New Zealand Health Information
Health Insurance
You will need full health insurance when travelling to New Zealand, unless you come from the United Kingdom or Australia, who have cover for emergency medical treatment under reciprocal health agreements (this does not include non-urgent medical attention). Visitors who have student, visitor or work permit visas issued by the Department of Immigration for two years or more are eligible to access publicly funded health services. All other visitors are liable for the full cost of medical treatment.
ACC Coverage
If you have an accident in New Zealand, you may be eligible for assistance under the ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation), New Zealand's insurance scheme for people who are injured outside the workplace (it does not cover illnesses). It only covers injuries that happen in New Zealand, and treatment you get here. Your claim will be initiated through a treatment provider (dentist, doctor, etc).
Doctors and Chemists
If you become sick within three weeks of arrival in New Zealand, advise a doctor of the countries you have visited recently. Doctors are listed under 'Registered Medical Practitioners' at the front of the telephone directory. Chemists (pharmacists) are open normal shopping hours. Most cities have 'urgent dispensaries' which are open outside those hours, listed under 'Hospitals' at the front of the telephone directory. Smaller towns have chemists rostered for after-hours.
Water Safety
New Zealand's water supply is generally excellent. Water from the tap (faucet) is always safe to drink. Most supplies are chlorinated. Water from streams and lakes should be boiled, filtered or chemically treated before drinking. New Zealand's thermal pools may contain minuscule amounts of a type of amoeba that causes amoebic meningitis. However, it can only enter through the ears and nose, so keep your head above the water and don't jump or dive into thermal pools.
Sun Safety
Just 15 minutes in the New Zealand summer sun can cook you. Temperatures can be low but the ultra-violet rays are vicious due to the hole in the ozone layer. Wear a hat, sunglasses and a high SPF sunscreen. Try to sit in the shade during the hottest hours from 12-4pm.