Pre-existing conditions are health problems that exist at the time you apply for insurance. These conditions are defined as any illness, sickness, disease, injury, medical condition or symptom, on or before the commencement date:

a) which you or any insured person was aware of; or
b) which you or the insured person had signs or symptoms of; or
c) which you or the insured person sought investigation or medical advice for; or
d) where a symptom existed that would cause a reasonable person in the circumstances to seek diagnosis, care or treatment.

Insurers will treat these in one of three ways:

• by excluding your pre-existing condition from your insurance cover, or
• by charging a higher premium to cover your pre-existing condition, or
• by covering your pre-existing condition only after your policy has been running for a set period of time.

It is very important to inform the insurer of any existing conditions during the application process. Failure to do so may lead to a future claim being declined. That's why it's important to take out the right health insurance policy early, before you develop a medical condition that may be exculded from your cover.

Anyone between the ages of 16 & 70 who is either a New Zealand Citizen, a permanent resident or on a 2 Year work permit is eligible to apply for health insurance. Note - If you are unsure about eligibility then please contact us for further details