p9atp

Hi does anyone know if children get immunisations in NZ if so are they free of charge and at what ages ??, also are children entitled to see a DR free and do they get free prescriptions??

mickey_d

http://www.immune.org.nz/?t=571

dlmckay

My daughter was just a 6 month old when we arrived, so we continued to vaccinate as per the "red book". The vaccinations were free.

As for children seeing a doctor, until they're 6 it's free, after that there's a small fee. To be honest, I'm happy paying to see a doctor on the same day instead of the week after!!

Prescription charges vary depending on what medicines are required and what is currently funded by Pharmac. Some are free, some partially funded, some not funded at all.

Joshlin

Hi there
there is a schedule of immunisations just as in the UK with some slightly different jabs added in. Our doctors charge $10 for my under 5 to see the Dr and $28 for everyone else.
we recently went for her 4yr old check / imms and I was really impressed - we had 15 minutes with the doctor - general discussion on how she was, check of her heart / lungs, eyes / ears etc then into the nurse for her imms - so probably 30min apt for $10 - not bad

kiwinow

Is it because of the visa you're on that your doctor charges for your under 5?
Not sure what the deal is with the various visas, but in NZ doctors should be free for under 6 and immunisations free. If you have a communtiy services card (based on your combined salaries) you can get cheaper doc visits and discount off medication.

Joshlin

we have PR so have full entitlements - Dr's fees are completely dependent upon the Dr you go to. When we first arrived our first GP saw the children for free, our current GP charges $10. However, for the service we get $10 is well spent in my opinion.

CarolineSwan

how do you get a community services card... note to self take lucy to docs and register her

mickey_d

http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/ind...ices-card.html
You have to be on low income. But if you havent been here long, your income will probably be under the limits for the fianancial year, so you should get one for a while anyway, as we did in our 1st year.

CarolineSwan

ty i have saved that to faves and will give a good read later or gary will lol

caz

kiwinow

If you're happy with your doctor that's all that matters. I actually thought it was illegal for doctors to charge for under 6's, because it's a govenment ruling to ensure that kiwi kids are treated regardless of income. In the same way all NZ children are entitled to receive free dental treatment from your dentist (except cosmetic things like braces and surgery) if they are under 18, even if they have left school. The doc or dentist claims a subsidy back from the government. But perhaps if they don't claim the subsidy that is their loophole. Trouble is then it's back on the parent, which defeats the purpose IMHO.
Incidentally, keep your kids records handy as they like to see them when you enrol at school. They can't force you to immunise if you object, but they encourage it.

Community service cards are usually awarded when you claim your family allowance and they ask about your income. We had one years ago when we were on a single income. I actually think we are over the limit now but they keep sending us one, possibly because OH is self-employed.

wannabekiwi

we are on a 30months work visa at the moment and my daughter 3, had to have a Hepatitis B (3 courses) jab and didn't need to pay anything.
They did ask what kind of visa we got though.

luvwelly

Bingo - dentists choose whether to opt into the scheme for older children. Some only provide it, if parents are regular attenders as private patients, the argument being that the reimbursement rates don't cover costs.
The care for younger children through the School Dental Service is provided mainly by dental therapists not fully qualified dentists.

You are of course free to take your kids to a private dentist of your choice from the start instead. Mine charges slightly lower rates for kids of registered parent patients but it's still basically full private care there is no government subsidy involved.

kiwinow

My dental clinic rang me to remind me that my older son (who has left school) is turning 18 soon and should get his last free check up now. Dental clinic care here stops at primary school, but from year 9 our kids visit my own dentist for free until they are 18. This includes xrays, fillings and fluoride treatments. The only cost will be if they need braces or surgery.

When you read the ads and flyers it doesn't seem to indicate it's optional for dentists or doctors, but I guess it is.