Insurance continuation option means making sure your cover continues without interruption. If you already have a policy, staying covered without a break protects you from gaps that could leave you uninsured or force you to reapply later. A lapse in cover can mean higher costs, new exclusions, or even being declined if your health has changed. Continuation options give you peace of mind that you’ll remain protected as your life circumstances evolve.
Turning 21 is a milestone for many young New Zealanders. It often comes with new opportunities like finishing study, starting full-time work, or moving out of home. It can also bring a hidden risk: losing insurance cover that has quietly been protecting you since childhood.
Many Kiwi youths are automatically included on their parents’ health insurance policies until their 21st birthday. Once you hit that age, the cover may stop or shift into your name. If you are not aware of this transition, you could unintentionally find yourself uninsured just as independence begins.
Review cover before 21
Before reaching 21, it is important to check what insurance you currently have and what will happen to it. Parents are often surprised to learn that their child’s policy will not continue unless specific steps are taken. By reviewing ahead of time, you avoid a gap in cover and can plan for what suits your next stage of life.
Explore independent options
When cover ends, you have a choice. Some providers allow you to continue the same policy in your own name. Others may require you to apply for new cover. Taking action early gives you the advantage of locking in health insurance while you are young and usually healthier, which often makes premiums more affordable.
Match cover to your life stage
Every young adult’s situation is different. If you are starting tertiary study, health insurance can help you access treatment quicker, so you do not fall behind. If you are beginning full-time work, having cover in place means you can manage health needs without worrying about long waiting times.
Keep premiums affordable
The good news is that health insurance at a younger age is often cheaper. You can also keep costs down by:
- Choosing a higher excess
- Starting with a basic level of cover and increasing it as your income grows
- Bundling policies with the same provider for possible discounts
Getting advice early can help you strike the right balance between affordability and meaningful protection.
Avoid common pitfalls
A common mistake is letting cover lapse without thinking through the consequences. Once you have a gap in cover, applying again later can be more expensive or come with exclusions if health conditions have developed. Another risk is being underinsured, where you technically have a policy but not enough cover to provide real support if something happens.
Take the next step
If you are turning 21 or have already crossed that milestone, now is the time to act. The decisions you make today can set you up with affordable protection that grows with you as life changes. Parents can also play a key role. If your children are approaching 21, speak with one of our advisers about updating your policies and guiding them through the process of continuing their cover into adulthood.
Book a time to speak with one of our insurance advisers today through the form below, and explore your options to secure the cover that fits your future.
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