Health Insurance
 

Hi
Now I'm over in NZ I'm starting to think about things like healthcare and doctors:thumbdown: and was just wondering about whether people tend to have insurance or not. Obviously with the NHS in the UK I have never had health insurance before in my life.
Is it worth bothering with now I'm in NZ as a permanent resident or is the health system as it stands adequate? Do many New Zealanders bother paying out for it? Mr Sue hasn't been much help as far as this is concerned...

I also need to register with a doctor, is it as simple as phoning round and just finding one who'll have me:eek: I know I'll have to pay for appointments:thumbdown: Is there a website that lists those in my local area? Strangely enough I cannot find them in the Yellow Pages:blink:

Thanks
Sue :D

Re: Health Insurance
 

We've never had it and our parents never had it. We were advised that if you could produce five thousand dollars instantly you don't need it. However, prices are going up and we've never actually needed it. If you do need it perhaps it's different.

Re: Health Insurance
 

most empoyers offer some sort of private healthcare as part of the employment package. The biggest healthcare provider is probalby southern cross, you can look on their website to see what the rates etc are.
Private healthcare is usually taken to get you off waiting lists should you need surgery, or to refund part of doctors consultation fees. Unlike the NHS you have to pay when you go and see a doctor.I dont think you have to officially register with a GP like the UK, but it probalby is a good idea to have a regular GP.

For emergencies etc you are covered under the public health system. if you require treatment becasue of an accident you can claim back costs through ACC

Ive luckily never had to go to hospital so cant really comment on the standard of service. Judging by the number of UK nurses working in Nz youd think it would be similar??

Re: Health Insurance
 

Most employers? I think it depends where you are employed. I've never had it as part of my package and neither has my OH.

Re: Health Insurance
 

Really? I have never had it as part of my contract but even the small companies I have worked for have been in some sort of group scheme. I think (think...not know) that the minimum for a group scheme is generally 4 people but they also sometimes keep the scheme going at workplaces simply because they want to keep 'in' with the company.

Just about anyone I know who has had to use their private health insurance at any point has been very thankful they had it. A big thing for them was the difference between urgent vs something which is incredibly painful but not particularly urgent.

I have health insurance for surgical and specialist care. I am happy with that as a bare minimum. Some things would certainly be good to have (dental, optometrist, physio) but to me, the specialist assistance and surgical assistance are the things which I would prioritise - other things I could hopefully plan for. Dental would be great, but one thing I found out recently was that my dentist was happy to refer me to/suggest oral surgeons (which is covered by the plan) for work which the oral surgeon is able to do (particular extractions, fillings). Of course, then it comes down to whether they would be willing to do it! :)

Re: Health Insurance
 

It's a good idea to have if only because you get preferential treatment in hospitals etc. (and rightly so since you are using some of your own money to foot the bill :)). Never had an oppertunity to make use of it though (thankfully!).

Re: Health Insurance
 

We have not bothered with health insurance and try to put a little away each fortnight for dental and other health related costs. Think about it every so on but when we work out the costs we decide to save the money instead for that rainy day!
It is worth registering with a GP as it takes a little while before you get in the system and get a reduced cost for visits etc. The link below explains enrolling with a GP etc. Note there is not a standard cost for seeing a GP and you can pay as little as $25 to $75 for visiting as an adult - depends on the GP Practice.
Hope this helps a little
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/index...-pho-enrolment

Re: Health Insurance
 

Hi Nero,
I see you're in Mission Bay, my families there.
Just thought I'd mention it.:o