. Travel and medical cover are the most important types of insurance to get while overseas. Make sure you read through your policy carefully, as you may not be covered for certain things, such as accidents that happen under the influence of alcohol. It’s also worth checking that your insurance covers your belongings as many policies have clauses stating that items have to be on your person or in a safe to be covered.
Know your local areas
When in a new country, it can be exciting to step out of your comfort zone and live on the wild side. While it is great to get off the beaten track and explore, talk to local people or consult a guidebook for things to do (or not do, as the case may be!) first. In some areas you may need to watch your belongings closely or avoid walking around late at night, but it’s not always immediately obvious if this is the case, so insider knowledge is extremely valuable. If a local has advised you against going to a particular area, it’s worth listening to their advice – they won’t give it without having a good reason.
Think about where you want to live
Your living situation can affect your life hugely so before you leave or when you first arrive in a country, prioritise arranging accommodation. When considering flats or houses think about things like how far away you’ll be from local shops, amenities and schools. If you’re a social person try to arrange to live somewhere where there are lots of other people to interact with, as opposed to living on your own as this may colour your experience. Finding a room in an established flat is easy – there are lots of groups on social media, so do a bit of research. If you prefer to have some space and greenery you may struggle living in an apartment, so somewhere suburban or rural is likely to suit you better. If you’re a high internet user check with your landlord what the internet access is like to make sure that you don’t get hit with massive bills if there is a low data cap. Some universities provide campus accommodation and if they don’t they will often be able to assist you to find a flat with other students.
Check your rental agreement
Always check rental or flatting agreements before signing and take some time to read over the details carefully so you know exactly what to expect. Take note of the notice period you are required to give when moving out and what notice landlords will have to give you should they want to sell or renovate. Some places may lock you into a year-long contract which means it can be hard to leave when you want. If there’s a 21-day notice period for a shared flatting situation this can be a good thing if you suddenly realise you are living in an area where you don’t feel comfortable.
Research the country you are moving to
If you have a basic understanding of the customs, traditions, ethics and culture of the country you are going to before you leave, you’ll be far better prepared when arriving. It’s worth taking note of words, gestures and actions that are considered rude or aggressive so you know what to expect and how to stay safe. For example, in New Zealand the thumbs up signal is a sign of approval or agreement whereas in the Middle East the same gesture is considered offensive.
There are a number of things you can do before moving to a new country to put yourself in the best position possible for when you arrive. Make sure you’ve done your research and are prepared for the culture you are about to enter into. Using your common sense, being aware of your situation and being polite and respectful will take you a long way. While there are many things to think about initially as you adjust to your surroundings these will become second nature allowing you to focus on having fun and creating memories that will last you a lifetime!
InsurancesafeNZ Medical and Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners (NZBN 9429035270157) under binder with and on behalf of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited (NZBN 9429039809810, FSP Number 20661) (Incorporated in Japan) as the underwriter.
You should read the Policy Wording and consider obtaining independent legal or financial advice before making any decisions about this insurance. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply.
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited - Financial Strength Rating.
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited has a financial strength rating of A+ (Stable) given by S&P Global Ratings. The S&P Global rating scale* in summary form is:
The rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
Further information on the S&P Global ratings is available here: https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/products-benefits/products/financial-strength-rating.
