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

We asked expats in Christchurch if they have access to public healthcare in Christchurch. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"As a foreigner living in Christchurch, 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 provides a wide range of services, including general practitioner (GP) visits, hospital care, mental health services, and maternity care. However, it's important to note that not all services are covered. For example, dental care for adults and prescription medicines require a co-payment. The healthcare system in Christchurch, like the rest of New Zealand, operates on a mixed public-private model. While emergency treatment and necessary healthcare are provided by the public system, many people also choose to have private health insurance for more immediate access to specialists or for services not covered by the public system. In terms of accessibility, Christchurch has several public hospitals and numerous GP clinics. However, waiting times for non-urgent procedures can be long in the public system, which is why some people opt for private healthcare. Overall, while the public healthcare system in Christchurch is comprehensive and of good quality, it's advisable for foreigners to also have health insurance to cover any additional costs," said another in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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