Doctors, health and emergencies

Enrol with a GP

In New Zealand you first see a general practitioner (GP), a family doctor, who refers you to specialists. Enrolling is free, and enrolled patients pay a lower fee for each visit. Find practices taking new patients on Healthpoint and phone them to enrol. Many practices have waiting lists, so enrol soon after you arrive.

Who gets publicly funded care

Citizens and residents are eligible. Work visa holders are eligible if their visa lets them stay two years or more. Others usually pay the full cost, so check the official eligibility page and keep health insurance until you know.

Numbers to know

• 111: police, fire and ambulance. Free, and works from a mobile with no credit.
• Healthline 0800 611 116: free health advice from nurses, 24 hours a day. You can ask for an interpreter.

Accidents: ACC

ACC covers treatment for injuries from accidents in New Zealand for everyone, visitors included, whoever was at fault. It does not cover illness.