New Zealand Working Holiday Visa: Insurance Requirements

Unlike many destinations, New Zealand officially requires medical insurance for the Working Holiday Visa. Immigration New Zealand states it plainly: "You must have full medical insurance for the length of your stay", including cover for a stay in hospital, and you may be asked to prove it on arrival. France is not among the exempt countries (Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom).

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa conditions

• Age: 18 to 30, once in a lifetime.
• Duration: up to 12 months.
• Funds: at least NZD 4,200 to cover living expenses.
• Onward ticket required, or proof of funds to buy one (on top of the NZD 4,200).
• Visa fee: from NZD 770.
• Full medical insurance required for the entire stay.

What your insurance must cover

• Medical costs and hospitalisation (healthcare is expensive in New Zealand);
• Medical repatriation;
• validity for the full length of your stay, with no gap in cover;
• 24/7 assistance and, ideally, personal liability.

A bank-card policy or a short travel-insurance plan will not meet the requirement. Immigration can refuse entry if cover does not span the whole stay.

How much does it cost?

Expect roughly €30 to €60 per month depending on the level of cover, i.e. about €400 to €700 for a full year. Compare the medical and repatriation limits, not just the price.

FAQ

Is insurance really mandatory? Yes - it is an official visa condition in New Zealand, unlike some other Working Holiday schemes where it is only recommended.

Can I buy it before leaving? Yes, and you should: you must be able to prove cover on arrival.