New changes seek to reduce visa processing delays for employers
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is easing health insurance rules for Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) holders from 19 April in a bid to reduce delays for employers and workers.
Under the updated settings, health insurance for PSV holders will no longer need to include cover for repatriation of remains in all circumstances.
From 19 April, compliant PSV health insurance policies may exclude several categories of cover. These categories are:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Pregnancy and childbirth (except certain complications)
- HIV-related illness
- Suicide or attempted suicide
- Situations that involve the influence of alcohol or non‑prescribed drugs
"Where an excluded event under an insurance policy (such as suicide) results in death, the policy may also exclude cover for the cost of returning someone's body to their home country," the INZ said on its website.
Removing delays for employers
The changes align the PSV scheme's requirements with those of the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, according to the agency.
It will also better reflect the insurance products that are currently available in New Zealand, making it easier for migrant workers to obtain compliant insurance and removing delays for employers supporting applications.
"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 cover previously required, such as repatriation of remains in any circumstance," INZ said.
"Aligning health insurance requirements with what is available in the market will make it easier for migrants to meet visa requirements and provide greater certainty for employers supporting PSV applications."
INZ said PSV applications submitted before April 19 will not be disadvantaged by the changes in the scheme.
"Applications already in progress will be assessed under transitional arrangements, allowing them to be considered against the updated health insurance requirements," it said. "This ensures applications can continue to be processed without unnecessary delay."
