New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and friendly people. Like any other country, emergency situations can happen, and it is essential to know the emergency numbers and available medical facilities in the area. In this article, we will cover the essential information on emergencies in New Zealand.
Emergency Medical Assistance in New Zealand
If you are in New Zealand and require urgent medical assistance, call 111. This number is for emergencies only and will connect you to ambulance services, fire services, or police services. The call is free of charge, and the operator will ask you questions to assess the situation’s severity and dispatch the appropriate emergency services.
For mental health emergencies, you can call the Mental Health Crisis Team in your area. You can find your nearest team’s contact information on the Ministry of Health website or by calling the 24/7 mental health crisis helpline at 1737.
Emergency Medical Treatment in New Zealand
New Zealand has an extensive network of hospitals and medical clinics that offer emergency medical treatment. If you require immediate medical attention, call 111 for an ambulance, and they will take you to the nearest hospital or medical center.
There are two types of medical centers in New Zealand: Accident and Medical (A&M) and Urgent Care Centers. A&M centers provide care for minor injuries and illnesses, while Urgent Care Centers offer treatment for more severe health issues. Both types of medical centers operate on a walk-in basis, and no appointment is necessary.
For non-urgent medical care, you can visit your General Practitioner (GP), also known as a family doctor. GPs can provide ongoing medical care, treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, and referrals to specialists if necessary.
Cost of Emergency Treatment in New Zealand
If you require emergency medical treatment in New Zealand, there will be a cost involved. However, the cost varies depending on the type of medical treatment and whether you are a New Zealand resident or not.
If you are a New Zealand resident or hold a work or student visa valid for two years or more, you are eligible for publicly funded healthcare. This means that emergency medical treatment is free of charge, but you may be required to pay for prescriptions, medical tests, or specialist consultations.
If you are a visitor to New Zealand or hold a work or student visa valid for less than two years, you will be charged for emergency medical treatment. The cost of treatment can be expensive, so it is recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses before traveling to New Zealand.
Insurance Requirements in New Zealand
It is not a legal requirement to have medical insurance when visiting New Zealand. However, it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes medical cover before traveling to the country.
If you are a New Zealand resident or hold a work or student visa valid for two years or more, you are eligible for publicly funded healthcare. However, if you want to avoid the waiting times for non-urgent medical treatment, you can choose to purchase private health insurance.
In case of an emergency, it is essential to know the phone number to call and the available medical facilities in the area. In New Zealand, you can call 111 for emergency medical assistance, and there is an extensive network of hospitals and medical centers that provide emergency medical treatment.
Emergency medical treatment in New Zealand is free for New Zealand residents or those holding a valid work or student visa for two years or more. Visitors and those holding a visa valid for less than two years will be charged for emergency medical treatment, so it is recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses before traveling to New Zealand.