If you are planning to migrate from Germany to New Zealand, it’s essential to understand the healthcare system in New Zealand, public vs. private health care, and health insurance options. While both countries offer high-quality medical services, the way healthcare is organised is quite different. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare and avoid surprises. Below are some useful information I have gathered.
1. Public Healthcare in New Zealand: Who is Eligible
New Zealand has a universal healthcare system funded through taxes and government subsidies. If you hold a resident visa or become a permanent resident, you’re eligible for many subsidised or free services. Some work visa holders (especially those on a long-term visa of two years or more) can also access public healthcare benefits.
What is included:
- Hospital treatment, emergency care, maternity and childbirth services
- Subsidised visits to a general practitioner (GP) — costs often reduced once you are enrolled with a GP or a Primary Health Organisation (PHO)
- Prescription medicines partially subsidised by PHARMAC (often a small co-payment)
What is not included or only partially covered:
- Dental care for adults, optics (glasses / opticians), physiotherapy and many specialists unless referred through the public system or accessed via private health insurance
- GP visit fees (for those not enrolled) may be higher; some non-urgent specialist treatments have waiting lists
2. ACC – Accident Compensation Corporation
One unique feature is ACC, New Zealand’s system for accident insurance. If you are injured in an accident (fall, sports injury, car crash, etc.), ACC usually covers most treatment costs. But ACC does not cover illnesses or chronic conditions.
3. Private Health Insurance: When You Might Need It
While much of basic, urgent, and hospital-based care is accessible via the public system, many expats (including Germans) consider private health insurance for faster access to elective or non-urgent medical services, specialist consultations, dental or optical care, or services not covered by the public system.
Popular insurers include Southern Cross, nib, etc. Research and compare plans carefully. Decide whether having international medical insurance or a local private plan best suits your situation.
My Personal Experience with Southern Cross Health Insurance
When I moved here, I wanted the security of private cover. After comparing options, I went with Southern Cross Wellbeing One + Dental Care.
- Why this plan: Covers surgery, cancer care, and diagnostics linked to surgery, while allowing me to add dental.
- Dental add-on: Routine checkups and treatments are covered, which is useful as dentistry in New Zealand is private and expensive.
- Claiming process: Very simple — the Southern Cross app lets me upload receipts, check benefits, and track claims. It’s efficient and has worked well for me.
If you would like to check out their insurance plans I recommend visiting the website https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/buying-health-insurance/our-plans
Southern Cross also has some great insurance plans for when travelling overseas. I have been using it since I decided to go private and you even get a discount on international health insurance if you are a member.
4. Special Considerations for Germans
- Germany does not currently have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with New Zealand. That means that German citizens (especially on Working Holiday visas) often are not eligible for full public healthcare benefits.
- If you hold a Working Holiday Visa, you will likely need travel insurance or private coverage to cover doctor visits and non-emergency care.
- Bring copies of your medical history, prescriptions, and any important health documents from Germany. This can help when registering with a GP or when dealing with specialists.
5. Finding a Doctor, GP Registration & Fees
- One of your first tasks after arrival should be to find and enrol with a general practitioner (GP). Search local practices (for example via Healthpoint), check if they are accepting new patients.
- Enrolment with a PHO will reduce many fees for GP visits. Without enrolment, you might pay more.
- Costs for GP visits can vary depending on location, age, and whether you qualify for subsidies. Expect typical GP co-payments or consultation fees.
6. Key Differences Compared to Germany
- No health insurance card like the “Gesundheitskarte”. Here, registration is by name, address, date of birth.
- Upfront fees are more common for GP visits, prescriptions, etc.
- Waiting times for non-urgent specialist care or elective surgeries may be longer.
- Some services like dental care for adults or optical services are not covered or are only partially subsidised.
For Germans moving to New Zealand, the healthcare system offers good public coverage but leaves gaps in dental, optical, and specialist access. Private insurance can fill these gaps.
From my personal experience, the Southern Cross Wellbeing One plan with dental add-on has been reliable, easy to use, and sufficient for my needs. For those who want broader cover for specialists and diagnostic tests, Wellbeing Two is a good option.
Are you using a private insurance provider, and if so, which one do you recommend and why?