Expat Insurance Services in New Zealand

All citizens and legal residents of New Zealand get completely free tax funded in-hospital government health care which leads to a very long waiting list, but with excellent quality health care service. Citizens of some other countries, including Britain, Canada, Australia, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands are also covered in this system.

 

The cost of outpatient services, prescriptions etc. is still payable by patients, unless they are under six years old in which case it is free, but those on a lower income can still get a Community Services Card for a substantial discount off these costs. A separate aspect of public insurance in New Zealand is that it is the only country with Public Accident Insurance. This insurance pays for all medical costs of the victim as a result of an accident and more, no matter who is at fault. The guilty party does not have to pay damages for the accident.

 

New Zealanders frequently get additional private health insurance for access to private medical treatment facilities and much shorter waiting periods. It is also necessary to get private dental insurance in New Zealand, as most dental treatment is not covered by the government health care program.