Everyday Health Cover
Claim back everyday health costs like GP visits, prescriptions, and optical.
What Is Everyday Health Cover?
Everyday health cover is designed for the routine costs that add up throughout the year — GP visits at $60–90 each, prescription costs, dentist check-ups, new glasses or contact lenses, and allied health like physiotherapy or chiropractic. Most New Zealanders find that these expenses cost $800–$2,000 per year across a family, and everyday cover can reimburse a significant portion.
Unlike hospital or surgical cover, everyday health cover is about frequent, predictable expenses rather than big-ticket events. It works on a claims-reimbursement basis — you pay upfront at the GP or pharmacy, submit a claim (usually via app), and receive reimbursement within a few business days.
Everyday cover is often most valuable for families with young children (frequent GP visits, dental work) and people who rely on ongoing allied health treatments like physiotherapy. It's typically purchased as an add-on to surgical or major medical cover, though some providers offer it as a standalone product.
What's Covered
GP consultation rebates ($20–$60 per visit)
Prescription medicine subsidies
Dental check-ups and basic treatment
Optical — glasses frames and lenses or contacts
Physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic
Specialist referral consultations
Skin lesion removal
Annual health check support
Who Needs Everyday Health Cover?
Families with young children who visit the GP regularly
People needing ongoing physio or allied health treatment
Contact lens or glasses wearers facing high optical costs
Adults with regular prescription costs
Anyone who wants to make healthcare a habit, not a cost barrier
Real Claim Scenarios
Family with three children
A Tauranga family of five had $3,200 in healthcare costs in a year — GP visits for illnesses and sports injuries, two pairs of glasses, physio, and dental.
Their everyday cover policy reimbursed $1,840 of those costs. The policy cost $1,100/year — a net saving of $740 plus the peace of mind of claiming freely.
Ongoing physiotherapy
An office worker in Auckland needed 12 sessions of physio after a shoulder injury. At $90 per session that was $1,080 out of pocket.
His everyday cover reimbursed $60 per session — $720 back in his pocket. The annual premium was $360 — a significant net return for a single injury.
NZ Providers Offering This Cover
A licensed adviser compares all of these on your behalf at no charge.
Southern CrossRECOMMENDED
Easiest claims process via app
Accuro (now UniMed)RECOMMENDED
Competitive everyday cover rates
nib
Strong digital claims experience
AIA
Good wellness programme integration
Partners Life
Flexible benefit amounts
What Affects the Cost?
Premiums for Everyday Health Cover vary between individuals. These are the key factors that determine your rate:
Benefit limits — how much per category per year
Number of people covered — family vs. individual
Age of insured — minor factor for everyday cover
Waiting periods — typically 2 months for routine expenses
Whether purchased standalone or as an add-on to hospital cover
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Everyday Health Cover actually cover?
Everyday health cover (also called day-to-day cover) reimburses routine medical expenses — GP visits, prescriptions, dental check-ups, optical, and physiotherapy. It reduces the financial burden of regular healthcare throughout the year.
How much does Everyday Health Cover cost per month?
Everyday Health Cover starts from $30/month for a healthy adult, but your actual premium depends on your age, health history, chosen excess, and level of cover. A licensed adviser will get you an accurate personalised quote from all major providers.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from cover, or may be subject to a premium loading. The definitions vary by insurer, and some conditions may be covered after a stand-down period. An adviser will help you understand each provider's approach before you commit.
How do I claim?
Most NZ insurers have a smartphone app for submitting claims. For surgical or hospital claims, your specialist or hospital typically handles the claim directly. For everyday cover claims, you submit receipts and are reimbursed within a few business days.
Ready to Compare Everyday Health Cover?
A licensed NZ adviser will compare all major providers and present you with the best options for your situation. No obligation.
Get a Quote →Related Guides
- → Compare All NZ Health Insurance Providers
- → NZ Health Insurance Guides & Articles
- → Frequently Asked Questions
- → Get a Personalised Quote
External resources: PHARMAC (funded medicines) · Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) · FMA — Insurance guidance
BestHealthInsurance.co.nz is an independent referral service. We connect you with licensed insurance advisers regulated under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. We do not provide financial advice. See full disclaimer.