medical
 

Hi Folk

we are flying out 10th Feb, we are unsure of the situation regarding doctors, hospital etc.

Do we need to go private? Roughly how much would this be a month?or is there a system, similar to the national health service? if there is is it any good?

We have a six month old infant, so need good cover.

look forward to hearing from you

kind regards

donna

Re: medical
 

There is no National Health Service. Are you coming here with PR (permanent residency) or a visa; what will your status be?

It's basically a pay as you go system. You pay each time you need to see the GP, for each prescription, attendance at hospital, dental and eye care etc. Am not sure whether your residency status affects what child cover there might be.

There have been other threads on this subject - perhaps it might be worth searching 'insurance' and/or 'health' as I know others have given information on different schemes, prices, etc in the past.

Re: medical
 

DHB healthcare is of a good standard, most of the medical staff I work with are top class, tons of Brits that have left the NHS in despair or that come for training which is excellent. if you have a work visa or PR you and your spouse are covered for free hospital healthcare. GP`s costs have come down and common prescription drugs are not too costly. If you GP refers you for investigations or to see a specialist its free. Same as in UK you can choose to go private and pay to see the same Consultant just quicker. Waiting lists about same as UK, must say ive never waited longer than 3-4 weeks to see a Consultant....would be alot longer in UK. Accidents that happen in NZ are covered by ACC, if you are self emplyed have to work out your own contributions depending on the level of cover. Vistors from UK are covered by reciprocal agreement for urgent care only. Depending on where you are living may be an after hours GP service, a little more costly as you would expect it being after hours.

try this link for eleigibility http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/index...ty-amieligible

Re: medical
 

My 3 year old is just getting over tonilitis. It cost us $5 for a doctors appt and a massive $2 for his prescription of antibiotics and paracetamol ( still cheaper to get on prescription here too!!)

I think kids under 7 are much more heavily subsidised with regards to costs, and speaking to an expat at the weekend who is a paedatrician, the standard of care and what is available is not that different to the UK, if anything, better.


As for an indication of costs and cover for medical matters, it's worth looking here.

www.southerncross.co.nz

Hope that helps a bit