Doctors, insurance and emergencies in Auckland

Eligibility for public healthcare

Publicly funded health services are available to citizens, residents, Australians intending to stay two years or more, and holders of work visas valid for two years or more — or of a shorter work visa if you have already been here for two years. Partners and children of eligible people are usually covered too. Whether you qualify depends on your visa and its length, and it is worth confirming before arrival rather than assuming. Those who do not qualify should hold private cover, and some visa categories require it.

• A work visa valid for two years or more usually makes you eligible from the day you arrive.
• Hospital treatment is publicly funded for eligible people.
• Non-eligible visitors are charged, and hospital costs are substantial.
• Some visas require evidence of health cover.

GPs, enrolment and cost

Primary care is through a general practice, and you enrol with one, which lowers the cost of visits. Even enrolled, you pay a fee per consultation — this surprises arrivals from countries with free primary care — and some Auckland practices have closed their books to new patients, so start looking in the first week. Children under 14 are seen free at most practices. Specialist treatment generally requires a GP referral, and public waiting lists for non-urgent procedures can be long, which is why many residents hold private cover from Southern Cross, nib or similar on top.

• Enrol with a practice; enrolled fees are considerably lower than casual ones.
• Expect to pay per GP visit even when eligible for public care.
• Specialists are accessed by referral; private referral is faster.
• Prescriptions for eligible people carry a NZ$5 charge per item, with exemptions for some groups.

ACC

The Accident Compensation Corporation provides no-fault cover for accidental injury for everyone in New Zealand, including visitors. It covers treatment and can cover a proportion of lost earnings for those eligible, and in exchange the right to sue for personal injury is largely removed. It does not cover illness, which is the boundary to understand.

• No-fault, covers everyone present in New Zealand, including visitors.
• Covers accidental injury and its treatment; not illness.
• Lodge a claim through the treating provider — they do most of it.

Practicalities

111 reaches emergency services. Pharmacies are widespread and pharmacists can advise and supply some medicines without a prescription. Two local considerations: sun exposure is severe — New Zealand has among the highest melanoma rates in the world and sun protection is a genuine health measure, not a holiday habit — and cold, damp housing is a recognised winter health issue, which is precisely what the Healthy Homes standards exist to address.

• 111 for emergencies.
• UV levels are extreme in summer; sun protection is a real health measure.
• Damp, cold housing is a winter health issue — the Healthy Homes statement matters.
• Healthline, on 0800 611 116, offers free telephone health advice around the clock.

In order

1. 1Check your eligibility for public health care against your visa and its length.
2. 2If you are not eligible, hold private cover from the day you arrive.
3. 3Enrol with a GP practice near home in the first week; bring your passport and visa.
4. 4Save 111 and Healthline, and keep a note of the nearest urgent care clinic.
5. 5Consider private cover for elective surgery and specialists if waiting lists matter to you.