Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that, from April 19, 2026, health insurance for the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) will change to make it clearer and easier for migrants and employers to meet the requirements. People on a PSV are not eligible for publicly funded health care, so private health insurance is required where employment is longer than three months.
Key Changes
- The changes reflect the health insurance products that are currently available in the New Zealand market and will reduce uncertainty for people applying for, or employers supporting, a Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) application.
- Health insurance will no longer be required to cover repatriation of remains in any circumstances. In line with the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) requirements, compliant insurance may exclude cover for:
- pre-existing conditions
- sexually transmitted infections
- pregnancy and childbirth (except certain complications)
- HIV-related illness
- costs, including repatriation of remains in the event of death by suicide
- situations that involve the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs.
Impact of Changes
Until now, PSV health insurance requirements have not matched what is available in the New Zealand insurance market. In particular, existing insurance products do not include some of the coverage previously required, such as repatriation of remains in any circumstance. This has made it difficult for migrants to obtain compliant insurance and has created uncertainty and delays for employers supporting applications.
Applications submitted before April 19, 2026, will not be disadvantaged. Applications already in progress will be assessed under transitional arrangements, allowing them to be considered against the updated health insurance requirements. This ensures applications can continue to be processed without unnecessary delay.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.