kanatakiwi
18th July 2007, 01:55 PM
Most people will already be well aware of this, but I wanted to warn forumites who are here on a work visa, about their rights regarding health care here. I have been having trouble with an Auckland clinic who insisted on charging me as a visitor even though I had a work permit. I now have a residence visa, so this is not an issue anymore, but I was sure I didn't need to pay the extra because I had a work permit. In my quest to get this clarifed, I discovered that even at the management level, there is a belief that you are not entitled to publicly funded health care until you are a resident.
I had to download the relevant information from the MInistry of Health web page which clearly states that work permit holders (permit must be for 2 years or more) are entitled to publicly funded health care. I am now dealing with the head office to have all my overpayments refunded. (this can add up as visitors are usually charged about $90 per visit to a doctor.) and have asked them to send a directive to all their clinics so that staff are aware of this rule.
I am thinking I am not the only person in NZ who has paid more than necessary, so I'm posting here so that if you have had this experience you can get your refund.
I had to download the relevant information from the MInistry of Health web page which clearly states that work permit holders (permit must be for 2 years or more) are entitled to publicly funded health care. I am now dealing with the head office to have all my overpayments refunded. (this can add up as visitors are usually charged about $90 per visit to a doctor.) and have asked them to send a directive to all their clinics so that staff are aware of this rule.
I am thinking I am not the only person in NZ who has paid more than necessary, so I'm posting here so that if you have had this experience you can get your refund.