What Expats from New Zealand Should Know About Health Insurance
An estimated one million New Zealanders live overseas. For many, their time abroad represents the “big OE” or overseas experience. The time spent living and working abroad has long been a significant rite of passage for New Zealanders.
Much more than a simple gap year, the OE has even been compared to a secular pilgrimage. As such, Kiwis can find large, supportive expat communities all around the world.
However, when it comes to healthcare, they’re on their own. Few countries have a system that matches the quality of care offered in New Zealand. Thus, expats from New Zealand can anticipate many adjustments. Having health insurance abroad is essential.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Does New Zealand’s Healthcare System Cover Citizens Abroad
New Zealand’s healthcare system does not cover New Zealanders abroad. Expats from New Zealand are responsible for paying for their own healthcare expenses. However, New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) may provide coverage to returning New Zealanders for injuries they sustained on short trips overseas.
There are several criteria that must be met to receive this kind of care. To qualify, the individual must ordinarily be a resident of New Zealand. A full written medical report detailing the accident and treatment received overseas must be included with claims in New Zealand.
Generally, it only applies to expats who have been away for six months or less (although there are some exceptions). And it doesn’t cover the cost of any treatments overseas, just the necessary follow-up care in New Zealand. The ACC website helpfully spells out all the rules and exceptions.
Understanding Healthcare Outside of New Zealand
The healthcare system in New Zealand is excellent and comprehensive. As such, New Zealanders abroad may be surprised by how many things in their new country aren’t covered by the public healthcare system.
For instance, patients who struggle to speak English in New Zealand receive free telephone interpretive services via the Ezispeak program. However, New Zealanders abroad will need to arrange their own interpretive services if they do not speak the local language.
Additionally, ambulance services in other countries may be very expensive, medications are rarely subsidized, and telehealth is often unavailable in rural areas.
New Zealanders are also accustomed to having no costs or very low costs at medical appointments, hospital visits, and diagnostic tests. This isn’t the case with most other countries.
Some countries with excellent public healthcare still require patients to pay for appointments and tests in advance and then apply for reimbursement later.
Even if New Zealanders are living in a country where public healthcare costs are on the low side, it can still be a big shock to have to come up with cash payments on the spot – especially when you’re sick.
Buying Private Global Insurance While Living Abroad
Public hospitals and clinics in New Zealand are clean, modern, and reasonably comfortable, with private facilities. They also feature a variety of amenities, including on-site pharmacies and testing facilities, as well as cafeterias and gift shops. This is a stark contrast to public hospitals in many other countries.
Open wards with non-existent privacy and outdated testing facilities are common around the world. Refusing treatment until bills are prepaid is the norm in many countries.
Furthermore, in some places, in-hospital patients are expected to provide their own bed linens, food, and have family members attend to personal care, such as bathing.
Private insurance lets expats from New Zealand avoid these challenging situations. Patients in private hospitals have access to clean, comfortable, private rooms and bilingual physicians. Plus, you can expect modern facilities, a high level of care, and excellent customer service.
Private healthcare facilities also slash waiting times for specialist appointments, even in countries with superb public healthcare.
Best Health Insurance for New Zealanders Living Abroad
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best Health Insurance for New Zealanders Living in the US
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Rongoā Māori and Contemporary Alternative Medicine Abroad
The practice of Rongoā Māori is a vital component of healthcare in New Zealand, yet it remains largely unknown outside of the country. Rongoā Māori plays a central role in the well-being of many Māori people in New Zealand.
It is based on a holistic approach to health. It includes native plant-based remedies, physical therapies, and spiritual healing.
The practice combines various physical techniques with spiritual ones, and practitioners may incorporate prayer, cleansing work, bodywork, and different massage techniques into their work.
Rongoā Māori care is unlikely to be included in insurance coverage, even if you could locate a practitioner overseas. However, similar models of care, including massage therapy and counseling, may be covered under certain insurance packages.
If this is an important part of your personal health and wellness practices, speak with a local practitioner about how to continue elements of your care while overseas.
Returning Home
Expats from New Zealand returning home often report experiencing reverse culture shock. This is natural for many expats after a significant time abroad. However, the phenomenon appears to be especially pronounced for many New Zealanders.
A major contributing factor is significant geographic isolation. Many New Zealand expats are unable to return home for a short visit during their time abroad. Long, expensive flights make holiday visits all but impossible.
As such, when New Zealanders finally do return home, their hometowns often feel cold and unfamiliar, thanks to the many small changes that have accumulated over the years.
Similarly, there is often a sense of finality once Kiwis do move home. Inaccessible flights prevent quick visits to reconnect with friends overseas. Some former expats struggle to maintain their overseas friendships, knowing that in-person reunions are unlikely to occur. Fortunately, more resources are emerging to address this issue.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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