Is there "tourist health care" in New Zealand?

Question:

We're thinking about visiting New Zealand this upcoming winter. What happens if we get sick or injured? Is there such a thing as "tourist health care" there? Back in the 80's a friend visited NZ and her son broke his arm. She said there was no fee for his treatment. We doubt that's still the case. What do you know?

Thanks, The Roamers

Answer:
In NZ we don't believe in suing every man and is dog (thank goodness!) so we have a government run system called 'ACC' (Accident Compensation Corporation), so if you have an accident then it is covered by our public hospitals free. If you have to go to a private clinic (better than waiting 2 hours to be seen) you pay about $15NZD (That's monopoly money if you have USD's or Pounds) and ACC covers the rest. In the case of sickness you visit a doctor (about $50NZD) and then if referred to a hospital it's free. As for major surgical work, if it's as a result of say a car accident it's free, if it's health related (such as heart attack and you need heart surgery) you'd be best to have insurance. Even private surgical is a hell of a lot cheaper than say countries like the US anyway. If I was coming to NZ, I wouldn't bother with insurance and if you don't come with it, you can't sue me for giving you that advise if something goes wrong. cool country aye? As a side note you also can't sue the pants of the person who caused injury, ACC gives you a pathetic payout for that (say $10,000 for an amputated thumb) :o)

Is there "tourist health care" in New Zealand?

Hot Topic