The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of international learners studying at Otago Polytechnic in ākonga nō tāwāhi / New Zealand, in accordance with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (Code) and Immigration New Zealand visa requirements.
Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (Code) all subsequent amendments.
1. As specified in Outcome 3 of the Code all ākonga nō tāwāhi / international learners are required to have appropriate and current Medical and Travel Insurance for the duration of their planned period of study and an approved visa.
2. Otago Polytechnic’s preferred provider of medical and travel insurance is Uni-Care and the Academic Registry will arrange a policy called “New Zealand Student Plan with Uni-Care” and include this cost with the learner’s tuition fee.
2.1. Ākonga nō tāwāhi /international learners can choose their insurance provider as long as the insurance policy complies with the minimum standards of the Code.
2.2. The insurance fee will be refunded if ākonga arranges their own insurance which complies with the minimum Code requirements.
3. If ākonga chooses their own insurance provider, ākonga must provide Otago Polytechnic with the policy details in English, refer to clause 5.
Recording of Policy Details:
4. For each ākonga nō tāwāhi international learner, Otago Polytechnic will record the:
Verification of Insurance Policies for Ākonga Choosing Their Own Insurer:
5. As part of the verification process Otago Polytechnic will ensure that:
a)The Insurer/re-insurer is a reputable and established company with substantial experience in the Travel Insurance business and has a credit rating no lower than A from Standard & Poor’s, or B+ from A M Best.
b) The Insurer can provide emergency twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day per week cover.
c) Ākonga has a “Certificate of Currency” (certificate) and insurance policy wording from the Insurance Company stating that the learner has purchased the cover for the duration of the planned period of study. The certificate and insurance policy must also detail medical sums insured, repatriation benefits, etc.
Policy Renewals
6. Otago Polytechnic will arrange for the renewal of Uni-Care-insured ākonga.
7. For all other ākonga, prior to the expiry of their Medical and Travel Insurance Policy, Otago Polytechnic Academic Registry will issue a written reminder to ākonga advising them that their policy renewal must be completed. Failure to renew their insurance will mean that re-enrolment cannot take place.
Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
Megan Potiki
Executive Director
12 September 2024
Version Control: Policy Version: V5: Previously Coded: MP0607.
