12 Must Knows about Health Care for Migrants In New Zealand
How do I pay for my healthcare in New Zealand?New Zealand's healthcare system is funded mainly through general taxation. Treatments are usually free or subsidised. Medical treatment is generally very good. Private healthcare is also available.
Will I be eligible for publicly funded healthcare?
Yes, provided you are a New Zealand Citizen or you are ordinarily resident in New Zealand.
How do I become ordinarily resident?
You need to be a permanent resident or a work-permit holder. The work-permit must be for a minimum of two years at time of issue. If you meet the criteria, your partner and children aged 19 years or under will also be eligible for publicly funded healthcare.
When is publicly funded healthcare free?
Public healthcare is free for:
- hospital treatment including 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) clinics. There are some exceptions, such as for cosmetic surgery.
- children's immunisations.
- prescription medicine for children under six.
- people who need more than 20 prescriptions per year. Prescriptions are free starting from the 21st prescribed item.
- prescription medicines for all public hospital patients.
- most laboratory tests and x-rays, except at privately operated clinics.
- healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. This covers everything from the diagnosis of pregnancy to pre- and post-natal care for mother and baby. There is no charge for hospital stays.
- general practitioner (GP) referrals to a public hospital for treatment.
- check-ups and basic dental treatment for schoolchildren.
- breast-screening for women aged 50 to 64.
- acute or chronic medical conditions. (In some circumstances a financial contribution may be needed.)
- Prescription items.
- Visits to general practitioners.
- Visits to physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths when referred by a GP.
- Ambulance services.
- A visit to your GP costs $45 to $55 between around 8:00am - 6:00pm. Visits at weekends or nights cost $10 to $15 more.
- Visits to your GP are subsidised by $15 for children aged 6-17 years and by $35 for children under six. Many GP's waive the fee entirely for children under six. Adults who visit the doctor frequently, or who receive social benefits, receive a $15 subsidy.
- If your GP prescribes medicines for you, you will pay $15 per item for up to 20 items a year.
- Community Services Card holders (people on low incomes) and High Use Health Card holders pay only $3 per item for their first 20 items of medicine. If there is a manufacturer's premium, this is added in all cases, even when the prescription is free or heavily subsidised. Non-subsidised items such as Xenical are available at full cost.
- Ambulance services may cost $45 - $65
Bring along your passport and permit.
How long do I need to wait for treatment?
GP's will usually see you on the day you make an appointment. The government does not fund the public health system generously enough to allow most hospital treatments, other than accident/emergency care, to be carried out immediately. Waiting times for surgery vary from hospital to hospital.
What if I need specialist care?
You need your GP to refer you to a specialist. Specialist care is free. Waiting times vary according to region, urgency and type of treatment involved. If you prefer not to wait and opt for a private specialist, you, or your medical insurance, will be required to cover all fees.
What role does private healthcare play in New Zealand?
Many New Zealanders have private health insurance because it allows them to bypass the waiting times in the public health system for treatment of non-urgent conditions. People who have private health insurance are also entitled to free public health services.
Typical costs of
private procedures in New Zealand are:
| Procedure | Cost NZ $ |
| Prostate removal (cancer) | 4,500 |
| Heart Surgery | 12,000 |
| Hernia Repair | 2,800 |
| Cataract | 2,400 |
| Gall Bladder | 5,000 |
| Hysterectomy | 5,500 |
| Hip or Knee replacement | 12,000 |
| Heart Bypass | 25,600 |
Who can I sue if I am injured?
You cannot sue anyone for compensation. The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) helps to pay for the cost of your care. Injuries from work, home and sports or other leisure activities are covered. ACC claims may also be made for personal injury caused by a medical mistake or error, sexual assault or abuse, and some work-related conditions.
What is the ACC's role in New Zealand?
The ACC subsidises treatment of accident-related injuries. The patient usually pays a part-charge for the treatment. If your injury stops you from working, ACC pays compensation, usually based on 80% of your weekly income before tax. It can also help with residential nursing care, home help and childcare, as well as subsidising transport and training costs while you recover. In some cases involving permanent physical impairment, compensation, or 'lump sum', financial payments are also made.
References and Further Reading
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/Health
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf
http://www.acc.co.nz/
http://www.moh.govt.nz/
http://www.affordable-health.co.nz
Elegiblity
Disclaimer: All information is offered in good faith and is believed to be accurate at the time of writing. No liablility is accepted. Anyone needing medical advice should refer to an appropriately qualified member of the medical profession.