New Zealand: medical facilities
Updated 2 December 2020
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-zealand-list-of-medical-facilities-and-funeral-directors/new-zealand-medical-facilities
Disclaimer
The following list of medical facilities/practitioners has been prepared by the British High Commission Wellington for the convenience of British nationals who may require these services and assistance in New Zealand. It is provided on the understanding that we (the British High Commission Wellington) do not assume or undertake any legal responsibility, to you, or those affected, if you choose to take it into account when instructing a medical facility or practitioner.
Further and alternatively, we cannot accept any liability to any person or company for any financial loss or damage arising from the use of this information or from any failure to give information.
Our aim is to provide our customers with as much relevant information to enable them to make better-informed decisions but our lists are not recommendations and should not be treated as such.
Health
In a life threatening situation or emergency, call 111 or visit the local hospital’s emergency department. They will assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses.
For COVID-19 health advice and information, contact the Healthline team (free) on 0800 358 5453 or +64 9 358 5453 for International SIMS. Community based testing for COVID-19 is available through district health boards and public health units across the country.
For non-emergency treatment, if you need to see a GP or visit a hospital please go to Ministry of Health website to find your nearest public hospital and to locate a GP go to Healthpoint or phone Healthline.
Healthline is funded by the Ministry of Health and anyone can call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 for health advice and information anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Reciprocal healthcare agreements exist between New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Under these, British citizens normally resident in the UK, who travelled to New Zealand on a British passport and are in NZ on a temporary basis (i.e. holiday) are entitled to limited subsidised treatment. This does not cover pre-existing conditions or treatment that does not require prompt attention. Visitors should arrange comprehensive medical insurance before they travel to New Zealand as, if they are not covered under the reciprocal agreements, costs for treatment can be very high and bills can mount up quickly.
For British citizens who hold a valid work, residence, partnership or student visa you can check if you meet the eligibility criteria for publicly funded health and disability services from the Ministry of Health. You should always bring your passport with you to hospital appointments.
Healthcare services for under 18s on student visas is normally free of charge.
Mental health services
Mental health services are provided in each region. Generally, you will need to start with your GP to get a referral but there are also emergency services. There are several phone services that you can contact directly for help with mental health issues. Please see the website link to the Ministry of Health, Mental health services pages to find out what to do in an emergency and other support including phone and online services and information.
Complaints about local health services
If you are not happy about a health and disability service, you can make a complaint to the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner. You can call them for free on 0800 11 22 33
Customer feedback
Your feedback is important to us. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is committed to providing a high-quality consular service to everyone we deal with. In order to do this we need you to give us any comments you have about our service, to tell us when we get things wrong and when we get things right.
If you want to make a complaint or compliment about the information contained in this document, please see our FCDO complaints and compliments process.