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New Zealand established one of the first free, public healthcare systems in the world. At present, medical insurance is freely available to all citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand. In terms of migrants, the situation is somewhat different. Public healthcare can only be accessed by migrants who are in possession of a valid interim visa, a work visa of 2+ years, are under refugee or protection status, or are an aforementioned permanent resident of New Zealand.
What’s offered as part of “public healthcare” in New Zealand?
New Zealand public healthcare is created through public funding and is controlled by their Ministry of Health. The services they provide include emergency care, maternity care, disability services, specialist consultations and generally free government mandated consultations for children under 14. All of these services are free or are heavily subsidised. New Zealand also offers special assistance towards those caught in accidents through the organisation ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation), which covers the necessary costs for treatment and at times, rehabilitation.
What are the free services offered?
The free services offered by the public healthcare system include the following:
- GP (general practitioner) visits for children under 14
- Free dental services for anyone under age 18
- Emergency care irrespective of immigratory status, along with the help of ACC
- Care towards people with HIV, regardless of immigration status
- Maternity care
What are the services you have to pay for?
Certain services offered by the healthcare system do have to be paid for. However, they are heavily subsidised. The following are some examples;
- It is necessary to enroll under a GP when residing in New Zealand. This process requires payment, but is subsidised.
- Similarly, dental checkups for adults are not free.
- Prescription medications. The maximum charge is up to $5, but even this can be free for children (ages 14 and below) and senior citizens.
What are the challenges for migrants within the healthcare system?
Migrants may face certain issues, such as cultural barriers. Fluency in English is a helpful aid in situations regarding the healthcare system for effective communication between the patient and the doctor. If required, interpreters are available free of charge as well.
Obtaining the necessary visa and documentation for eligibility can also be a difficult process. Nonetheless, this is required for enrolling under a GP, which is cheaper than visiting a GP without enrolling, as the cost is not subsidised. Moreover, there may be unseen bias towards citizens in terms of priority within the healthcare system. This is not necessarily a common feature as all people eligible for public healthcare have the same benefits offered to them.
Downsides of public healthcare
Despite the many perks of being able to access public healthcare, there are a few disadvantages. For instance, on account of the whole service being “public”, there is a longer wait time. The time taken to wait for treatment or a consultation depends on the urgency of your health condition and how critical a condition you may have. The wait time is also affected by shortages in the workforce, and by how busy the health service is, for example, lacking enough beds for patients within the hospital. Moreover, if your situation requires specific care, the public healthcare system cannot allow you to choose your specialist nor practitioner of choice. In this case, private medical insurance is the better option as the waiting time is reduced drastically.
Furthermore, non urgent treatments usually need to be accessed privately. However, GPs do offer immunisations, mental wellbeing aid, give lifestyle advice and perform minor surgeries. Suffice it to say, GPs do provide many services, so there is not much that the public healthcare can’t offer.
FAQs
Are all and any foreigners allowed public healthcare?
You need to be a citizen, a permanent resident, in possession of a work visa/suitable interim visa or be under refugee/under protection to access public healthcare. However, if you have HIV or if you are caught in an accident, you are given medical support irrespective of immigration status. For those recovering from an accident, organisations such as the ACC are ready to help financially.
How do I know I’m eligible for healthcare?
Going through the New Zealand government website can show you if you are eligible or not. Furthermore, if you receive a visa, ask your visa provider if you are eligible as well. And once in New Zealand, ask your healthcare provider if you are eligible for public healthcare by showing documentation such as your visa letter, your immigration history in New Zealand as well as proof of ID. Local private insurance is usually available only for permanent residents, but international insurance can be used by anyone.
What constitutes “free” healthcare in New Zealand?
Free healthcare is typically what is considered public and universal healthcare in New Zealand. It is accessible to millions and is either free or heavily subsidised in most cases, making it affordable, especially for low income residents.
Is free healthcare entitled to my entire family if only I am eligible?
Children under 14 are entitled to public healthcare regardless of immigration status. However, private medical insurance does allow your spouse/partner and children to be listed as dependents.
