Schnorbitz

Born in NZ to British parents (and now living in the US), my intention is to retire with my USC wife to NZ. Does anyone have a recommendation that could help answer some relocation questions, specifically related to:

1. How to obtain a visa for my wife
2. Retirement payout - UK pensions (state and private), US 401k
3. Healthcare coverage

I did a search and couldn't see what I was looking for. If I missed it, apologies, and please point me in the right direction. Thanks!

Pulaski

An application for a visa for your wife starts here.

Bear in mind that living in NZ will mean that your UK state pension is frozen at the date you qualify to draw it (does not increase if you defer drawing it), and also does not get the annual increases. .... And you cannot game the system by moving temporarily to a jurisdiction where UK state pensions do get increases, e.g. the UK or USA, and then move back to NZ, as on moving back to NZ your UK state pension reverts to the original amount.

Mark Smith

3. Healthcare - my opinion is that it's really struggling here in Christchurch. Not sure if that would be mirrored elsewhere in NZ or in smaller towns.

FYI GP appointments are a co-payment model, with the patient paying roughly around $60 for an appointment (less for some if they have a Community services card). Many GP's not accepting new enrolments here. E.D and private after hours clinics are being overwhelmed, with many people who should be seen by their GP. Staff shortages and sickness are also impacting ED and after hours services.

Getting a successful referral to a specialist is getting harder. For some specialties, the acceptance criteria is very high and if accepted as are the waiting list.

As Christchurch is booming with domestic and international migration, there seems to be a larger number of people who aren't able to register with a GP. Future services planning will use GP enrollment numbers as one tool to plan for investment. It is my opinion that there will be bigger issues down the track (my opinion, may not be others).

Private healthcare, I suspect you'd be looking at around $1000 a month per person for coverage (if they can qualify at their age). Plenty of private Dentists, Physios, Podiatrists, optometrists, Audiologists etc about. Prescriptions are currently free (unless it's a non funded medication), OTC meds are pricey for some items.

People with mobility problems, may qualify for a card here in Christchurch. It offers 75% off taxi fares, great for the non-driving elderly who have to attend appointments.

We have a wealth of retirement villages, around 50 all up in the area. Some are sublime, pricey, but I'd move to some of them tomorrow, given the funds and if I was in that age group.

spouse of scouse

$24,000 per year?

Mark Smith

Just an estimate based on what my patients tell me they pay monthly.

Justcol

Blimey, is that for a live in doctor and medical team.

I have full cover health/hospital/pharmacy+ for less than $70 a week and I'm 61 years old

chc4me

With regards to Pensions - it is complex and depends on a number of factors. To qualify for a NZ State Pension (called NZ Superannuation or NZ Super), you must be age 65, living in NZ at the time of claiming, and meet the 'number of years' test. You must have lived in NZ for at least 10 years AND at least 5 of those years lived in NZ between ages 50 and 65. Under the reciprocal agreement between NZ and the UK, time living in the UK counts as time living in NZ. You may be able to 'Swap' your UK state pension for a NZ Superannuation payment. There are changes to the 'years test' from July this year. You are welcome to contact me to discuss you particular situation, your options with regards to your Private Pensions and your 401k.