How the health system works
New Zealand has a public healthcare system, and many health services are free or subsidised. However, you do have to pay for services such as seeing a family doctor (GP) or a dentist.
To be eligible for public healthcare, you need to be a New Zealand citizen, a New Zealand resident, the holder of a two-year work permit or a refugee. Non-residents may have to pay for some hospital services, but you will not be refused emergency care if you cannot pay. See the full guide on eligibility.
Finding medical and health services
Medical and health services in the Hutt Valley include hospitals, medical centres (where groups of doctors and other health professionals provide services), midwives, chemists, mental health services, dentists, breast screening, cervical screening and rest homes.
Where should I start?
It is a good idea to register with a family doctor or GP (general practitioner) when you move into the district. A GP is your primary health care provider. You are not obliged to register with the GP closest to where you live.
To find a GP in the Hutt Valley, look in the front section of the telephone directory under Registered Medical Practitioners and Medical Centres, or visit http://www.huttvalleydhb.org.nz/HealthyHutt/Article.aspx?ID=797.
If a member of your family is sick, your GP is the first person you should call.
Hospitals
The public health service's focus is on urgent and essential treatments. There is one public hospital in the Hutt Valley. Hutt Hospital is managed by the Hutt Valley District Health Board. For more information about Hutt Hospital and services it offers, visit www.huttvalleydhb.org.nz.
Four private hospitals in Wellington provide non-urgent and elective treatments. Attending a private hospital can be expensive if you don’t have private health insurance. These private hospitals are:
After hours and emergency healthcare
If you need urgent medical attention outside your doctors' normal weekday hours (usually 8.00am-6.00pm), you should go to the After Hours Medical Centre for after-hours care. Lower Hutt After Hours Medical Centre is located at 729 High Street.
For accidents and serious illness you should go to the Emergency Department at Hutt Hospital.
Wellington Free Ambulance brings patients directly to the Emergency Department of Hutt Hospital. Calling the emergency phone numbers is free.
Phone 111 to call an ambulance in an emergency. The call is free.
Private health insurance
Some New Zealanders choose to pay for private health insurance. Although it can be expensive, private health insurance enables you to access specialist treatment without a waiting list. To find a list of health insurance providers visit the Yellow Pages and type "health insurance" as a keyword. The Consumer NZ website has useful information about types of health insurance and reliable companies.
Healthline
Healthline is a free, 24 hour a day telephone advice service which now includes the Well Child telephone advice service. Call them if you are concerned about your own or a family member's health and need advice.
Free phone 0800 611 116 or visit Healthline's website.
Community Services Cards – your entitlements
If you are a permanent resident with a medium or low income, you could be eligible for a Community Services Card.
A Community Services Card can help you and your family with the cost of healthcare. You will pay less for doctor's fees and prescriptions simply by showing your card.
Work and Income New Zealand administers the Community Services Card. Check with them to see if you qualify for this card. Visit the Work and Income website or phone 0800 999 999.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
If you injure yourself at work or at home, or playing sport, you may be entitled to accident compensation.
ACC coverage means that some of your treatment costs are paid by the government. If you’ve received an injury, you should talk to your doctor and they will help you apply for it.
For more information about personal injury cover visit the ACC website, or call their free phone 0800 101 996.
Finding dental services
In New Zealand, dental healthcare is not funded through the public health system, although basic dental care for children is free from birth until the end of year 13 (end of secondary school).
Most people register and pay for dental care services with private practice dentists found listed in the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory. Hutt Hospital also runs a dental department for emergency dental treatment.
More useful information about dental care can be found from the following organisations:
