Relocating to a new country is not a small decision; Ambler Collins aims to provide you with the most up-to-date and reliable information on important aspects of life in the country your interested in moving to. Please see the menu below for more information on life in New Zealand.

• Summary Facts
• Life and culture
• Housing
• Work
• Education
• Health
• Currency, finance and tax

Health system:

Compared to many countries, New Zealand has an advanced and reliable health system. There are around 3200 GPs (general practitioner) or family doctors in NZ and they are normally the first point of contact for medical issues. There are 85 public hospitals, many with specialist facilities. Nobody in NZ can be refused emergency medical treatment. There are ambulance services provided by non profit or charities in most part of the country. These are usually free.

Below is a list of publicly funded services:

Free public hospital treatment
Free treatment at public hospital 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) clinics
Subsidies on prescription items
Subsidised fees for visits by family members to general practitioners (GPs)
Subsidised fees for visits to physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths when referred by a GP for an accident case
Free or subsidised health care for those suffering from acute or chronic medical conditions
No charge for most laboratory tests and x-rays, except at privately operated clinics
No charge for health care during pregnancy and childbirth, unless provided by the private medical sector
No charge for GP referrals to a public hospital for treatment
Subsidies for children under six for visits to the doctor and for prescriptions
Free breast screening for women aged between 45 and 69.

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