New Zealand has an excellent healthcare system with a combination of public and private providers. There is usually a charge for international students to access health services. In cities there is a wide range of treatment available, including chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy and Chinese medicine.
For a cold, influenza, or other common health problems visit the student health centre on campus or your host family's doctor.
If you have a serious health emergency or accident, dial 111 and ask for an ambulance. The call is free - you don't need coins or a phone card if you are calling from a public phone box. This is also the emergency number for police and fire services.
If you need surgery or other treatment at a private hospital you’ll probably have to pay for it, unless you are entitled to public hospital treatment in New Zealand.
The National Poison Information Centre has a 24-hour emergency number - freephone 0800 POISON (0800 764 766).
There is a considerable degree of sexual freedom among young people in New Zealand, similar to Europe but much freer than in many Asian countries. Hospital sexual health clinics, the Family Planning Association and some youth health centres provide free, confidential advice on contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. They also provide cervical screening and pregnancy testing.
New buildings are designed with wheelchairs in mind and many older buildings now have ramps. Some institutions have hearing loops. There are usually volunteer or paid reader and writers (in English) to help students who have difficulty writing or reading.