Healthcare in New Zealand

Healthcare in New Zealand is a crucial aspect of the country's infrastructure. It boasts a robust healthcare system that offers both public and private care options to expats and citizens alike. The country's public healthcare system is funded through general taxation, making it widely accessible and affordable for all permanent residents. The government's commitment to universal healthcare has resulted in free or heavily subsidised medical care for New Zealand residents, which has contributed to the country's reputation for quality healthcare.

In addition to public healthcare, New Zealand's private healthcare sector is thriving, offering expedited treatment options at the cost of higher fees. Benefits include shorter wait times, access to specialist doctors, and more personalised care. Emergency medical services in New Zealand are offered by a number of government-backed organisations, run by both volunteers and permanent staff.

Public healthcare in New Zealand

The public healthcare system in New Zealand gives permanent residents access to free or heavily subsidised hospital care and emergency treatment. To access free public healthcare, you’ll need permanent residency status in New Zealand or hold a work visa that is valid for two or more years. Other free medical services include standard medical tests, children’s immunisations, and prescription medication for children under six years old. Visits to a general practitioner (GP), the purchase of prescription drugs, and ambulance services are all subsidised.

Expats will need to register with a GP to access healthcare in New Zealand and get a National Health Index (NHI) number. There is no restriction on which doctor an expat has to register with, but some doctors may specialise in certain areas of medicine. It might therefore be best for new arrivals to research the practices in their area to find the doctor who best suits their individual needs.

Although state healthcare in New Zealand is of a high standard, the biggest downside is the long waiting periods for non-emergency procedures. Waiting times vary between hospitals, so it helps to find the most time-efficient option.

In addition to the national healthcare scheme, there are district-funded healthcare initiatives known as Primary Health Organisations (PHO) which provide further subsidies to medical costs. That said, there are some non-subsidised items that expats and residents have to pay for in full. It is advisable to join a PHO as soon as you arrive in New Zealand, as processing times can be long.

Useful links

• Health New Zealand

Private healthcare in New Zealand

Many Expats who choose to use private healthcare do so to jump the queues for non-emergency procedures. Private healthcare users are, however, still able to use free public health services.

There is a wide range of clinics and private hospitals that provide healthcare services such as general surgery, recuperative care, and specialist procedures. Private testing laboratories and radiology clinics are also available.

Health insurance in New Zealand

Health insurance in New Zealand isn’t overly expensive compared to other expat destinations. Some employers even offer medical cover, so you should check with your company or negotiate medical insurance as part of your employment contract.

Both public and private hospitals in New Zealand accept health insurance. Expats will be able to choose between international health cover and local health insurance providers.

Pharmacies in New Zealand

The New Zealand government set up PHARMAC (Pharmaceutical Management Agency of New Zealand) in 1993. This agency aims to make subsidised medications available and negotiates low drug prices. Currently, about 2,000 drugs sold in the country are either partially or fully subsidised by PHARMAC. A lot of medication can be purchased over the counter, but a prescription from a GP may be necessary to obtain more expensive or specialised medications.

Pharmacies in New Zealand are plentiful in urban areas, and expats will find large pharmacy franchises as well as independent or online services. While most medicines are available in New Zealand, 24-hour pharmacies are rare. The symbol for a pharmacy in New Zealand is generally a green cross.

Keep in mind that New Zealand is a small island country, and advanced, or specialist, care is often better sourced abroad. If you have a chronic medical condition, it might be best to stock up on your medication before arriving in the country.

Useful link

• PHARMAC

Vaccinations in New Zealand

When travelling to New Zealand, you won’t need any specific vaccinations. Keeping standard vaccinations up to date is good practice, and it is recommended that you immunise yourself against the following:

• Mumps, measles, rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
• Polio
• Chickenpox
• Shingles

COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are also readily available.

Emergency medical services in New Zealand

Pre-hospital emergency medical care is largely conducted by trained paramedics. New Zealand's emergency medical services, including ambulances and event health services, are operated mostly by Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance. Both of these companies have air ambulance services that operate out of Auckland and Wellington.

New Zealand has a programme called Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). The programme is funded from the public tax pool and levies obtained from all businesses, vehicle registration, petrol, and employees. It offers no-fault injury cover to residents and visitors. So, when someone is involved in an accident, they will receive free medical care under this programme. Services provided include medical costs, prescription drugs, and surgeries.

Emergency number (fire, ambulance, police): 111

Useful links

• Hato Hone St John
• Wellington Free Ambulance
• ACC