New Zealand has an excellent healthcare system with a combination of public and private providers. All cities and major towns have hospitals and there are medical centres throughout the country. In cities (and often in towns) there is a wide range of treatment available, including chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy and Chinese medicine. Universities and some tertiary providers offer student health centres, where students can see a doctor for a very reasonable fee. All tertiary institutions also have a full time nurse on campus free of charge for both international and domestic students.
International students can access these services, but they must pay for care received.
All international students are required to have medical insurance when in New Zealand, to cover all treatments – including doctors, hospitals, ambulances and specialist treatments. It is the policy of most institutions that international students have total health-care and travel insurance cover organised prior to arriving in New Zealand.
Students should be aware of any conditions that are not covered by their insurance policy – for example, pregnancy related matters are not covered by medical insurance.
International students who do not meet any other criteria (eg a Commonwealth Scholarship) are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services unless injured in an accident for which their ACC claim is accepted – this is explained below. Students are responsible for any health costs they may incur, including public hospital treatment.
However a New Zealand permanent resident who has:
• a Returning Resident Visa, or
• a Residence Permit and has been living in New Zealand for two or more years immediately before receiving a health or disability services
is eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. Refer to www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility for further information on eligibility for healthcare.
In New Zealand the availability and use of medication is restricted in a variety of ways. Some medicines can be purchased in supermarkets for the relief of symptoms from common illnesses such as coughs, colds and headaches. Other medication may be purchased from a pharmacy or chemist – some of these will need a doctor’s prescription for purchase. This ensures the correct medication is given, with correct guidance, for particular illnesses.
The New Zealand government runs a scheme known as ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) go cover costs of treatment and support for accidents incurred. This scheme also applies to international visitors. Students attending a doctor with an accident related matter need to let both the receptionist and doctor know that their complaint is accident related. Additional questions will be asked and a form needs to be completed – however this may mean reduced costs for accident related consultations. Medical insurance will still reimburse any costs of medical care over and above what ACC will pay for.
ACC is not a replacement for travel insurance and does not cover illness, emergency trips home, any excursions over 300 nautical miles away from New Zealand or accidents incurred travelling to or from New Zealand. Students need to be aware that they cannot sue for personal injury – ACC replaces that right. See www.acc.govt.nz