New Zealand's healthcare system is a complicated one, relying on both a public health system and a private health system. To be eligible for public healthcare, you have to meet a range of criteria, so travel insurance and/or private health insurance is highly recommended for non-residents, especially when you first arrive.
The public healthcare system in New Zealand
Thanks to tax contributions, the New Zealand public healthcare system provides subsidized healthcare to eligible patients. The main health body in New Zealand is Te Whatu Ora, or Health New Zealand. Previously, regions had their own district health boards or DHBs, but in 2021, these were all merged and incorporated under the umbrella of Te Whatu Ora.
Eligibility for the New Zealand public health system
Those eligible for subsidized public health care in New Zealand include:
- New Zealand citizens
- New Zealand permanent residents
- Australian citizens who have lived or plan to live in New Zealand for more than two years
- Those in possession of a New Zealand work visa valid for two or more years
- Persons aged 17 or under living in the care of an eligible parent/guardian
- Interim visa holders
- New Zealand Aid Programme students receiving Official Development Assistance funding
- Commonwealth scholarship students
- Foreign language teaching assistants
- Refugees or protected persons, those who have applied for protection status, or victims of people trafficking
Using New Zealand's publicly funded health system
ACC and the Publicly Funded Health and Disability Services are the two organizations that fund the public health system. ACC covers personal coverage insurance in the case of accidents and injuries in New Zealand, whereas the Publicly Funded Health and Disability Service provides access to health and disability services for eligible individuals. This system is designed to ensure that New Zealanders and eligible visitors have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare services, regardless of their ability to pay.
The PFHD covers a range of services, including hospital care, visits to a GP, specialist care, diagnostic testing, and prescription medicines. It also provides support for people with disabilities, including rehabilitation services, equipment and modifications to homes and vehicles.
The PFHD is funded by the New Zealand government and by some charges to patients. Eligibility for PFHD services depends on factors such as immigration status, length of stay in the country, and income.
To use New Zealand's public health system, you will need to register with a GP (family practice) once you have arrived. You will need to take your passports and visas to be able to register and be funded. GPs will be your first port of call if you have an illness/injury, and then will also be able to prescribe medication. Before you leave your home country, it is recommended that you get a copy of your medical records from your home GP so your new doctor is aware of your medical history.
Unlike some places overseas, visits to the GP aren't free of charge for all - and the fees aren't regulated. Visits are free of charge for children under the age of 13, but for anyone over 13, the price will vary from NZ$10 to more than NZ$50.
New Zealand's public health system is generally considered to be high-quality and well-regarded by international standards. However, there are some limitations to the services provided by the PFHD:
- Eligibility: Access to PFHD services depends on factors such as immigration status, length of stay in the country, and income. Some temporary visa holders and visitors may not be eligible for PFHD services.
- Waiting times: Due to high demand, there may be waiting times for certain services, such as specialist appointments or elective surgery.
- Service availability: Some services may not be available in all areas of New Zealand, especially in rural or remote regions.
- Cost: Although the PFHD is publicly funded, some charges may still apply for certain services, such as prescription medicines or dental services.
- Coverage: The PFHD does not cover all health-related expenses, such as cosmetic surgery, private hospital rooms, or alternative therapies.
Understanding ACC in New Zealand
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) is a government-owned organization in New Zealand that provides no-fault personal injury cover to all residents and visitors to the country. This means that if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who was at fault, ACC will cover the costs of your medical treatment and rehabilitation.
For tourists and short-term visitors to New Zealand, ACC cover is automatically included in their travel insurance. This cover is typically limited to medical treatment for accidents that occur during their stay in the country.
For expats and long-term visitors, ACC cover may depend on their immigration status. Some temporary visa holders may be eligible for ACC cover if they hold a valid visa for an extended period of time. Permanent residents and citizens of New Zealand are automatically covered by ACC for personal injury.
It's critical for expats and tourists to understand their ACC coverage and the types of accidents that are eligible for compensation.
HealthLine services in New Zealand
New Zealand also has a HealthLine service which you can reach on 0800 611 116. This is a 24/7 telephone service run by nurses who can give medical advice and will also suggest if you need to head to a 24-hour clinic or the hospital.
Emergencies and ambulances in New Zealand
For emergencies, the national emergency number is 111. If at all possible, you can try to reach the nearest Accident and Emergency Department on your own as you may incur a fee for the ambulance services.
For tourists and short-term visitors, ambulance services may be included in their travel insurance. If you are an expat or a long-term visitor, you may be eligible for publicly funded ambulance services if you hold a valid visa for an extended period of time. However, there may be charges for ambulance services, and it is important to understand what is covered by your health insurance.
In case of an emergency, anyone in New Zealand can call 111 to request an ambulance, regardless of their immigration status. The ambulance service will assess the situation and provide the appropriate level of care, including transportation to a hospital if necessary.
Reciprocal agreements in New Zealand
If you have arrived in New Zealand from Australia or the UK, you are in luck, as New Zealand has reciprocal arrangements with these countries. Anyone from the UK or Australia is entitled to “immediately necessary” public healthcare in New Zealand during a temporary stay.
The private healthcare system in New Zealand
In New Zealand, private health care services are available to anyone who is willing and able to pay for them, regardless of their immigration status, nationality, or length of stay in the country. There are no restrictions on who can access private health care services, although the cost of services may vary depending on the provider, the type of service required, and the patient's health insurance coverage.
Patients who choose private health care services may have greater choice and flexibility in terms of accessing services, as well as the ability to choose their own doctor or specialist and access a wider range of services. However, it is important to consider the cost, coverage, quality, and availability of services when evaluating the suitability of private health care for specific individuals.
If you are an expat or tourist in New Zealand and are considering private health care services, it is important to understand your options for health care and to have appropriate health insurance coverage. This can help to ensure that you have access to the services you need and can manage the cost of health care. Even if you are eligible for public healthcare, you might still want private coverage, so take advantage of the extensive choice of doctors and treatment locations.
There are many insurance companies to choose from in New Zealand, according to your needs and budget. Some of the leading health insurance providers are:
Consider having a look at their offers according to your needs and get a free quote on Expat.com's Health Insurance for expatriates in New Zealand page.
Visa requirements in New Zealand
The health and insurance requirements for different visas to New Zealand can vary depending on the type of visa and the individual's circumstances. However, in general, visa applicants are required to meet certain health and insurance criteria in order to be eligible for a visa to New Zealand.
Work visa, study, and resident visas generally require applicants to undergo a medical examination, including a chest x-ray, to demonstrate that they are in good health and do not have a medical condition that would prevent them from fulfilling the requirements of their visa. Visa holders may also be required to have appropriate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in New Zealand.
Visitors to New Zealand are generally not required to undergo a medical examination or have health insurance coverage. However, it is strongly recommended that visitors have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unexpected health care costs during their stay in New Zealand.
It is important to note that the health and insurance requirements for visas to New Zealand can change and are subject to periodic review. Visa applicants should check the specific requirements for their type of visa and consult the New Zealand Immigration Service for the most up-to-date information on insurance.
Dental care in New Zealand
In New Zealand, dental care is not typically covered by public health care services, although some services, such as dental care for children and pregnant women, may be partially covered in certain circumstances.
For tourists and expats, dental care can be accessed through private dental practices or clinics. The cost of dental care in New Zealand can be expensive, and many tourists and expats choose to take out health insurance or purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of dental care during their stay in the country.
Children under the age of 18 who are citizens or residents of New Zealand are eligible for free dental care under the government-funded School Dental Service. This service provides dental care to eligible children in school and is designed to help improve their oral health and prevent the development of dental problems.
Pregnancy in New Zealand
New Zealand is often described as a wonderful place to raise kids, and it's generally considered a great place to give birth, too. If you are eligible for New Zealand's publicly funded healthcare, then all of the costs associated with pregnancy, birth, and post-natal care are covered by this system.
In New Zealand, women are assigned a midwife who will support them through pregnancy, birth, and early weeks of motherhood. This differs from other countries, where OBGYNs may have a more pronounced role. Women are able to give birth either at home or in the hospital. In general, pregnancy in New Zealand follows a woman-led model that centers on the mother and her needs. Check out our article on pregnancy in New Zealand to learn more and for more detailed information about pregnancy as an expat who may not yet be eligible for public healthcare.
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