Healthcare in New Zealand for expats

New Zealand uses a universal, publicly funded healthcare system. It covers citizens, permanent residents, and, as of recent policies, expats on a work visa of two years or more. However, since visa requirements and healthcare policies may evolve, it is advisable to verify this coverage before relocation. Certain treatments are free to all. Services include inpatient, outpatient, mental health, and long-term care, along with prescription drugs. About one-third of New Zealanders carry private health insurance to supplement the public system.

Enrollment in New Zealand’s public system takes about three months to process once you have your permanent residency or extended work visa. Health coverage extends to Australia, Ireland, and the UK as part of a reciprocal agreement, though it excludes the US. Visitors and undocumented people are treated as private-pay patients under New Zealand’s public healthcare system, including for emergency services. New Zealand’s public healthcare system uses copays but no deductible. Copays for GP and other doctor visits usually range from $10 to $34 USD, and there’s no fee for hospitalization. Prescriptions require a $3.40 USD copay for the family’s first 20 medications of the year; additional medications are then issued at no charge.

Private health insurance fills in the gaps left by the public plan or even replaces it entirely. As with many countries, private coverage pays for private clinics and hospitals, which may offer faster service or more individualized care. It also fills in coverage gaps for residents using the public health system, adding coverage for adult dental care, optometry, and physiotherapy.

Pharmacies, or chemist shops, are plentiful, much like in the United States. However, while many medications are available, the selection and types of medications may differ from those in the U.S., so it’s advisable to verify availability for specific prescriptions before relocating. Prescriptions must come from a New Zealander physician in order to get filled, but you can bring up to a 90-day supply of your medications over the border. Expats taking ADHD medication or other controlled substances may require a new diagnosis in New Zealand. This process often involves meeting with a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist, who will evaluate the individual’s condition based on local medical standards. While possible, securing a new diagnosis may be challenging for adults because of limited specialist availability and lengthy wait times. It is advisable to research this process in advance and consider consulting local healthcare providers upon arrival for detailed guidance.

Finding your new general physician (GP) in New Zealand is fairly direct. You can search Healthpoint, a local healthcare tech company, to see if any local GPs are accepting new patients. You can also check the White Pages or ask others in your local Facebook expat groups. GPs usually belong to networks of medical providers called primary health organizations (PHOs).

Legally, you can see a specialist without a GP’s referral, though it goes against the country’s primary care model. You’ll want a referral from your GP or walk-in clinic to see a specialist under both public and private health systems. Walk-in clinics are common choices for non-urgent care or if you don’t currently have a GP.