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Health Insurance Explained - Eight Must-Watch Videos to Help You Understand What's Right For You

​We share eight essential videos explaining health insurance in plain English. We explain what's covered, costs, claims and pre-existing conditions in our must-watch videos
Updated 25 July 2025

Summary
  • Making decisions about health insurance can feel overwhelming. With a limited public healthcare system increasingly under pressure, rising private healthcare costs (and reports of insurance increases) and long public wait times for essential treatment, more New Zealanders are considering private health insurance than ever before.
  • But how do you know if health insurance is right for you, what should you look for in a policy, and how do you avoid costly mistakes?
  • Our comprehensive health insurance comparison outlines what you need to know with estimated costs. Additionally, we have collaborated with LifeDirect's insurance adviser and expert, Steven Hiillary, to share eight must-watch videos.
  • Steven has spent years helping New Zealanders navigate the complex world of insurance. As an experienced adviser, he has seen firsthand the confusion and mistakes people make when choosing health insurance. The videos LifeDirect shares with MoneyHub help you avoid mistakes by giving you an understanding of how to consider health insurance with confidence.

Our guide covers:
Why We Created Our Video Explainers
At MoneyHub, we believe everyone deserves access to clear, unbiased financial guidance. We work with LifeDirect, who provide a transparent way to buy health insurance, and have published these videos in an easy-to-digest video format for many reasons:
  • Visual learning works: Complex insurance concepts are easier to understand when explained visually
  • Time is precious: Each video is under 3 minutes, designed to respect your busy schedule
  • Real expertise matters: Steven brings years of practical experience helping real New Zealanders
  • No jargon: Everything is explained in plain English, that makes sense

What You'll Learn
This carefully curated playlist takes you through everything you need to know about health insurance in New Zealand. We've organised the videos in a logical sequence that builds your knowledge step-by-step:
  • Whether private health insurance is worth it for your situation
  • Exactly what's covered (and what's not)
  • How to navigate pre-existing conditions
  • Understanding the true costs involved
  • Making successful claims when you need them

Why Watch All the Videos?
While each video stands alone, watching the complete series in the order below gives you a comprehensive understanding that could save you thousands of dollars and prevent costly mistakes. We view it as a valuable consultation with an insurance expert, which allows you to watch it at your own pace, rewind the tricky bits, and share it with family members who need the same guidance.

How to Use This Guide
  1. Start at the beginning: The videos are ordered to build your knowledge progressively
  2. Take notes: Jot down questions or points relevant to your situation
  3. Share with family: These decisions often affect loved ones too
  4. Come back anytime: Bookmark this page for when you're ready to make decisions

Video Guides - Health Insurance Explained

Our eight-part video series breaks down complex health insurance topics into digestible, practical advice. Each video is designed to answer the questions that matter most to New Zealanders considering private health insurance. From understanding basic coverage to mastering the claims process, LifeDirect's trusted adviser Steven Hillary guides you through every essential aspect.

Part 1: Making the Decision

Public Healthcare vs Private: Do You Need Medical Insurance? - 1:02

​Start here. Steven breaks down the key differences between public and private healthcare in New Zealand, helping you understand whether private insurance makes sense for your circumstances. This foundation video helps you make an informed choice before diving into the details.

What Does Health Insurance Cover in New Zealand? (Explained Simply) - 1:56

Now that you understand the "why," let's explore the "what." Steven explains exactly what health insurance policies typically include, from specialist consultations to surgical procedures, giving you a clear picture of what you're buying.

Part 2: Critical Considerations

What NZ Health Insurance Doesn't Cover (Important to Know) - 1:17

This could save you from nasty surprises. Steven reveals the common exclusions that catch people off guard. Understanding what's not covered is just as important as knowing what is, and could prevent disappointment when you need to claim.

Can You Get Health Insurance with Pre-existing Conditions in NZ? - 1:30

If you have existing health conditions, this video is essential viewing. Steven explains your options, what insurers look for, and strategies for getting coverage even with pre-existing conditions.

Is Health Insurance for Kids Worth It in NZ? - 1:05

A must-watch for parents - Steven addresses the unique considerations for insuring children, including cost-benefit analysis and what conditions are most likely to affect kids in New Zealand.

Part 3: Understanding Costs & Making It Work

​How Much Does Health Insurance Cost and What Impacts the Price? - 1:32

Get realistic about costs. Steven breaks down the factors that influence premiums, from age and lifestyle to coverage levels, helping you budget effectively and understand what drives pricing.

How Health Insurance Excess Works in NZ (And How to Set Yours Right) - 1:11

Master the balance between premiums and excess. Steven explains how choosing the right excess can significantly impact your overall costs and shares strategies for finding your sweet spot.

How to Claim on Medical Insurance in NZ (Step-by-Step) - 1:22

When you need to make a claim, you'll want this step-by-step guide handy. Steven walks you through the claims process, outlines the necessary documentation, and provides tips for a smooth and successful claims experience.

Comparing and Buying Health Insurance - Next Steps

Ready to Compare Policies?
  • Use our comprehensive health insurance comparison guide to see real prices from New Zealand's leading insurers. Get instant quotes tailored to your age, location, and health needs.

Need Personalised Advice?
Take Action and Make a Decision
If you're still unsure how to proceed, we suggest the following:
  1. Today: Watch the videos and take notes on your key concerns
  2. Tomorrow: Get three to five quotes using LifeDirect's comparison tool
  3. Day 3: Book a consultation if you have specific questions - you will also need to check if your employer offers any health insurance cover or subsidies, list any pre-existing conditions and talk to your partner or family

Our View: Good health insurance doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. The best policy is simply one you understand, can afford, and gives you choices when you need them most. Even basic coverage opens doors that the public system can't.

Frequently Asked Questions

These videos provide general guidance, but we know everyone's situation is unique. We have listed common queries below, but if you'd like personalised advice tailored to your specific circumstances, you can contact the team at LifeDirect.

Should I watch these videos even if I already have health insurance?

Yes - many New Zealanders are paying for coverage they don't understand or missing out on benefits they're entitled to. Steven's insights on claims processes, excess structures, and coverage gaps could help you optimise your current policy or identify if you're overpaying. The videos take around twelve minutes to watch (in total) and could potentially save thousands on ongoing costs.

How recent is this information? Does it reflect the current NZ health insurance market?

These videos were created specifically for the 2025 New Zealand market and reflect current insurer practices, pricing structures, and coverage options. We update our content when significant market changes occur. For quote prices and estimates, please visit our health insurance comparison.

The principles Steven discusses - how excess works or pre-existing conditions are assessed - remain consistent across insurers.

I'm young and healthy. Why should I care about health insurance now?

We believe this is perfect time to learn about health insurance. Premiums are lowest when you're young and healthy, and getting coverage now means you're protected before any health issues develop (which would then become pre-existing conditions). Plus, understanding these concepts early helps you make better financial decisions throughout your life.

Will these videos try to sell me LifeDirect's services?

No - these are purely educational videos designed to help you understand health insurance concepts. While Steven works for LifeDirect, the videos focus on universal principles that apply regardless of which adviser or insurer you choose. There's no sales pitch or pressure to use any particular service.

My employer offers health insurance. Should I still watch these?

Yes - understanding what your employer's policy actually covers (and doesn't cover) is crucial. Many workplace schemes have limitations or exclusions you should know about. Additionally, you'll need this knowledge if you ever change jobs or want to supplement your corporate coverage.

I've been declined for health insurance before. Is it worth watching these?

Yes - Steven specifically addresses pre-existing conditions and strategies for getting coverage even after previous declines. Insurance underwriting isn't black and white and understanding how insurers assess risk could help you successfully reapply or find alternative coverage options.

How do I know if the information applies to my specific situation?

While the videos cover general principles that apply to most situations, they're designed to give you the knowledge to ask the right questions about your specific circumstances. After watching, you'll know exactly what to discuss with an adviser or insurer about your unique needs.

What if I have questions after watching the videos?

The videos are designed to answer the most common questions, but everyone's situation is unique. You can explore our detailed written guides, use our comparison tools, or speak with an independent adviser (like Steven) for personalised advice - you can visit the LifeDirect website to get instant quotes as a starting point.

Do these videos cover specific insurance companies like Southern Cross or nib?

The videos focus on New Zealand-specific concepts that apply across all insurers rather than company-specific details. This approach gives you the knowledge to evaluate any insurer effectively. For company-specific comparisons, you can visit our detailed health insurance policy comparison.
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