University staff enjoy special offers on insurance packages. Insurance options include travel insurance, health insurance and workplace insurance.
Life and disability insurance
Mercer Marsh Benefits insurance brokers, in conjunction with AMP Insurance, offer a voluntary group insurance plan which provides Life, Trauma and Income Protection cover at discounted rates compared to individual policies. Discounts vary depending on your age and level of cover. Eligibility criteria apply.*
Special insurance offer to new University employees within the first 75 days
New employees can apply to join the plan within 75 days of commencing employment at the University, subject to six health questions.
Employees
Employees can join the plan at any time, subject to medical underwriting by the insurer.
Employees' spouses
Employees' spouses can join the plan at any time provided the employee is also a member of the plan, subject to medical underwriting by the insurer.
Special insurance offer to new University employees (PDF)
Insurance offers for University employees (PDF)
Retaining your insurance on leaving (PDF)
*Eligibility
Permanent employees or employees on a fixed term contract of two years or more at date of applying for the insurance cover, working 15 hours or more per week at the University and are aged between 16–64 years.
Health insurance
The University of Otago has two preferred providers of health insurance, Southern Cross Health Society and UniMed.
Southern Cross
University of Otago cares about your health and wellbeing, so you have access to health insurance from Southern Cross at a great discounted rate. You can call Southern Cross and speak to one of their friendly team to see what your options are. You can also get further discounts on Pet Insurance, Life Insurance and Travel Insurance through Southern Cross when you are a member.
Member discounts and offers – Southern Cross Health Insurance
As a member you now get access to online GP visits with CareHQ, three counselling sessions at Raise and an annual health check with MedPro. This offer is open to permanent and fixed term staff who have an employment contract of 12 months or more.
Benefits of membership – Southern Cross Health Insurance
For further information, please contact:
Jill Chronican
Mob +64 21 190 4828
Email jill.chronican@southerncross.co.nz
University of Otago Southern Cross work scheme – monthly direct debit (PDF)
University of Otago Southern Cross work scheme – fortnightly direct debit (PDF)
Information on making healthcare choices (PDF)
Information for people new to New Zealand (PDF)
Visit the Southern Cross website for more information
UniMed
How important is your health? UniMed is a New Zealand owned and operated company who work in conjunction with the University of Otago to provide their staff with health insurance products at a significantly discounted rate. We want to give you the peace of mind that should something happen with your health, you have support to get you back on track towards a healthy lifestyle. We are flexible with the medical providers that we use, as we believe that you should have the choice to see someone that you are comfortable with.
Alongside this, we boast a fantastic claims team with a 2–3 business day turnaround on most claims, with many claims being processed and paid in the same day. Get in touch with your UniMed Representative to discuss protecting your health today.
Please contact:
Brett Thomson
Email Brett.thomson@unimed.co.nz
Freephone 0800 600 666 (within New Zealand)
Mob +64 27 557 6350
Tel +64 3 260 2169
OR
UniMed Sales
Email Sales@unimed.co.nz
Freephone 0800 600 666 (within New Zealand)
Download the Hospital Select Plan (PDF)
Download the Major Surgical Plus Options Plan (PDF)
Download the UniCare Advantage Plan (PDF)
Download the UniMed Health Positive Plan (PDF)
Visit the UniMed website for more information
Travel insurance
The University offers a range of travel insurance for University of Otago staff on business or private travel.
Apply online for travel insurance (business and private) - Log in with your University credentials
Key contacts
Superannuation and staff benefits
Email superannuation@otago.ac.nz