How does healthcare work in New Zealand, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in New Zealand?

What is the quality of healthcare in New Zealand?

• New Zealand has one of the most accessible and high-quality healthcare systems in the world, largely funded by the government. Healthcare is funded through taxation, meaning that residents and citizens have access to free or highly subsidized medical services. However, there are some nuances for expats.
• There are also good private institutions in New Zealand.
• Healthcare can be difficult to access in remote areas. Sometimes you have to travel for hours to get to a clinic or hospital, or even to the other side of the country for specialist care.
• About 60% of New Zealanders have supplementary medical insurance to cover additional costs and because of the long waiting lists.
• Ambulance services are provided by an organization called St John.
• The vast majority of illnesses requiring medical attention in New Zealand are heart disease and cancer.
• The Maori population is an exception in terms of the most common illnesses. A number of hospitals, mainly in the Northban on the North Island, are located in areas rich in Maori. This population generally suffers more from diseases that have resulted from the Western way of life, such as diabetes and hypertension. Trauma and injuries, both intentional and accidental, are also more common in this population group.
• In New Zealand, the sixth year of medical training consists of working as a ‘trainee intern’. At that point, the students have already passed their exams. They then rotate through the various departments of the hospital during this year. They are also paid, about half the salary that a surgeon earns. However, they still pay tuition fees, so they do not have much left. Medical students in New Zealand still earn considerably more, compared to medical students in the Netherlands (who do not receive a salary during their internships and have to finance everything themselves). 

How does the public healthcare system work in New Zealand?

• New Zealand has a universal health care system with accident cover (Accident Compensation Corporation - ACC). Health care consists of three levels; primary care, secondary care and tertiary care. Primary care is mainly provided by Primary Health Organisations (PHO) and public hospitals.
• Public health care provides free or affordable access to these primary basic services, such as GP visits, hospital admissions and acute care.
• The ACC covers free medical care, but only in the event of an accident.
• For secondary care, you need a referral from your GP.
• Expatriates who have a visa for two years or more (or permanent residents) are entitled to the same health care as local residents. This also applies to work visas of two years or more. People with a tourist visa, working holiday visa or student visa cannot register for public health care.
• There are therefore conditions for expats to be entitled to public health care. If you receive public health care, this care is cheap. You do have to pay for visits to the dentist and GP yourself. And the costs of the dentist are high.

How does the private healthcare system work in New Zealand?

• Expats with a temporary visa of less than two years must have private international health insurance. However, emigrants/expats can also use the ACC free of charge.
• In private healthcare, you get faster access to specialist treatments, more freedom of choice in doctors and hospitals and shorter waiting times for non-urgent procedures.
• The quality of care is very good, comparable to public healthcare but not necessarily better.

How is the general practitioner arranged in New Zealand?

• The GP is the first line of healthcare.
• For residents and long-term expats, GP visits are subsidised and relatively cheap (usually between NZD 19-55). For expats without access to public healthcare, these costs can increase.
• GPs provide basic healthcare. If you do not live in a small village, the accessibility of GPs is quite high. GP practices have waiting times. There are often several specialists present and the nurses can also be contacted to provide care.
• It is useful to register with a local GP, especially if you are staying in New Zealand for a longer period of time. You can visit the Healthpoint website to find a GP near you.

How is the dentist arranged in New Zealand?

• Dental care is not included in the public health care system for adults, except in emergencies.
• Children under 18 years of age have free access to dental care through the public system.
• For adults, dental visits must be paid out of pocket, unless you have additional private insurance. The cost of a simple check-up can start at NZD 120.
• Another option that people choose is dental care abroad, for example in Bali or Bangkok.

How is pregnancy care arranged in New Zealand?

• In New Zealand, you will get good maternity care, with all the necessary facilities.
• Care is free through the public health system. For expats without public health care, the cost of pregnancy and childbirth can vary, but a hospital birth can cost between NZD 5,000-15,000. As a foreigner on a temporary visa, you may also need to show that you have NZD 9,000 to cover your pregnancy. Once you are pregnant you will need to appoint a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC). This can be a midwife, obstetrician or GP. This LMC will support you throughout your pregnancy, be present at the birth and also support you in the 4-6 weeks after the birth.
• Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged in New Zealand, and there are many lactation consultants and support groups available. Breastfeeding in public is completely acceptable.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in New Zealand?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in New Zealand?

• New Zealand is quite safe for expats, perhaps one of the safest countries in terms of crime. The country has low crime rates and friendly people. Most crime involves petty theft, such as pickpocketing in tourist areas.
• There are also no poisonous or dangerous animals in New Zealand, which makes it a safe country in terms of wildlife. However, nature can bring dangers.
• For example, the weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. Unexpected things can happen during a hike, so always make sure you inform someone about your plans before you go out.
• There can also be strong currents on beaches, so always follow local swimming advice.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in New Zealand?

• New Zealand is a fairly healthy country with no major health risks. There are no native tropical diseases such as malaria or dengue.
• Make sure you are well informed about the latest health measures and vaccinations.
• Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. The strong UV rays increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen with a high SPF is strongly recommended.
• Some people develop hay fever due to the pollen of native plants.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in New Zealand?

• New Zealand drives on the left side of the road, which can take some getting used to for expatriates.
• The roads are generally in good condition, but in rural areas there are many narrow, winding roads and gravel roads.
• Beware of tourists who are less familiar with driving on the left. Traffic incidents can occur, especially on popular routes.
• Read up on the traffic rules. For example, seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car and hands-free calling is mandatory. Using your phone while driving is prohibited.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in New Zealand?

• Is the trip to New Zealand and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for New Zealand if you are going to live there for a while?

• If you're moving to New Zealand on a short-term visa, private health insurance is usually mandatory. But even on long term visas people take out private health insurance to have more options and cover extra costs of things like dental care. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.