Retaining your health cover when things are financially tough

COVID-19 has had far-reaching health and economic implications. If you’re currently experiencing financial hardship, our team have a range of support options to help you retain your health cover, until you get on your feet again.

Call us on 0800 123 642 to discuss options.

COVID 19 Vaccine and your cover

Receiving a MedSafe approved COVID-19 vaccine does not impact your health cover. If you would like more information about the COVID-19 vaccine we recommend you talk to your GP and take a look at these resources.

Does my policy cover me for doctor and specialist appointments by video or phone?

COVID-19 restrictions have helped us to realise that there’s many things that don’t always need to be done face-to-face – including seeing your GP or specialist.

As a result, any GP or specialist consultations covered under our policies, can now be carried out via the phone, video or in-person. They will be covered in line with your policy terms and conditions.

What happens if my treatment is delayed or cancelled as a result of COVID-19?

If your treatment is delayed or cancelled as a result of COVID-19, your medical practitioner, specialist or surgeon will contact you to advise you on what the next steps are.

If your new treatment date is within 90 days from the pre-approval letter, no action is required. If it's outside the 90 days from the pre-approval letter, please call us on 0800 123 642 or email [email protected]

What do I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you think you may have COVID-19, call the dedicated government Healthline number on 0800 358 5453 and advise them of your symptoms. This service is free and available 24/7.

For information on symptoms and where to get help, refer to the Ministry of Health wesbite.

For non-COVID-19 health concerns, use Healthline’s main number – 0800 611 116.

Does my health insurance cover COVID-19?

The Ministry of Health will cover the cost of your hospitalisation if you are admitted to public hospital with COVID-19.

The extent of the Ministry of Health cover will be determined based on what is appropriate in the circumstances to address the risks to other people and as determined appropriate by a clinician. For more information please visit here

For expenses that aren’t covered by the Ministry of Health you can check your policy details on mynib to see if there may be some out-of-pocket expenses that nib may cover.

However, please be aware that in New Zealand most health insurance policies have an exclusion for acute medical conditions and observations. An acute medical condition means a sign, symptom or condition that needs hospital admission for treatment or monitoring, immediately or within 48 hours.

Will COVID-19 be considered a pre-existing condition?

If you join nib and have any pre-existing medical conditions such as COVID-19, you may need to disclose these at time of joining. Some pre-existing medical conditions may be covered immediately, while others may have a stand-down period or be permanently excluded.

To find out more about private hospital cover click here

How might healthcare providers treat me if I'm unvaccinated?

We recommend you contact your healthcare provider to find out what their COVID-19 procedures are. They have many regulations to follow to keep patients safe, including Government guidelines for unvaccinated patients.

Use the nib Find a Provider directory to search for private healthcare providers across New Zealand Some things you might be asked to do when seeing a healthcare provider can include:

• Answering screening questions

• Wearing a mask

• Using hand sanitiser

• Scanning the QR code upon arrival

• Rescheduling your appointment if you’re feeling unwell

• Providing a negative COVID-19 test result

• Having a Tele-health consultation if unvaccinated

• Attending appointments alone or with one support person

• Presenting your Vaccination passport before the appointment or treatment

Does my cover change or my premiums change if I’m unvaccinated?

The benefits and premiums on your policy currently remain unchanged regardless of your vaccination status.

If no provider near me accepts unvaccinated patients, will nib pay for my transport and accommodation to go to another provider?

If there is no provider near your residence that can perform your procedure due to your vaccination status, please contact us to discuss your options available.

Last updated : 6/12/2021