Health insurance costs in New Zealand vary significantly based on your age, the level of cover you choose, your excess, and whether you're covering yourself, a couple, or a family.
Hospital Cover Premiums by Age (2026)
Hospital-only cover is the most popular and cost-effective starting point:
Age 25: From $60–$85/month Age 35: From $75–$110/month Age 45: From $100–$155/month Age 55: From $145–$220/month Age 65: From $200–$340/month
These are indicative figures for a standard excess of $500. Lower excesses ($250) increase premiums by 15–25%. Higher excesses ($1,000–$2,000) reduce premiums significantly.
Comprehensive Cover Premiums
Adding day-to-day and specialist cover to your hospital policy typically adds $40–$80/month depending on your age and provider.
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Family Premiums
Insuring a family (two adults + two children) typically costs $250–$450/month for comprehensive cover. Children's premiums are very low (often under $20/month each).
How to Reduce Your Premiums
1. Increase your excess: Moving from $250 to $1,000 excess can cut premiums by 30–40% 2. Buy young: Premiums increase with age, so locking in early saves money 3. Annual payment discount: Most providers offer 5–8% discount for paying annually 4. AIA Vitality: Earn discounts through healthy living with AIA 5. Group cover: Business health insurance is often cheaper per person
Premium Increases
All NZ health insurers increase premiums annually. Average increases have been 5–12% per year in recent years, driven by healthcare inflation and an ageing member base. Southern Cross typically increases premiums once per year on 1 April.