[God-Man]

After going through the hell that is getting medical insurance in the US, I have to ask: how is it in NZ? Can most (or all) residents just pop into a clinic, and get free treatment when needed? (even complex, expensive treatments, etc?)
I was reading this article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_system), and was able to gather that most medical things are public and paid for by the government, but at the same time, it isn't terribly clear, so I'm uncertain on some things... (like the basic question above, about whether or not you can just pop into a doctor's office)

Are there any instances where you might have to go sit in some office to fill out paperwork, in order to get some coverage? What about for long-time residents?

Thanks.

[IanW99]

After going through the hell that is getting medical insurance in the US, I have to ask: how is it in NZ? Can most (or all) residents just pop into a clinic, and get free treatment when needed? (even complex, expensive treatments, etc?)
I was reading this article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_system), and was able to gather that most medical things are public and paid for by the government, but at the same time, it isn't terribly clear, so I'm uncertain on some things... (like the basic question above, about whether or not you can just pop into a doctor's office)

Are there any instances where you might have to go sit in some office to fill out paperwork, in order to get some coverage? What about for long-time residents?

Thanks.

Yes you can get medical insurance if you want it, e.g. check out Southern Cross (http://www.southerncross.co.nz/) who have an online quote option so you can see the costs.

Ian

[JandM]

This may also help.

http://www.emigratenz.org/healthcare-migrants-newzealand.html

[God-Man]

Thanks for the replies. So, for instance, a visit to a General Practitioner will cost about $45 to $55, and that's covers everything? Including getting lab work done, procedures, etc?

[JandM]

Yes. Here's a link on the official site. If you work your way down the side panel, you'll find other pieces of information which may interest you, too.

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/settlementpack/health/HealthServices/PubliclyFundedHealthServices.htm

[BkyMonster]

Thanks for the replies. So, for instance, a visit to a General Practitioner will cost about $45 to $55, and that's covers everything? Including getting lab work done, procedures, etc?

The cost goes down if you have PR/2+year work visa and are registered with that practice (Basically saying you intend to primarily visit that practice. I think my Doctor visit fees go down to 32 from 59). Boggles my mind. In a good way of course.

[God-Man]

Okay, thanks for the help!

Seems every place has a better Health system than the US.

[M-Squared]

Hey God-Man. The *best* thing about private health insurance here, through Southern Cross, is that Southern Cross is (get this!) a not-for-profit organisation!!!!!!! So totally different from the US (where I got an itemised bill for every single shot of morphine after my C-section) where "health" doesn't really seem to enter the equation... you know what I mean :)

[God-Man]

Heh, yeah... there are some American documentaries on the US healthcare system vs. others, and they're hard to watch (because they make one want to move to Europe/Taiwan/etc, or in this case NZ).

[madmungo]

We've been here 4 months now and with the weather turning colder are thinking more about our health and getting private health insurance.

Do you have it? I can't get it at work as a benefit but have quotes up to $150/month for the 4 of us to be covered - is it worth having?

We have no experience to date of the health system but want to be prepared!

[God-Man]

We've been here 4 months now and with the weather turning colder are thinking more about our health and getting private health insurance.
Getting private health insurance because you can't use the public system, or because you're using it, and want something better?


Do you have it?
I don't live in NZ yet. :) Or if you meant in the US, no, I'm completely uninsured, and it's MISERY to have to pay like $200 out of your pocket to get some small thing done. Still, you save a LOAD of money that way each month, so... :uhoh

[Wooly_Cow]

There is another NPO which provides some refunds of medical costs (between 60-100% including glasses, contact lens, orthodontics, and some dental) and costs a lot less than Southern Cross. They are called Marram. http://www.marram.co.nz/health/benefits.aspx

They also provide access to subsidised holiday accomodation in NZ.

I've gone with them so that if and when we get ill at least some of the costs are covered.

[DizzyF]

We have PR and since the start of the new tax year all GP visits are free. I am pregnant and all of this has been free except scans which cost about $100...but I have used a really good place and have 4d scans.

We also took out Southern Cross cover at about $120 a month for 3 of us...will be 4 in just 6 weeks!

So far hospital visits have been good...have lived in US and UK, and NZ compares well with that. Biggest difference seems to be that you are not rushed through an appointment...my midwife even gives me a hug when I see her!