Health System

New Zealand’s health care system is excellent and has one of the highest reputations in the developed world. It endeavours to ensure that everyone is taken care of if they need to see a doctor or receive treatment. The health care system is mostly financed by the federal (central) government, however, there are an increasing amount of quality private healthcare options becoming available. People migrating to New Zealand as new residents can receive the same publicly funded services as New Zealand citizens.

Extraordinary to New Zealand is the Accident Compensation (ACC) Scheme – even temporary visitors are covered. Under the scheme, if you are involved in an accident and experience injury as a result, then the ACC will cover most of your medical expenses. In return however, people may not sue for personal injury (other than for exemplary damages). Travelers should note that the scheme is subject to conditions and NZ Immigration Service advises that visitors to New Zealand in some situations will be liable for the full costs of medical treatment.

By world standards, the New Zealand public health sector is generous, yet, the government appears to be apportioning less than it used to on health concerns and an increasing amount of New Zealanders are turning to private health care schemes as a result. Publicly funded services still however include free care or low cost alternatives to treatment in public hospitals. This includes some financial assistance (i.e. subsidies) for family doctor visits and prescriptions, particularly for those with young children, are on low incomes or are regular users of the public health care system.