As a foreigner living in Dunedin, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"As a foreigner living in Dunedin, your access to public healthcare largely depends on your visa status. If you hold a work visa valid for two years or more, or a resident visa, you are eligible for publicly funded healthcare. This means you can access a range of medical services either for free or at a reduced cost. New Zealand's public healthcare system is generally of a high standard. It covers a wide range of services, including hospital care, prescription medications, and mental health services. However, it's important to note that not all services are fully funded. For example, you may need to pay a part of the cost for prescription medications and certain types of specialist care. In Dunedin, the main public healthcare provider is the Southern District Health Board. The city is home to Dunedin Hospital, which offers a wide range of services, and there are also numerous general practices and pharmacies throughout the city. While the public healthcare system in New Zealand is comprehensive, it can also be quite busy, which sometimes leads to long waiting times for non-urgent procedures. Therefore, some people choose to take out private health insurance to access faster treatment and a wider range of services. It's also worth noting that dental care for adults is not covered by the public healthcare system in New Zealand, so you would need to pay for this privately or take out additional insurance. In terms of emergency care, if you have an accident while in New Zealand, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) covers the cost of treatment, regardless of your visa status. This includes treatment for injuries caused by accidents, physical assault, or certain types of environmental harm," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Dunedin, New Zealand.