Health and ACC

Health

Eligibility for health cover for overseas teachers working in New Zealand depends on the current country of residency. Australia and the United Kingdom have reciprocal health agreements with New Zealand, so people from those countries are covered on the same basis as New Zealand residents.

If you hold a permit issued under the Immigration Act 1987 (including a residence permit) entitling you to remain in New Zealand for two years or more, you will have access to publicly funded health services on the same basis as New Zealand nationals/permanent residents.

However, for teachers and their families from countries other than the United Kingdom and Australia we recommend you take out private medical insurance cover. Your employing board of trustees will be able to help you with further advice.

To view recent important changes to health requirements for intending migrants, visit Immigration New Zealand for more information.

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

All visitors to New Zealand, irrespective of nationality and length of stay, are generally entitled to medical assistance if they meet with an accident in this country. ACC pays for treatment in public hospitals where the accident is motor vehicle or work related, and may also make available some subsidies for other treatment associated with injuries from other types of accident. ACC does not cover medical treatment related to illness. Accident-related costs requiring visits to a general practitioner will also be met by ACC.

Please note that many general practitioners and medical specialists will require ACC patients to pay an excess fee for treatment.