NZ Health Care System -How it Works
Many migrants choose to live in New Zealand for its healthy, relaxed lifestyle. We're pleased to also add that should you become ill or have an accident here, you'll be well looked after. For starters, New Zealand's healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the best in the OECD countries. Not only do we enjoy high standards of medical professionalism, we also offer a wide range of free and government-subsidised healthcare, including free hospital treatment. In addition, you can also choose private health care to supplement the public system. This email will provide details on both our public and private health care options, as well as give you insights into other government-paid health benefits for families, for children and in case of injury, through our Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Public Health Care Under the public system, essential health care is provided free to all residents. And for those working here on a 2-year or more working permit, you're entitled to subsidised health care just by showing your passport. Everyone in New Zealand is entitled to ACC benefits. Some routine services, such as visits to local doctors, dentists and prescribed medicines you will pay for. However, with the government subsidy, the average cost of a visit to your general practitioner will be less than $50 and most prescription medicines only cost $3. Hospital treatment and tests are free-of-charge, with minor exceptions. Publicly-funded health services include: * free hospital treatment * free access to public hospital accident and emergency (A&E) units * no charge for most laboratory tests and x-rays at public clinics, including blood tests. You're free to choose your own doctor, and to change doctors at any time. Medicines are dispensed through a chemist or pharmacy - these are located in most shopping centres - and you're free to choose which pharmacy you'll use. There may be times when you need specialist or hospital attention, and your GP will refer you to a suitable specialist or the nearest hospital. There are 40 public hospitals, located mostly in the main centres of the country. With minor exceptions, hospital treatment is provided free of charge. However there may be a waiting list for specialist services and some non-urgent hospital treatments. This is where you'll want to know about private healthcare. Private Health Care At any time, you have the choice of using private healthcare. There's a wide network of private hospitals and clinics throughout the country that provide services including elective procedures and general surgery, and specialist procedures such as cardiothoracic operations. There are also private radiology clinics and testing laboratories. The cost of private healthcare is not funded by the government, but a number of insurance companies offer healthcare cover. Some employers offer health insurance as part of the remuneration package. Policies range from basic care to comprehensive cover, and the premiums vary accordingly. As a guide, a comprehensive plan for a non-smoking person in their 30s is currently around $1400 a year. An important point to note is that, even if you do have private health insurance, you are still entitled to free public health services. Accidents and injuries covered by ACC Here's an important feature of the New Zealand healthcare system that you'll find refreshingly different: the government's personal injury insurance scheme, known as ACC. The Accident Compensation Corporation provides comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all New Zealand residents and visitors to New Zealand. You're protected whether you're injured at home, work or out having fun. ACC helps pay for medical fees and rehabilitation costs such as physiotherapy or residential care that are caused by any accident or injury. It may also provide up to 80% of your pre-tax weekly income if your injury prevents you from working. Taking care of children If you're bringing children to New Zealand, you'll be pleased to know that many health services for children under age 6 are free. These include immunisation against serious diseases and visits to the doctor. Whilst at primary school children also receive regular school eyesight and hearing check-ups and basic dental care for free. More detailed information In general, you can be assured that healthcare in New Zealand is safe, reliable and freely available. But if you would like to know more, have a look at these links: * The New Zealand Ministry of Health website * ACC - Information about the government-run personal injury insurance scheme * Health Funds Association of New Zealand - The industry organisation representing health insurers in New Zealand, with links to major health insurers' websites. Now that you're looking forward to a healthy lifestyle in New Zealand, you'll be wanting to know how you can get out and enjoy it. In our next email we'll give you the low-down on transportation options, including whether or not to bring your car with you. We'll be in touch soon with that information for you. Regards, Kirsty RyanImmigration New ZealandPS. Life in New Zealand is both mentally and physically stimulating. Check out some leisure-time opportunities, from sailing to mountain biking, golfing to wine tasting at www.newzealand.com/travel/International.Department of Labour | P.O. Box 3705 Wellington, New ZealandTo unsubscribe from this newsletter click here.Powered by m-savvy |
