Health Insurance
Health insurance gives you access to private medical treatment when you need it — without waiting lists, without financial stress, and without compromising your care because of cost.
Health insurance
Private health care when you need it — not when the public system is ready for you
The New Zealand public health system is excellent for emergencies but can involve significant waiting times for elective procedures and specialist consultations. Health insurance bridges that gap, giving you timely access to private treatment when it matters most.
Have you considered what would happen if you needed surgery and faced a public waiting list of 12 months or more? Would you be able to afford private treatment out of pocket? Health insurance ensures you never have to make that choice.
The right health insurance policy covers specialist consultations, surgical procedures, diagnostic tests, and in some cases cancer treatment and mental health support. We help you understand what different policies actually cover and recommend the one that fits your situation and budget.
What's Included
Health insurance is not just about covering treatment costs — it is about maintaining your ability to work, earn, and live your life while you receive the care you need. The financial and personal cost of a prolonged public waiting list can be significant.
We assess your health history, your family situation, and your budget to recommend cover that provides genuine value — not just a policy that looks good on paper but fails when you need it.
Policy comparison and needs assessment
We compare health insurance products across the New Zealand market to identify the policy that provides the most relevant cover for your health history, your family situation, and your budget.
Understanding what is and is not covered
Health insurance policies vary significantly in what they cover. We make sure you understand the inclusions, exclusions, and waiting periods of any policy before you commit to it.
Family health insurance strategy
We help you assess whether individual policies, family policies, or a combination is the most cost-effective approach for covering your household.
Ongoing review as health and life circumstances change
Your health insurance needs evolve over time. We review your cover regularly and recommend adjustments when your health status, family size, or budget changes.
What people say about Collaborative Consulting
“I got to know John whilst working with him in developing his company’s brand principles to strengthen the emotional connectedness with his clients. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of John’s ethics and strong desire to help people both through the good times and the bad times.
His strongest desire is to make a tangible difference for his clients and future generations of their family. John has a strong sense of family, he believes strongly in wanting to contribute back to the community.
I can honestly say I have not met a financial adviser where money is not the financial driver for him, it’s much more personal, it’s about making a difference. I’d recommend anyone who wants certainty in their financial investments talk to John.”
Michael Major BA (Hons) MDM
Property Development Consultant, Future Proofing Strategist
“John is the consummate professional in the Financial Planning and Investment sector. He has walked the talk, having successfully grown and lead businesses to achieve dramatic results. Through it all, he has helped people reach their personal and professional goals and engages with them comprehensively to ensure they achieve what they need to.
There’s no nonsense with John – if you want to succeed, he will help you do it and in doing so, you will meet and be assisted by one of the nicest and most professional people I know, who also lives by a set of principles steeped in integrity. A hard thing to find these days!
I strongly recommend you contact John and get to know him. You won’t regret it.”
Warren Cummins
Managing Director, Dale Carnegie Auckland and BRS Management
“Choosing someone to look after your money is an important decision especially if you are like me and have no idea about investments.
When I left my marriage I had money from the sale of the house. As I was now on my own financially I understood that I needed to ensure that not only was my money going to be safe but would also be working for my future.
I met with a few financial advisers but none of them really instilled me with confidence. I was feeling a bit lost and frightened about making the wrong decision.
Pam Martin
Arbonne Independent Consultant
“We are all specialists in our own area of business. We love referring our clients to an equally dedicated specialist, John Milner of Collaborative Consulting Ltd.
John has been able to help our clients leverage and re-invest their hard-won gains, made both personally, and in business. John has been working in his area of Investment Expertise for a long- time, so has ridden all of those waves in the marketplace. He is committed to helping clients mitigate their investment risk, and in these days and times, his level-head and thorough but relatable approach to Investment are exactly what we all need.
He makes investing simple, effective and takes the worry away.”
James Kelso
CPA, Director, Kelso Marsh Consulting Ltd
“I have known for some time now as part of my business networking group. From the start I have been impressed by John’s professionalism and his knowledge base. John takes what he does seriously and is quite clearly very dedicated to serving his clients well.
I have no trouble recommending him to anyone in need of sound financial advice.”
Rory Laubscher
Corporate Photography Specialist Firefly Photography
Our Process
When you work with us, we use our proven 3-step system. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Health insurance that works when you need it most
Years of experience helping New Zealanders access timely, appropriate health care through well-structured insurance cover.
The right health insurance policy means you never have to wait for the care you need, compromise on the quality of your treatment, or deplete your savings to cover unexpected medical costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about health insurance in New Zealand? Get in touch — we are happy to help.
What does health insurance typically cover in New Zealand?
Most health insurance policies cover specialist consultations, surgical procedures, and diagnostic tests including MRIs and CT scans. Some policies also cover cancer treatment, mental health support, and physiotherapy. The specific inclusions vary significantly by policy and insurer.
Will health insurance cover my pre-existing conditions?
Most health insurance policies in New Zealand exclude pre-existing conditions at the time of application. Some insurers offer cover for conditions that have been symptom-free for a specified period. We help you understand what each policy will and will not cover given your health history.
Is health insurance worth it if I am already healthy?
Health insurance is most valuable precisely when you are healthy — because that is when you can get cover on the best terms and at the lowest premium. Waiting until you have a health issue often means those conditions are excluded.
What is the difference between health insurance and trauma cover?
Health insurance covers the cost of medical treatment. Trauma cover pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness — it is designed to cover income loss and lifestyle costs rather than treatment bills. Both can be valuable and they serve different purposes.
Can I choose my own specialist or surgeon?
Yes, in most cases. Private health insurance typically allows you to choose your own specialist and hospital, giving you greater control over your care than the public system.
How do health insurance premiums change as I get older?
Premiums generally increase with age as health risks increase. Locking in cover while you are young and healthy is the most cost-effective approach. We help you plan ahead so your cover remains affordable over time.
Do you work with clients across New Zealand?
Yes. We advise clients throughout New Zealand on health insurance via video call and phone. Your location is no barrier to getting the right advice.
Related insurance and financial protection services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of protection and financial planning needs.
Receive a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke — covering treatment costs and income loss during recovery.
Ensure your family is financially protected if you die — covering debts, replacing income, and providing long-term security for the people who depend on you.
Replace your income if illness or injury prevents you from working — keeping your mortgage, your savings, and your family’s living costs on track while you recover.