HEALTH SYSTEM IN NEW ZEALAND

To get health services for you and your family, you will need to register with a family doctor (also called a general practitioner or 'GP'). Consultation fees vary. Check with your GP to see if you or your family can get government subsidies. You will need to make an appointment to visit the GP. A friend, relative or support person can stay with you during most kinds of medical examination.

To find a GP, midwifery services, medical specialist or medical centre, look in the Health Point website or Yellow Pages under 'Registered medical practitioners & medical centres'. You can find hospitals and other health service providers in the front section of the telephone directory under 'Hospitals and other health service providers'.

You are eligible for public healthcare if you are a New Zealand citizen or resident, Australian citizen, holder of a two-year work permit or a refugee. Take your passport and immigration documents along with you if you need medical services. Non-residents may have to pay for some hospital services. You will not be refused emergency care if you cannot pay at the time, but you may have to pay for the services before you leave the country.

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) will cover the cost for New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand if you had an accident. You may have to pay for the ambulance service. Contact St. Johns for further information.

Your GP will give you a written prescription to take to a pharmacy (also called a 'chemist') if you need medicine. There is a charge for each item on the prescription. Ask your GP if you or your family can get reduced charges or subsidies. Pharmacists are trained to give advice on medicines and some health problems. This advice is usually free.

You can visit an Accident and Medical Centre (A&M) or 'urgent pharmacy' if you need medical attention or medicine outside normal trading hours. Ask your GP or the receptionist at the medical centre or look in the White or Yellow Pages.

CHILD HEALTH CARE

Plunket provides free service that helps families with children under 5. Immunisations against major childhood illnesses are free for all children after the age of 5. It can be carried out in local schools and are available until children reach the age of 18 years.

DENTAL AND EYE CARE

GPs do not deal with dental care (teeth) or eye care. You will need to visit a dentist or optician/optometrist for this. Dentists and opticians/optometrists are listed in Yellow Pages. Basic dental care for children is free from birth up to age 18. Regular checks and treatment are available at your local school. Health insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand.

USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS

Health Point
www.healthpoint.co.nz

ACC
www.acc.co.nz
Freephone
0800 101 996

St. Johns
www.stjohn.org.nz

Plunket
www.plunket.org.nz
Freephone
0800 933 922

24 Hour Healthline
www.healthline.govt.nz
Freephone 0800 611 116

ARMS (Auckland Regional Migrant Services)
www.arms-mrc.org.nz

Three Kings Resource Centre
09 625 2440
reception@arms-mrc.org.nz

Manukau Resource Centre
09 263 5490
manukau@arms-mrc.org.nz

North Shore Resource Centre
09 419 7340
reception@arms-mrc.org.nz

CAB (Citizen's Advice Bureau)
www.cab.org.nz
09 624 2550
To find your nearest local CAB www.cab.org.nz/bureaux/loc-north.htm