New Zealand has a good standard of healthcare and the network of health professionals in each area is strong. Most areas have GP clinics and this should be your first port of call for medical treatment. Most minor complaints are dealt with by GP clinics, community clinics or accident and medical centres. If specialist treatment is required then a letter of referral is usually needed. For emergency treatment and ambulance services you should call 111. New Zealand also has a phone service similar to NHS Direct which can be consulted if you are unsure if medical treatment is necessary. Healthline is staffed by registered nurses.

There are 21 District Health Boards (DHBs) in New Zealand which each receive a sum of money every year to provide healthcare services for the residents in that area. Each DHB is given guidelines on the type of services that the money is to be used on. These can include services which are bought from private organisations as well as public ones. Hospitals are run by the DHBs and they oversee programmes such as the cervical health screening programme.

When you visit a GP you will need to pay a fee. GP visits are subsidized by the government but the GP is allowed to set his/her own fee and these can vary a great deal. GPs that are part of a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) are able to offer cheaper services. These include free treatment for those aged 6 years and under, although if you need to see a GP out of the normal practice hours the fee can still be high. Those who are on benefits or who have a low income can apply for a CSC (Community Services Card). The size of the family is also taken into consideration. This can give you greater savings on health care facilities. Your local clinic can help you to determine if you are eligible for this card or you can contact the department of Work and Income.

Those who are having a baby receive healthcare services for free during the pregnancy, birth and for a few weeks afterwards. This does not include any private healthcare that the mother may have opted for. Depending upon your residential status, you may not be eligible for this healthcare free of charge so you would receive a bill.

There are both public and private hospitals in New Zealand and it is up to you which one you use. Hospitals provide care at all levels. Essential hospital care is provided free of charge unless you opt for private health care, in which case there will be a bill. Those who would prefer private healthcare are advised to take out medical insurance. There are waiting times in some hospitals for certain types of treatment and patients are able to call and ask about waiting times. Patients are also able to take advantage of public treatments such as radiotherapy, but be referred by a private specialist.

Emergency treatment after an accident is funded by the Accident Compensation Corporation but the treatment can only be administered by a health professional that is registered. There may be fees to pay when you see a GP or other health professional as a result of an accident. +There are rarely charges made for x-rays and laboratory tests, such as blood tests.

New Zealand also has a High Use Health Card. This is for those who need to see a doctor a minimum of 12 times in one year. There are no means tests for this card and the application can be made by the GP. The discounts are the same as for a CSC card but a CSC covers all family members while the HUHC is for the named individual only.

Expats who are not residents of New Zealand will normally be charged for all health care. In the event of needing emergency treatment a patient will not be turned away simply because they are not a resident but they may receive a bill for the treatment at a later date. Treatment after an accident is normally free for all in the country, regardless of residency status.

There is no system of registration for the New Zealand health services and it is not essential to have some form of health care card to receive medical treatment.

New Zealand was the third country in the world to outlaw smoking in work places and indoor public spaces. There are numerous organisations which are working to help smokers to quit. Diseases such as heart disease and diabetes are a concern in New Zealand and statistics show that men are more likely to suffer from these conditions.

Mental health services are also available from the New Zealand health service and the government has a Mental Health Commission which assesses the services that are available. New Zealand has its own branch of the Samaritans for those who need additional advice.

Useful Resources

Healthline
Tel: 0800 611 116

Work and Income
Tel: 0800 999 999

Samaritans New Zealand
Tel: 0800 726 666