Jones MarciaWhen deciding whether to get health insurance, it is helpful to understand how the New Zealand healthcare system works.
What is the difference between public and private healthcare?
The public healthcare system and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) will provide you with a good level of medical care for urgent care, emergency care, and accidents.
The public health system classifies non-emergency conditions as “elective” treatment, which means you will have to qualify for treatment and (most likely) remain on a waiting list. Common “elective” treatments are hip or knee endoscopy, heart surgery, hysterectomy, cataract removal, cancer tumor removal, and diagnostic services such as endoscopy, laparoscopy, MRI, tonsillectomy, and sleeving.
Private health insurance can provide faster access to private hospitals for many of these procedures, as well as help with payment.
Is it worth having private health insurance?
If you are diagnosed with a non-acute medical condition, you may have a long wait for treatment in the public healthcare system. In private healthcare facilities, the wait is often shorter, but surgeries can be expensive. With private health insurance, you can get treatment faster and get help with expenses so that your quality of life is better and faster.
So, do I need health insurance in New Zealand?
It is a personal choice, but having private health insurance will complement the public services to which you are already entitled.
