STUDENTS WITH STUDENTSAFE INSURANCE
Undergraduate Degree Students
If you begin your degree in the first trimester you will be charged for 12 months of insurance (ie. until February of the following year). You will have to pay for insurance at the beginning of each year, and the insurance charge will appear on your fees invoice.
If you begin your degree in the second or third trimester you will only pay for insurance up until February of the following year. After that, you will be charged for a full year of insurance at the beginning of each year of your degree.
If you complete your studies mid-year, or wish to take a semester off study, you must contact the Insurance Office. Your insurance will not be cancelled automatically.
Note that if you return to your home country for the third (summer) trimester and intend to return to continue study the following year, you will not be allowed to cancel your insurance. Studentsafe insurance provides limited medical cover in your home country for up to three months.
Postgraduate Students
PhD and Masters by Thesis students pay for insurance for a whole year at time, and the insurance is renewed yearly. If you intend to complete your studies less than one year from the time you renew your insurance you should contact the Insurance Office.
If you suspend your study or spend a significant amount of time studying outside New Zealand you should contact the Insurance Office if you wish to stop your insurance. Insurance is not suspended automatically if you suspend your studies.
Note that if you do stop your insurance while you are away, and start insurance again when you get back, it will be considered a new policy. This means that any medical conditions you received treatment for under the old policy will be considered pre-existing conditions and will no longer be covered.
Non-Degree Students
(EPP, Foundation, Study Abroad, Incoming Exchange)
You will be insured for the duration of your course. If you have a question about the start or end dates of your policy, please contact the Insurance Office.
Outgoing Exchange Students
Studentsafe University insurance will not cover you during a semester away on Student Exchange. We highly recommend you purchase additional travel and medical insurance to cover you during this time.
You do not have to keep your Studnetsafe policy while you are away, but it will not be cancelled automatically and you will be charged for it as usual. If you want to cancel your policy you must contact the insurance office before leaving for your exchange semester.
Note that if you do stop your insurance while you are away, and start insurance again when you get back, it will be considered a new policy. This means that any medical conditions you received treatment for under the old policy will be considered pre-existing conditions and will no longer be covered.
STUDENTS WITH AN APPROVED ALTERNATIVE INSURANCE
It is your responsibility to keep your policy up-to-date. Each time you renew your policy you need to bring a copy of your updated insurance certificate to the Insurance Office at VI. Remember that the minimum duration of your insurance must be the length of your current enrolment. You must have continuous insurance throughout your degree, even if you plan to go home for a holiday over summer.
We need to make sure you stay insured, so if you do not show your updated policy we will automatically enrol you under Studentsafe insurance, and charge you for it.
GUIDE TO INSURANCE COVER
You can download a copy of the Guide to Vero.
HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM
You can find out how to make a claim here.
FAMILY POLICIES
If your spouse/partner or children accompany you to New Zealand you can choose to insure them under your Studentsafe University policy. Contact the VI Insurance Office for an application form. A family policy can cover your partner, (husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend) and/or dependent children under 18.
In 2009, the cost of a family policy is $912 (or $442 on top of the price of your individual policy) for a full year, regardless of the number of family members insured. If your family is only joining you for part of your time in New Zealand we can calculate a special rate to reflect this.
If your children enrol as international students a New Zealand school, the school will require them to have insurance that meets the guidelines of The Code. Studentsafe-University family insurance is an easy and affordable way of making sure your children have appropriate cover. The Insurance Officer can provide a letter of confirmation for the child's school if necessary.
Insurance for other family members is not compulsory, but we highly recommend it, especially if your family is not eligible for public health benefits.
Some points to note about family policies:
- If there are any changes to your family, such as a new baby or other family members joining you from overseas, you must tell the insurance office. They will not be covered automatically.
- Family policies are not renewed automatically like your own policy. It is up to you to tell the Insurance Office if you want to renew a family policy.
- Family members who are not Victoria university students will not be able to use the Student Health Service. We recommend you register with a family doctor (GP) as soon as possible after you arrive. See the medical section (green section) in the front of the White Pages phone book to find a medical centre or GP near you.
CONTACT THE INSURANCE OFFICE
For insurance queries, including help with Studentsafe claims, approval of alternative policies, or questions about insurance charges, contact the Victoria International Insurance Office:
Email: vi-insurance@vuw.ac.nz
Ph: +64 4 463 9458
Fax: +64 4 463 5056
Postal Address:
Victoria International
Insurance Office
PO Box 600
Wellington
Physical Address:
Level 2, Rutherford House,
Pipitea Campus,
23 Lambton Quay,
Wellington |
Current Office Hours
Monday 2.00 - 4.00pm
Wednesday 10am - 12pm
Thursday 2.00 - 4.00pm
These office hours are subject to change so please check before you come to see us. If you cannot come at these times, you are welcome to e-mail or phone to make an appointment for another time. |
