[Newbe1]

We have been living in NZ now for almost a year. We submitted our residency application in February and have been told, like everyone else, that it can take 3-9 months to process. I have found out that I am pregnant with my second (first in NZ). Now our concern is that we do not have residency and how we will be able to afford having a baby with out any help from the NZ govt!
We cannot even get private health care without residency! There is a chance that our residency will come through before the baby is born, if it does and it is not PR at that point, will we qualify under the public system for help? So many questions...and our immagration officer is no help, surprise surprise.
I am hoping there is someone out there that can help answer my questions :)
Thanks-
Emily

[dharder]

Congratulations on the pregnancy :)

What kind of Visa are you here on? I believe that anything longer than 2 years (like a two year work visa) entitles you to access to public health care, including maternity services.

Good luck,

Daniela

[peebles16]

Congrats from us too :D
I think much the same as Daniela if you are on work permit you should be entitled to services based on the length of the permit - maybe someone will be along to correct me??

Anyhow hope it gets sorted out soon, you can put your mind at rest and enjoy your pregnancy :)
Karenx

[IanW99]

You may want to start at this link:- Eligibility for Pregnant Women (http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/eligibility-amieligible-pregnantwomen) if you haven't already.

If you are not covered, do you have any health insurance?

Ian

[Newbe1]

Thanks for your replys!

Ian, I did look at the website you listed and it does say...

(http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/eligibility-amieligible-workpermitholders)

"For work permit holders to be eligible for publicly funded health and disability services, you must be lawfully in New Zealand and be holder of a work permit:

-that is issued for a period of two years or more
-that allows you to remain in New Zealand for a period of time that, when added together with the time you've already been lawfully in New Zealand, amounts to two consecutive years or more (eg, people who have had their work permit renewed)."

The good news is we have a 2 year work visa...so that should make us eligible!
As far as we are aware...you cannot get health insurance in NZ without residence.
I will look into this some more...but this is GREAT news...

Thanks so much!
Emily

[IanW99]

...
As far as we are aware...you cannot get health insurance in NZ without residence.
...


From the same website:-
Comprehensive and medical/travel insurance is strongly recommended for all people who are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services.

I'm sure that you can get health insurance even if not resident in NZ, you would normally have been expected to arrange this cover before travelling to NZ.

But as the website says if you have a work visa of 24 months or more then you are covered.

It should be noted that many hospitals don't know this rule (or at least don't seem to), so I would recommend that you talk to the MOH and discuss your situation with them and see exactly what is covered (we found them very helpful). Then you can present this information to the hospital etc if they query it.

Ian

[kanatakiwi]

From the same website:-


I'm sure that you can get health insurance even if not resident in NZ, you would normally have been expected to arrange this cover before travelling to NZ.

But as the website says if you have a work visa of 24 months or more then you are covered.

It should be noted that many hospitals don't know this rule (or at least don't seem to), so I would recommend that you talk to the MOH and discuss your situation with them and see exactly what is covered (we found them very helpful). Then you can present this information to the hospital etc if they query it.

Ian

I also believe you can get health insurance without a permit, I had it when I first came here on a visitors permit.
Also my advice is to photocopy or take your original work permit sticker in your passport, along to doctor and hospital, as noted above, many do not know this rule and could try to charge you. I had this experience and after checking my rights, I was able to get a refund from the doctor's clinic for charging me.
good luck
gloria

[urban78]

Also my advice is to photocopy or take your original work permit sticker in your passport, along to doctor and hospital, as noted above, many do not know this rule and could try to charge you. I had this experience and after checking my rights, I was able to get a refund from the doctor's clinic for charging me.
good luck
gloria

Definitely good advice from Gloria :yes

I remember going to the hospital once and there was a sign at the counter saying any non residents or appropriate permit holders would be charged for health related costs. Patients in the ED were being asked to provide either passport copies or originals just to ensure they would be covered.

Jen :)