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

What is the quality of healthcare in New Zealand?

• New Zealand has one of the one of the better-performing publicly funded healthcare systems in the world. 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 health institutions in New Zealand, including ones that offer online consultations.
• 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.
• Even people who are eligible for public healthcare often choose private health insurance to access elective surgery more quickly and to cover services that are not fully funded, such as dental care, physiotherapy and specialist consultations. About 60% of New Zealanders have supplementary medical insurance to cover these additional costs and because of the long waiting times in the public system.
• The vast majority of illnesses requiring medical attention in New Zealand are heart disease and cancer. 
• Ambulance services are mainly provided by Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance. Unlike some other countries, ambulance transport is not always fully funded by the government. Depending on where you live and your eligibility status, a fee may apply for ambulance services. The national emergency number is 111 for ambulance, police and fire services.
• New Zealand has a well-developed pharmacy network and most common medications are readily available. Some medicines that are available over the counter in other countries may require a prescription in New Zealand. 

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 healthcare provides free or subsidised access to hospital care and many health services. Visits to a GP are generally not free, although they are subsidised for eligible residents and citizens.
• Foreigners who have a visa for two years or more (or permanent residents) are entitled to the same health care as local residents. Most tourists, working holiday makers and international students are not eligible for publicly funded healthcare, although eligibility depends on visa type and individual circumstances. 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.
• ACC covers treatment costs resulting from accidents regardless of visa status, but it does not cover illnesses or routine healthcare.
• For secondary care, you need a referral from your GP.

How does the private healthcare system work in New Zealand?

• 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.
• Many temporary visa holders choose or are required by their visa conditions to have private health insurance, particularly international students and some work visa holders. However, emigrants/expats can also use the ACC free of charge.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in New Zealand?

• The GP is the first line of healthcare.
• For residents and long-term expats, GP consultations typically cost between NZD 40 and NZD 80 or more for adults, depending on the clinic and whether you are enrolled with the practice. For international tourists and (temporary) migrants without access to public healthcare, these costs usually increase.
• GPs provide basic healthcare. If you do not live in a small village, the accessibility of GPs is quite high, but the waiting times can differ per practice.
• Many practices have several GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals working together. 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 dental care and 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 and maternity care arranged in New Zealand?

• In New Zealand, you will find very 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 is usually a midwife, although in some cases an obstetrician or GP may take on the role. 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.
• New Zealand has one of the strongest midwife-led maternity care systems in the world, and many women receive most of their pregnancy care from a midwife.
• 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 and/or bring a personal locator beacon before you go out. 
• Severe weather events such as storms, flooding and landslides occasionally disrupt travel and infrastructure.
• New Zealand is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes can occur throughout the country, particularly in and around Wellington and parts of the South Island.
• And last but not least, there can 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 hardly any major health risks. There are no native tropical diseases such as malaria or dengue.
• Due to high ultraviolet radiation levels, however, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Sunscreen with a high SPF is strongly recommended.
• Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
• Some people develop hay fever due to the pollen of native plants.
• Make sure you are well informed about the latest health measures and vaccinations.

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

• Kiwis drive on the left side of the road, which can take some getting used to for foreigners.
• Many roads outside the major cities are narrow, winding and require extra caution, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with local conditions.
• Traffic incidents can occur, especially on popular routes. Driver fatigue is a significant cause of road accidents, especially during long-distance travel.
• Livestock such as sheep and cattle may occasionally be encountered on rural roads.
• 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 are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working 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?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in New Zealand
• Insurance for studying in New Zealand
• Insurance for internships in New Zealand
• Insurance for volunteering in New Zealand
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in New Zealand

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in New Zealand?

• If you're moving to New Zealand on a short-term visa, private health insurance is usually mandatory.
• International health insurance for New Zealand
• International travel insurance for New Zealand
• International life insurance for New Zealand
• International income protection insurance for New Zealand