Healthcare in New Zealand

Healthcare in New Zealand is mainly funded through the general taxes collected from wages. Treatments are usually free or heavily subsidised. To supplement the government healthcare scheme, you can also get your own private healthcare policy.

You need to be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand or hold a valid work permit to be able to claim the government funded healthcare.

General treatments and prescriptions from public hospitals, laboratory tests, healthcare during pregnancy and birth and basic dental treatment for school children are some of the area which is covered by New Zealand’s healthcare scheme.

Items such as prescriptions, visits to your GP, chiropractors, if referred, and ambulanced services are some of the services that are subsidised.

To register with a GP, you need to provide them with your passport and your valid visa or permit.

By getting your own private health insurance, it may allow you to bypass the waiting times in public health centres and services. You can also take advantage of the free services as well as those offered by your private policy.

Typical costs for healthcare are – Heart surgery $12,000, cataract removal $2,400 hip or knee replacement $12,000 and heart by pass $25,600. All prices are in New Zealand dollars.

If you are hurt by a third party, there is no option for you to take legal proceedings against anyone. New Zealand runs the Accident Compensation Corporation which will help pay for the costs of your care. If the injury stops you from working, the AAC can pay 80% of your weekly income.

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