Doctors & Clinics in New Zealand
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New Zealand is known for its wildlife and diverse landscapes including active volcanoes, deep glacier lakes, sandy beaches, and snowcapped mountains. The country is a popular destination for adventurous activities such as bungee jumping the Shotover Canyon Swing (the world’s highest cliff jump), kayaking in the fjords, or hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
The standards for patient care and medical services in New Zealand may differ from your home country. New Zealand has a public healthcare system and a private sector as well. The quality of both public and private healthcare is high and meets international standards. Wait times can be long for non-emergency care at public hospitals. A wide range of private clinics and hospitals exist. Private facilities offer shorter wait times, but the costs can be high.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in New Zealand typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in New Zealand.
Access to pharmacies in New Zealand is generally good but may vary by region, with limited availability in remote areas. Pharmacists are trained and licensed and can provide some medical advice or refer a patient to a doctor. Prescriptions must be obtained from a doctor.
If you are travelling with medication, check with New Zealand’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. If your medication is a psychotropic or narcotic, you can review New Zealand’s regulations on the International Narcotics Control Board. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Roads in New Zealand are generally well maintained. Road quality is good but rugged terrain may pose a risk to some travellers. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers of vehicles at all time. Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear a helmet at all times. In New Zealand, traffic drives on the left.