Health Insurance
Can You Get Health Insurance with High Blood Pressure?
If you’ve been told you have high blood pressure, you're not alone. It’s one of the most common health conditions in New Zealand. But when it comes to getting health insurance, high blood pressure can raise a few questions, like, will you still be covered? Will it cost more? Will insurers judge you for eating that second piece of pie?
Let’s walk through what you need to know. The short answer is: yes, you can get health insurance with high blood pressure. But there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Before we dive into insurance, here’s a quick refresher. High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, that pressure can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems.
In many cases, it has no obvious symptoms, which is why it’s often called the “silent killer.” It affects about one in five adults in New Zealand and becomes more common as we age.
The good news? It’s usually manageable with medication and lifestyle changes.
Yes, you can. Having high blood pressure doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting health insurance in New Zealand. Most providers will still offer you a policy, but how they treat your condition will depend on a few key factors.
These include:
How well your blood pressure is managed
Whether you have other related conditions (like high cholesterol or diabetes)
Your age and family medical history
How long ago you were diagnosed
Every insurer has their own underwriting process, so your application will be assessed individually. That’s why it’s so important to work with a broker who knows what questions to ask, and how to shop around for the best fit.
When you apply for health insurance, the insurer will usually ask you to complete a medical questionnaire. If you’ve disclosed high blood pressure, they’ll want a bit more detail. Expect questions like:
When were you diagnosed?
Are you taking any medication?
Have you had any complications, like heart disease or kidney issues?
When was your blood pressure last measured?
What’s your current reading?
In some cases, the insurer might ask for a report from your GP, especially if your diagnosis is recent or you’ve had related health issues.
It might. If your blood pressure is well-controlled and you don’t have other health concerns, you may still get standard rates. But if it’s poorly managed, or you have additional risk factors, the insurer could apply:
A loading: an increase to your premium to reflect the higher risk
An exclusion: they might cover you for everything except conditions related to high blood pressure (like heart disease)
A stand-down period: a temporary exclusion that’s reviewed after 12 or 24 months if your condition improves
The specifics vary widely between providers, which is why comparison is key. What one insurer might exclude, another could cover — sometimes with no loading at all.
If you already have health insurance and later develop high blood pressure, you’ll generally still be covered for it, as long as you were honest about your health when you first applied. One of the benefits of getting insurance early is that any conditions you develop after your policy starts are typically covered.
Just make sure you keep your policy active. If you cancel or lapse your cover, you’ll have to reapply and disclose all current health conditions, including high blood pressure.
Yes. Always. When applying for insurance, you need to fully disclose any known medical conditions, even if they seem minor or are under control. That includes high blood pressure.
Failing to disclose a condition can lead to a claim being denied later. Insurers will access your medical records if you make a claim, and if they find something you left out, it can void your cover entirely.
Think of it as a “no surprises” policy for everyone involved.
If you’re managing high blood pressure, look for a comprehensive health insurance plan that includes:
You could also consider adding things like GP visits, prescriptions, or lifestyle support (like dietitians or exercise programmes) depending on your policy options.
Some insurers offer modular plans where you can add extras. A broker can help you build a policy that fits your specific needs — not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
Being declined for health insurance solely due to high blood pressure is rare, especially if you’re proactive in managing it. But if it happens, you have a few options:
Don’t take the first “no” as the final answer. There are nearly always pathways forward — it just takes a bit of strategic thinking.
Absolutely. In fact, it’s arguably even more important. High blood pressure can lead to more serious health events if left unmanaged, and having private health insurance can give you faster access to care — without sitting on a public waitlist.
With the right policy, you can:
It’s about being prepared and protecting your future health.
Having high blood pressure doesn’t mean you can’t get health insurance. In most cases, you can. The key is to:
Your health journey is uniquely yours, and your insurance should reflect that, not punish you for it. With a bit of expert guidance and the right policy in place, you can focus on staying well, not worrying about the fine print.
If you’d like personalised help exploring your options, get in touch with the team at Buffer. We’ll help you find a policy that works for your health, your lifestyle, and your budget.
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