New Zealand offers a great healthcare system. Citizens and permanent residents have access to free or subsidized emergency care, acute and hospital treatment and some basic preventative care such as breast exams for women over fifty years of age.
However, for non-urgent medical procedures and treatment it’s important to buy private health insurance. This can help you get treated faster by avoiding long public hospital waiting lists and ensuring that the quality of your health care is high.
Public healthcare
New Zealand has one of the world’s most comprehensive and heavily government-subsidised healthcare systems. It’s free (or very low cost) for citizens and residents who live in the country for two years or more, as well as for those with a valid working visa.
The system is largely run by the national government, with funds distributed to 20 District Health Boards (DHBs). DHBs provide a range of services including preventive care such as vaccinations and gynecology services, as well as acute medical services at hospitals and public health nursing services.
In addition, DHBs and GPs operate national registries for chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer. These registries are run in conjunction with a national public health strategy that aims to improve patient experience.
The downside of New Zealand’s public healthcare system is the long waiting time for non-emergency procedures such as surgery or specialist consultations. This is why many expats and visitors choose to purchase private healthcare plans. These plans allow them to jump the queue and receive treatment for qualifying medical conditions.
Private healthcare
The healthcare system in New Zealand has undergone significant changes since the 1980s. From a fully public system, it has now become a mixed public-private scheme.
The New Zealand government covers most of the cost of medical care for New Zealanders. This is either through free services, such as accident compensation, or via a low-cost co-pay for basic treatments.
However, the public healthcare system can have some downsides, such as long waiting periods for non-emergency procedures and specialists. This is why many New Zealanders and expats take out private health insurance to help expedite treatment.
In addition to the ACC program, New Zealanders have access to a network of community clinics and general practitioners. These providers can provide over-the-phone prescription renewals and referrals to services like cancer screening. They also often have after-hours clinics that can see patients quickly.
Accidental injury
Accidental injury is an occurrence that happens without your fault. This means that you cannot sue someone for your injuries, but ACC may help to cover the costs of medical treatment and also assist with your income if you can’t work because of your injury.
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a government entity that pays claims on behalf of those injured by an accident in New Zealand, or visiting the country. The scheme is funded through levies on things such as petrol and motor vehicle registration, and employers contributions.
ACC is the only no-fault insurance scheme in the world, and it is free to use. It covers all types of injuries from a car accident, to a slip and fall at home.
Prescription medicine
If you’re travelling to new zealand, you might find yourself in need of some prescription medicine. This can be anything from some paracetamol to ibuprofen, and it’s important to ensure that you have a valid prescription before going.
In New Zealand, prescription medicines are controlled by Medsafe, a department of the Ministry of Health. This helps to ensure that you’re getting safe and effective medicines.
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