UniMed is New Zealand's third-largest health insurer, trusted by more than 140,000 Members, with its Christchurch office on Level 3 at 165 Gloucester Street in the CBD. Since 1979 the society has helped working Kiwis and their whānau access and fund the healthcare they need, paying out more than $1.2 billion in claims over 45 years.
As a mutual society, UniMed exists for its Members rather than shareholders, guided by the values of aspire, care and trust. Its range of Health Plans spans everyday cover like Health Positive, which reimburses 50% or 80% of everyday health costs including dental and vision, through to surgical options such as Hospital Select and UniCare Advantage. There are also plans tailored to specific situations, including SmartStay for work visa holders, KidSmart for children and ParentStay for Parent Boost Visa applicants.
Members can manage their cover online through the Member Portal, where claims can be submitted in minutes with a photo of an invoice — and online claims are processed sooner, so payments arrive faster. Cover also extends beyond treatment: Active Benefits includes preventative wellbeing services, while Active Care supports mental and physical health when illness happens. Businesses are covered too, with more than 500 New Zealand workplaces using UniMed's tailored health and wellbeing plans. In 2024 the portfolio of Accuro Health Insurance was transferred to UniMed, bringing its history of member-focused cover together under one not-for-profit society.
On Level 3 at 165 Gloucester Street, in the heart of Christchurch's CBD, you'll find the office of UniMed — New Zealand's third-largest health insurer, trusted by more than 140,000 Members. Since 1979, UniMed has been helping hard-working Kiwis and their families access and fund the healthcare they need, when they need it. Over the past 45 years it has paid out more than $1.2 billion in claims, making a real difference in Members' lives.
What sets UniMed apart is its structure. As a mutual society, it exists for its Members — not shareholders — guided by values of aspire, care and trust. Whether you're managing an illness, staying on top of preventative care, or making informed choices about your wellbeing, the society positions itself as a partner for the long haul, supporting your health journey every step of the way.
UniMed's founders created a member-based, non-profit organisation in 1979 to help Kiwi workers access and fund much-needed healthcare. Back then it had fewer than 10,000 Members. Along the way it has stayed true to those not-for-profit values, championing New Zealanders' healthcare needs and focusing on helping people access essential surgeries, treatment and wellbeing support.
A significant chapter opened in 2024, when the insurance portfolio of Accuro Health Insurance Society was transferred to UniMed, creating an even more resilient and sustainable health insurance offering for the Members of both societies. Accuro itself dated back to 1971, when it began as the Hospital Services Welfare Society providing health insurance exclusively to hospital staff. Membership opened to all New Zealanders in 2007, when it rebranded as Accuro. With the transfer of Accuro's 30,000 Members, UniMed today serves a community of more than 140,000.
UniMed's individual and family Health Plans are designed to be easy to understand while supporting health and wellbeing. **Health Positive** reimburses 50% or 80% of everyday health costs, including dental and vision care. **Hospital Select** provides unlimited cover for eligible surgical procedures, while **UniCare Advantage** covers 80% of surgical costs up to $100,000 per admission. **SmartCare and SmartCare+** offer personal health insurance, and **KidSmart** is designed specifically for children.
There are also plans built around New Zealand's visa pathways. **SmartStay** provides health insurance for work visa holders, and **ParentStay** covers Parent Boost Visa applicants — a niche few insurers serve so directly.
More than 500 New Zealand businesses trust UniMed to deliver tailored health insurance that goes beyond the basics and adds real value to employee wellbeing. The society specialises in flexible, cost-effective plans that don't compromise on quality, working closely with employers and advisers to meet the unique needs of each team. Its business offering also includes MoleMap, extending preventative skin cancer detection into the workplace.
Day to day, UniMed leans into making cover simple to use. Through the secure Member Portal, claims can be submitted online in just minutes — snap a photo of your invoice and upload it straight from your phone. Online claims are processed sooner, so payments arrive faster, and your information stays safe and protected.
Cover goes beyond paying for treatment. **Active Benefits** explores preventative wellbeing services included in your plan, while **Active Care** supports mental and physical health when illness happens. Members also enjoy exclusive offers from trusted partners, and the website includes a Recite Me assistive toolbar so people can access content in the way that works best for them.
One thing worth knowing: UniMed warns about scams targeting members of financial institutions. If you receive an unprompted phone call asking for your credit card information, don't provide it — hang up and call UniMed directly on 0800 600 666.
Whether you're new to health insurance or ready to switch, UniMed makes it simple to find the right plan. Get an instant quote online, request a free group quote for your workplace, or reach the Christchurch team on 0800 600 666 at Level 3, 165 Gloucester Street, Christchurch 8011.