Going to Australia for Medical Treatment - The Definitive New Zealand Guide
Our guide outlines why New Zealanders visit Australia for medical treatment, the typical costs, insurance and government funding options, must-know facts, and frequently asked questions.
Updated 5 September 2023
Summary:
To help explain what you need to know, our guide covers:
Know This First: What are the key differences between Australian and New Zealand healthcare?
Summary:
- In stark contrast to other countries around the world (such as the United States), New Zealand has a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides high-quality medical treatment and services to its residents (most of which is free or heavily subsidised). Generally, the system works well for most Kiwis.
- However, in the past, the District Health Boards (now amalgamated into Te Whatu Ora) have been criticised for long wait times, poor treatment and lower quality of care compared to overseas healthcare systems. In light of this, some Kiwis decide to travel overseas for certain procedures (with travel to Australia being most common). Whether it’s a specific cancer specialist or a bespoke scan/MRI that can be done far quicker, Australia can sometimes offer what Kiwis urgently need.
To help explain what you need to know, our guide covers:
- What is Medical Tourism? Why do Kiwis Choose to Visit Australia to Get Medical Treatment?
- What is Medicare? How Does it Work for New Zealanders?
- How Much Does Medical Treatment in Australia Cost?
- Must-Know Facts For Any New Zealander Considering Australia for Medical Treatments
- Frequently Asked Questions Related to Australian Medical Tourism
Know This First: What are the key differences between Australian and New Zealand healthcare?
- As of 2020, Australia spends USD 5,901 on healthcare per capita (per person) versus New Zealand's USD 4,201. In other words, Australia generally spends 40% more on healthcare than New Zealand.
- This might translate into more treatment clinics and facilities, lower wait times, higher quality care or better research and development. The graph below shows a history of Health Expenditure Per Capita in Australia in New Zealand (USD) since 2000.
(Source: World Bank)
What is Medical Tourism? Why do Kiwis Choose to Visit Australia to Get Medical Treatment?
Medical tourism is defined as travelling to another country to receive medical treatment. This phenomenon has gained popularity amongst Kiwis in recent years, with more people considering international options for their healthcare needs due to an ageing New Zealand population and increased globalisation ease of access between different countries. Australia is a prime destination for New Zealanders due to its proximity, familiarity, and high-quality healthcare services. Benefits include:
1. Shorter wait times
Waitlists in New Zealand can prevent people from getting urgent scans, treatment and care (whether related to cancer diagnoses, operations, surgery etc.). Additionally, District Health Boards (now replaced by Te Whatu Ora) have targets and benchmarks for how quickly they need the initial consultation chat, diagnoses and ultimate operation (if relevant).
New Zealand's public healthcare system can experience long wait times for specific treatments or procedures, particularly elective surgeries. This can be due to factors such as limited resources, workforce shortages, or high demand. There can even be long wait times even in private healthcare situations.
In contrast, Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare) often has shorter wait times given the increased number of clinics, better resourcing and larger financial support through Australian taxation. In addition, if you can afford to pay for overseas treatment or have private health insurance, the wait times will be even shorter.
2. Access to specialised treatments that may not be available in New Zealand
One of the top drivers of medical tourism is the increasing demand for specialised treatments and advanced procedures that may not be readily available within New Zealand's healthcare system. While New Zealand's healthcare system provides many robust, safe treatments, it may not always offer the latest or most specialised procedures.
Additionally, there may be some treatments that aren’t available in New Zealand (but which have far higher survival rates compared to what’s currently being offered). Because of this advanced treatment, some Kiwis may choose to travel overseas and undertake these treatments.
Australia has a more extensive network of hospitals and specialists, giving Kiwis access to advanced treatment options, state-of-the-art facilities, and internationally recognised doctors that may not be available in New Zealand.
3. Closer proximity and more culturally aligned to New Zealand
For Kiwis considering the best location to undertake medical tourism, Australia's proximity to New Zealand makes it a convenient destination for medical treatment (compared to other options like the US or the UK). In addition, the two countries share many cultural similarities, which can make the experience of seeking treatment overseas more comfortable for Kiwis.
When does it make sense for Kiwis to go overseas for medical treatments?
Kiwis will generally go to Australia for medical treatments for two key reasons:
What are the most common medical treatments that Kiwis go to Australia for?
1. Shorter wait times
Waitlists in New Zealand can prevent people from getting urgent scans, treatment and care (whether related to cancer diagnoses, operations, surgery etc.). Additionally, District Health Boards (now replaced by Te Whatu Ora) have targets and benchmarks for how quickly they need the initial consultation chat, diagnoses and ultimate operation (if relevant).
New Zealand's public healthcare system can experience long wait times for specific treatments or procedures, particularly elective surgeries. This can be due to factors such as limited resources, workforce shortages, or high demand. There can even be long wait times even in private healthcare situations.
In contrast, Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare) often has shorter wait times given the increased number of clinics, better resourcing and larger financial support through Australian taxation. In addition, if you can afford to pay for overseas treatment or have private health insurance, the wait times will be even shorter.
2. Access to specialised treatments that may not be available in New Zealand
One of the top drivers of medical tourism is the increasing demand for specialised treatments and advanced procedures that may not be readily available within New Zealand's healthcare system. While New Zealand's healthcare system provides many robust, safe treatments, it may not always offer the latest or most specialised procedures.
Additionally, there may be some treatments that aren’t available in New Zealand (but which have far higher survival rates compared to what’s currently being offered). Because of this advanced treatment, some Kiwis may choose to travel overseas and undertake these treatments.
Australia has a more extensive network of hospitals and specialists, giving Kiwis access to advanced treatment options, state-of-the-art facilities, and internationally recognised doctors that may not be available in New Zealand.
3. Closer proximity and more culturally aligned to New Zealand
For Kiwis considering the best location to undertake medical tourism, Australia's proximity to New Zealand makes it a convenient destination for medical treatment (compared to other options like the US or the UK). In addition, the two countries share many cultural similarities, which can make the experience of seeking treatment overseas more comfortable for Kiwis.
When does it make sense for Kiwis to go overseas for medical treatments?
Kiwis will generally go to Australia for medical treatments for two key reasons:
- Waiting List: If the wait times are too long in New Zealand (either through the public or private healthcare systems) and you’re in urgent need of an operation or treatment (such as the advanced stages of cancer), it may be a matter of life or death. In this scenario, Kiwis will likely be considering any and all options irrespective of cost (which includes considering travelling to Australia for medical treatment).
- Expertise and Specialisation: Because Australia has around five times the population of New Zealand and around 30% more GDP Per Capita versus New Zealand, it’s generally accepted that Australia has more specialist clinics and better quality of care compared to New Zealand.
What are the most common medical treatments that Kiwis go to Australia for?
- Orthopaedic surgery: Orthopaedic surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements, are common procedures that New Zealanders travel to Australia for. This is often due to shorter wait times and access to advanced surgical techniques.
- Bariatric surgery: Weight loss surgeries, such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, are popular for New Zealanders seeking medical treatment in Australia. Generally, this is due to the availability of experienced bariatric surgeons and advanced surgical techniques in Australia.
- Fertility treatments: New Zealanders may travel to Australia for fertility treatments, such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), to access a wider range of treatment options and specialist care.
- Cosmetic and plastic surgery: Cosmetic/plastic surgery procedures (such as breast augmentation), facelifts, and liposuction, are common reasons for Kiwis to seek treatment in Australia. The country is renowned for skilled surgeons and high-quality care in this field.
What is Medicare? How Does it Work for New Zealanders?
Australia's healthcare system is a mixed public-private system (similar to New Zealand), with Medicare (a subsidiary of the government agency Services Australia) being the public health system. Medicare provides free or subsidised access to various medical services, including doctor consultations, hospital care, and some prescription medications.
What is Medicare (public healthcare) in Australia?
Medicare is a universal health insurance system that the Australian government funds. It provides free or subsidised access to various medical services, including doctor consultations, hospital care and prescription medications. Medicare is funded through a combination of general taxes and a Medicare levy. The Medicare levy is a 2% tax on taxable income above $90,000 for singles and $180,000 for couples.
Australia's Medicare system is divided into two parts: The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits System (PBS).
How does private health insurance work in Australia?
Private health insurance isn't compulsory in Australia. Still, it can provide additional benefits, such as a greater choice of doctor or hospital, faster access to treatment and coverage for some services that aren't covered by Medicare (such as dental care and physiotherapy). Private health insurance premiums vary depending on the level of coverage you choose. The Australian government has a landing page that details independent private health insurance information.
What healthcare/medical treatments are Kiwis eligible for in Australia?
New Zealand citizens are eligible for Medicare coverage if they live permanently in Australia. In addition, New Zealand citizens or permanent residents temporarily visiting Australia are eligible for free emergency treatment at Australian public hospitals (under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement). Our guide to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (Flora please link) has further details.
New Zealand citizens can also access private health insurance if they wish. To be eligible for Medicare, New Zealand citizens must:
To get a Medicare card, you must provide documentation or evidence proving your residency in Australia. Note that if you're residing in Australia, you'll also need to pay the Medicare levy and Medicare levy surcharge (given you're eligible for these services, it's only fair that you contribute to the cost of these services). For a detailed breakdown of the requirements to get Medicare, check out the official guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
What is Medicare (public healthcare) in Australia?
Medicare is a universal health insurance system that the Australian government funds. It provides free or subsidised access to various medical services, including doctor consultations, hospital care and prescription medications. Medicare is funded through a combination of general taxes and a Medicare levy. The Medicare levy is a 2% tax on taxable income above $90,000 for singles and $180,000 for couples.
Australia's Medicare system is divided into two parts: The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits System (PBS).
- Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS): The MBS provides full or partial coverage for medical services to anyone with a Medicare card. The MBS is a list of medical services that Medicare covers. These services include doctor consultations, hospital care, and some diagnostic tests. The cost of these services is either fully or partially covered by Medicare, depending on the service.
- Pharmaceutical Benefits System (PBS): The PBS reduces the cost of prescription medications for the public. The PBS is a list of prescription medications that the Australian government subsidises. This means that the cost of these medications is lower for people who have a Medicare card. The PBS also includes several medications that are free to all Australians.
How does private health insurance work in Australia?
Private health insurance isn't compulsory in Australia. Still, it can provide additional benefits, such as a greater choice of doctor or hospital, faster access to treatment and coverage for some services that aren't covered by Medicare (such as dental care and physiotherapy). Private health insurance premiums vary depending on the level of coverage you choose. The Australian government has a landing page that details independent private health insurance information.
What healthcare/medical treatments are Kiwis eligible for in Australia?
New Zealand citizens are eligible for Medicare coverage if they live permanently in Australia. In addition, New Zealand citizens or permanent residents temporarily visiting Australia are eligible for free emergency treatment at Australian public hospitals (under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement). Our guide to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (Flora please link) has further details.
New Zealand citizens can also access private health insurance if they wish. To be eligible for Medicare, New Zealand citizens must:
- Be a New Zealand citizen.
- Hold a current New Zealand passport.
- Have a Medicare card (which you can apply for at any Medicare office in Australia or online through Services Australia).
To get a Medicare card, you must provide documentation or evidence proving your residency in Australia. Note that if you're residing in Australia, you'll also need to pay the Medicare levy and Medicare levy surcharge (given you're eligible for these services, it's only fair that you contribute to the cost of these services). For a detailed breakdown of the requirements to get Medicare, check out the official guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
How Much Does Medical Treatment in Australia Cost?
What’s a good example of the typical costs I can expect when going overseas for medical treatments?
Example journey through the Private Medical Treatment system in Australia to treat cancer.
In almost all cancer treatments, you’ll need to cover these expenses:
We’ve included rough estimates of the ball-park expenses you might incur based on the below (source: Cancer Council Victoria).
- The cost of medical treatment in Australia for Kiwis varies massively depending on the type of procedure, the healthcare provider and any additional costs, such as consultations, tests, and post-operative care.
- Therefore, it’s hard to provide a general approximation or cost estimate for medical tourism in Australia. However, we’ll try to provide an example of the “out of pocket” costs you can expect if you were to travel to Australia to undergo private healthcare treatment.
- In the example below, we’ll focus on cancer (as this is one of the most popular reasons for Kiwis to travel to Australia).
Example journey through the Private Medical Treatment system in Australia to treat cancer.
- Cancer patients encounter various expenses during their journey from diagnosis to recovery. These expenses fluctuate based on the kind of cancer, its stage, chosen treatments, and whether the patient is treated publicly or privately. For the purposes of this example, we’ll include all typical expenses from end to end (but note that there may be some unique expenses tied to the specific treatment or process you’re undertaking).
- As a ball-park figure, cancer-related out-of-pocket expenses can be as little as a few hundred dollars or can exceed $10,000+. To reflect the worst case scenario, the below has assumed you are covering these costs alone (e.g. you didn’t pay for fully comprehensive private insurance).
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, a Melbourne-based clinic, publishes cancer treatment fees for 'non-Medicare' patients, which any New Zealander would fall into. It helpfully gives estimated costs for consultations, daily and overnight care, among other services.
In almost all cancer treatments, you’ll need to cover these expenses:
- Fees for general doctors and specialist consultation
- Medical tests and scans at specific clinics or surgeries
- Sessions with auxiliary medical professionals and alternative therapy specialists (pre-operation)
- Charges for day surgeries, hospital stays, or operating rooms
- Purchases of over-the-counter and prescribed medications and dressings (post-operation)
- Costs for transportation, parking, and lodging (both pre and post-operation)
- Childcare and domestic assistance expenses (if you have children)
We’ve included rough estimates of the ball-park expenses you might incur based on the below (source: Cancer Council Victoria).
Typical Expense |
Uninsured Cost |
Rationale |
Return flights to Australia |
$1,000 return per person |
Assumes one return flight, but you may need to book multiple trips (one for diagnoses and one for the actual operation itself) |
Short term accommodation/Lodgings in a hotel or serviced apartment (during consultation periods) |
$200 per night per person |
Will vary depending on the length of the trip, whether you’ve already decided on a treatment clinic and rehabilitation period |
Costs for transportation and parking (both pre and post-operation) |
$100 per day |
Estimated car or uber charges to and from hospital |
Fees for general doctors and specialist consultation (diagnosis stage) |
Up to $1,000 |
Will likely require multiple visits |
Medical tests and scans at specific clinics or surgeries |
Up to $1,000 |
Will vary heavily depending on the type of scan (e.g. CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-Rays, etc.) |
Sessions with auxiliary medical professionals and alternative therapy specialists (pre-operation) |
Up to $1,000 |
May not be necessary, but some medical health professionals request second opinions (or additional scans and consultations) |
Operation/Surgery |
Up to $10,000+ |
Will vary heavily depending on the type of operation and provider |
Charges for day surgeries, hospital stays, or operating rooms (during operation) |
Up to $2,000 |
Generally, hospitals will charge a few hundred dollars per day for hospital stays (there may be discounts for those undertaking operations in the hospital) |
Purchases of over-the-counter and prescribed medications and dressings (post-operation) |
Up to $500 |
E.g. Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen and any specific treatment-related medicine |
Rehabilitation costs (post-operation) |
Varies |
Depends on severity and complexity of the operation (as well as whether rehabilitation needs to be done at the hospital or can be done at home) |
Childcare and domestic assistance expenses |
$150+ per day |
An optional cost if you have children/dependents at home and they are not joining you |
Total Costs |
Around $20,000 - $30,000+ |
Costs will vary depending on level of insurance |
- Source: MoneyHub Estimates from a range of Australian sources.
- Disclosure: these costs are an estimate based on MoneyHub’s research and are not indicative of the actual costs you’ll pay. Each diagnosis or treatment will vary hugely so the above is used purely as a representation of the “ballpark” costs. Costs will also vary depending on whether you have health and travel insurance.
- As reflected in the table above, the costs for anyone without private health insurance can be enormous. This is one of the main reasons why having a private health insurance plan in place can save tens of thousands of dollars. Even having the most basic private health insurance plans can save you thousands (via heavily subsidised or free travel, diagnosis and operation costs covered).
Must-Know Facts For Any New Zealander Considering Australia for Medical Treatments
We outline what's important below:
1. It’s generally in the insurer’s interest to make sure you’re as healthy as possible
While insurance companies can get a lot of heat in the media for their practices, it’s in their own self-interest to have you as healthy as possible. The healthier you are, the longer you live, the more you will pay in insurance premiums every year.
In contrast, if you’re unhealthy or are in need of an operation/surgery, this cost (which is likely to be tens of thousands) is borne by the insurer. As such, many international insurance companies (e.g. AXA, AIA, etc.) that offer premium health insurance policies have a stipend and allowance for diagnoses and consultations abroad.
The more frequently you get checked, the less likely you are to need surgery in future (and the less costly you become to the insurance company underwriting your policy).
In contrast, if you’re unhealthy or are in need of an operation/surgery, this cost (which is likely to be tens of thousands) is borne by the insurer. As such, many international insurance companies (e.g. AXA, AIA, etc.) that offer premium health insurance policies have a stipend and allowance for diagnoses and consultations abroad.
The more frequently you get checked, the less likely you are to need surgery in future (and the less costly you become to the insurance company underwriting your policy).
2. Check whether your existing health insurance includes an allowance for overseas treatment
Before researching private costs associated with medical tourism, check whether your existing New Zealand private health insurance policy includes overseas treatment. Many don't, but some do. If you’re on a plan that does have this provision, you may be able to take advantage of the policy to heavily subsidise your overseas medical treatments. Our research confirms that it's only a small subset of health insurance policies in New Zealand include overseas treatment provisions.
3. Check whether you’re eligible for funding from the New Zealand government
Above and beyond the public healthcare system, the New Zealand government has set up additional funding vehicles to support costs for medical treatments - one mainly targeted at local treatments and one targeted at international treatments.
1. National Travel Assistance Scheme
2. High Cost Treatment Pool.
1. National Travel Assistance Scheme
- The National Travel Assistance Scheme is a program operated by the New Zealand Ministry of Health. The scheme is designed to help alleviate the financial burden associated with travel for individuals who need to access specialist health services that are not available in their local area.
- The assistance provided by the scheme can help cover a range of travel-related expenses. This includes costs related to transport, such as fuel, public transport fares, or air travel. Additionally, it can help cover accommodation costs for overnight stays if required, as well as support person costs if the patient needs someone to travel with them.
- Eligibility for the National Travel Assistance Scheme is strict and based on a set of criteria. The scheme is particularly valuable for those who live in rural areas or those who need to travel frequently for ongoing treatment, helping to ensure that all New Zealand residents can access necessary healthcare services, regardless of their geographical location.
2. High Cost Treatment Pool.
- Similar to Australia’s Life-Saving Medical Treatment Overseas Programme the High Cost Treatment Pool is a funding vehicle run by the New Zealand Ministry of Health (through Te Whatu Ora). Its main purpose is to provide financial support for high-cost treatments for patients that are not typically funded by the country's District Health Boards (DHBs).
- These treatments might be unusual, infrequent or particularly expensive. Similar to the National Travel Assistance Scheme, there are very stringent eligibility criteria to receive reimbursement from the High Cost Treatment Pool.
- The High Cost Treatment Pool is often used to fund treatments that are performed overseas when they cannot be provided in New Zealand. The Ministry of Health assesses each case individually to decide if overseas treatment is necessary. Factors that influence this decision may include the severity of the patient's condition, the urgency of treatment, and the availability and effectiveness of alternative treatments in New Zealand.
- The pool has been utilised to cover a wide range of treatments, from heart surgeries and cancer treatments to rare genetic disorders. The High Cost Treatment Pool is a vital part of New Zealand's healthcare system, helping to bridge gaps in service availability and providing financial support for those in need of high-cost treatments.
- For more details and further analysis, the New Zealand Herald has done a review of the High Cost Treatment Pool and details stories of Kiwis who’ve received funding to undertake life-saving medical treatments or medical treatments not available in New Zealand.
4. Medicare isn’t fully comprehensive (there is value in taking out private health insurance).
Medicare, Australia’s public health system, covers most healthcare matters for New Zealanders living permanently in Australia. However, whether you’re a Kiwi permanently living in Australia or not, Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and private health insurance can provide you with a wider range of healthcare options and more comprehensive coverage (especially when it comes to additional non-medical costs).
5. Make sure to plan out all travel and accommodation logistics for the course of your medical treatment abroad.
Organising travel and accommodation arrangements is a crucial aspect of medical tourism. Whether it’s securing the best deals on flights and accommodation or organising logistics to and from the hospital, it’s important to understand the full implications of medical tourism. Factor in the time for pre-operative assessments, recovery, and follow-up appointments, as these may influence the duration of your stay.
6. Lean into your emotional support networks (especially if you’re going overseas for treatment).
Getting medical treatments for life-threatening illnesses can be extremely stressful. This stress is heightened when you add in medical tourism-related additional factors like travelling abroad and staying in a foreign culture for extended periods of time.
Therefore, it's important to have a support system to help you deal with the challenges of receiving medical treatment abroad. This may involve bringing a friend or family member with you when receiving your diagnosis or connecting with support groups in Australia.
Therefore, it's important to have a support system to help you deal with the challenges of receiving medical treatment abroad. This may involve bringing a friend or family member with you when receiving your diagnosis or connecting with support groups in Australia.
7. If you decide to undertake medical tourism, make sure you’ve got a post-treatment care/rehabilitation plan.
Following your medical treatment, it's essential to have a plan for post-treatment care and rehabilitation. Some treatments may require ongoing care, follow-up appointments, or additional procedures. If you’ve undertaken medical treatment in Australia, make sure you understand (and it’s possible to receive) all costs and logistics of receiving post-treatment care once you’re back in New Zealand.
8. Watch out for gaps in your health insurance policy.
Private health insurance does not necessarily provide full coverage on absolutely everything under the sun. Additionally, even if there is a provision in the policy for something (such as overseas medical treatments), the quantum may not be enough to cover the entire operation or procedure.
When comparing and contrasting different private health insurance policies, make sure you check the excess/premium value for each scenario and watch out for gaps or specific services not included in your policy.
When comparing and contrasting different private health insurance policies, make sure you check the excess/premium value for each scenario and watch out for gaps or specific services not included in your policy.
9. Paying higher premiums doesn’t automatically translate to better service.
Paying higher premiums for private insurance doesn't automatically equate to superior coverage. Even if your premiums are expensive or you've been insured for a long time, it doesn't guarantee extensive coverage (especially for specific treatments that may not be common or offered in New Zealand).
10. Don’t feel pressured to take out private health insurance.
Using private health insurance is a choice, not a requirement. You have the option to utilise New Zealand’s public healthcare system at any time and shouldn’t feel compelled to exclusively use one or the other. You can transition between both systems as needed. There could be instances where you receive support and treatments for non-urgent illnesses or injuries through the New Zealand public healthcare benefits while also utilising medical tourism in Australia for more urgent or niche medical treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Australian Medical Tourism
When should Kiwis consider medical treatment options in Australia?
Generally, if there’s no urgent need to get medical treatment, most Kiwis will be fine with getting treatment through the New Zealand public healthcare system. For bespoke treatments or for those that are in urgent need or operation or treatment (such as advanced stages of cancer), it may make sense to get the treatment started as soon as possible with the best quality doctors. This scenario is most likely when Kiwis would most likely consider medical treatment options in Australia.
What are the top international health insurance providers?
Generally, global insurance companies provide the widest support “net” that allows you to undertake medical tourism/treatments. The most popular global insurers include:
What are the top New Zealand health insurance providers?
The most popular New Zealand insurers include:
We have also undertaken a comprehensive comparison of private health insurers in New Zealand.
We have also undertaken a comprehensive comparison of private health insurers in New Zealand.
Can I use my New Zealand private health insurance in Australia?
It depends. Whether you can use your New Zealand private health insurance in Australia depends on your specific policy. Some policies may offer coverage for overseas treatment, while others may not. For example, under Southern Cross’s UltraCare health insurance policy, a provision for “Overseas Treatment Allowance '' exists for up to $30,000 per claims year (as of August 2023). Generally, there are certain criteria you need to meet to be eligible to get reimbursed, such as:
- The treatment must be recommended by a registered specialist
- The approved treatment can’t be available/offered in New Zealand
- You must provide Southern Cross with a medical report before treatment takes place
- You aren’t eligible to get reimbursed for accommodation or travel
Will the New Zealand government reimburse me for medical treatment in Australia?
The New Zealand government may reimburse specific medical treatments received in Australia under limited circumstances (primarily allocated through the High Cost Treatment Pool). We’ve provided more details on eligibility and how to apply above.
Will New Zealand healthcare policies cover medical tourism?
Most New Zealand health insurance policies are crafted with the main intention to cater to New Zealand medical treatments, with minimal or very low reimbursement caps for private medical treatments incurred overseas. Those health insurance policies in New Zealand that do include overseas treatment allowances usually charge a significant premium/excess (for things like cancer operations or surgeries).
Another common misconception is that taking out international travel insurance (for places like Australia) will cover private treatments. Generally, international travel insurance is intended to cover any emergency expenses (if not covered by the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement) and additional secondary costs associated with incidents abroad (such as ambulance, accommodation and flight costs). However, this generally won’t include private medical treatments like cancer treatments or surgeries.
If you want to undertake medical tourism and get private medical treatments done in Australia, you’ll likely need to pay for the majority of this yourself as most standard New Zealand health insurance policies likely won’t cover this.
Another common misconception is that taking out international travel insurance (for places like Australia) will cover private treatments. Generally, international travel insurance is intended to cover any emergency expenses (if not covered by the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement) and additional secondary costs associated with incidents abroad (such as ambulance, accommodation and flight costs). However, this generally won’t include private medical treatments like cancer treatments or surgeries.
If you want to undertake medical tourism and get private medical treatments done in Australia, you’ll likely need to pay for the majority of this yourself as most standard New Zealand health insurance policies likely won’t cover this.
What are the typical wait times for cancer treatments in New Zealand?
Wait times can vary significantly based on several factors, such as the stage and type of cancer, the specific treatment being administered and the current capacity of the New Zealand healthcare system. Generally, the Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora will strive to start treatment as soon as possible after a diagnosis is made. However, the New Zealand healthcare system has been criticised for long lead times to get a confirmed diagnosis.
In some cases, treatment might begin within a few weeks of diagnosis. However, it's important to note that a patient's specific circumstances can influence this timeline. Historically, the DHBs have tried to set two key targets/benchmarks (source: OIA Request):
Under the Official Information Act (OIA) 1982, New Zealand citizens, permanent residents or people living in New Zealand can request official information from government agencies (such as District Health Boards).
For example, as of 1 August 2018, the average wait time to receive the first treatment from when a decision was made to treat a patient was around 20 days (for most cancers). However, under the Labour government, hospital waiting lists have grown to record highs (per this January 2023 RNZ story) with ethnicity a key factor in determining waiting list priority per this June 2023 NZ Herald article). We present historical data below for cancers:
In some cases, treatment might begin within a few weeks of diagnosis. However, it's important to note that a patient's specific circumstances can influence this timeline. Historically, the DHBs have tried to set two key targets/benchmarks (source: OIA Request):
- Less than 62 days between getting a referral and the first treatment.
- Less than 31 days between a decision to treat (DTT) and the first treatment.
Under the Official Information Act (OIA) 1982, New Zealand citizens, permanent residents or people living in New Zealand can request official information from government agencies (such as District Health Boards).
For example, as of 1 August 2018, the average wait time to receive the first treatment from when a decision was made to treat a patient was around 20 days (for most cancers). However, under the Labour government, hospital waiting lists have grown to record highs (per this January 2023 RNZ story) with ethnicity a key factor in determining waiting list priority per this June 2023 NZ Herald article). We present historical data below for cancers:
Source: Canterbury District Health Board (OIA Request).
Alternative Source: Waitemata District Health Board Cancer Care Waiting Times (OIA Request - March 2019).
Alternative Source: Waitemata District Health Board Cancer Care Waiting Times (OIA Request - March 2019).
Do I need travel insurance if I go to Australia on short-term trips?
It depends. Whether you need private travel insurance depends on how comfortable you are with any risks of non-emergency costs that might arise on your trip to Australia. Thanks to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and New Zealand, New Zealanders are eligible for free emergency hospital treatment (think Accident and Emergency/A&E). However, for ALL non-emergency costs, New Zealanders without an Australian Medicare card (detailed above) must pay the full cost for non-hospital costs.
Some examples of non-emergency hospital medical expenses include:
Taking out private travel insurance will mean you can cover any costs associated with the above examples not covered by the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
Some examples of non-emergency hospital medical expenses include:
- Visits to a General Practitioner/doctor
- Getting any prescriptions, pharmaceuticals or other costs related to medication
- Cancer diagnoses or treatments
- Medical evacuation back to New Zealand
- Surgeries or operations
- Hospital expenses (theatre fees or accommodation) in private hospitals
- Ambulance fees
- Chiropractic treatment
- Nursing (at home)
- Podiatry
- Physiotherapy, occupational, eye and speech therapy
- Contact lenses and glasses
- Dental care
- Funerals
Taking out private travel insurance will mean you can cover any costs associated with the above examples not covered by the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
How do I find the best or most reputable private healthcare providers in Australia?
The best way to find a qualified doctor or healthcare specialist in Australia is to go through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which has a list of all registered practitioners in Australia that have met certain eligibility criteria. The AHPRA is a government agency that regulates health practitioners in Australia. AHPRA's priority is to protect the public and works to ensure that all registered health practitioners are qualified, trained, and safe to practise.
Apart from the above list, getting recommendations from your New Zealand doctor or friends and family who’ve undergone similar treatments in Australia (word of mouth) can also be a good approach.
Apart from the above list, getting recommendations from your New Zealand doctor or friends and family who’ve undergone similar treatments in Australia (word of mouth) can also be a good approach.
What’s the quality of healthcare like in Australia compared to New Zealand?
The quality of healthcare in Australia is generally very high. This is because Australia has a well-trained and experienced medical workforce and access to various medical technologies.
How does the accessibility of healthcare in Australia compare to New Zealand?
Access to healthcare in Australia is generally good. Most Australians can access the healthcare they need when they need it. However, there are some areas where access to healthcare can be limited, such as in rural and remote areas.
What are the drawbacks of going overseas for medical treatment? Why doesn’t everyone do it?
- The main reason why all Kiwis don’t travel overseas for the best quality medical treatment is cost. The cost of private treatment, insurance coverage, and post-operative care can rack up very fast, especially when they aren’t subsidised by the government.
- When compared to the local (and heavily discounted) route of getting medical treatment through New Zealand’s public healthcare system, medical tourism only really makes sense if (1) you need treatment that New Zealand doesn’t provide, or (2) you need medical treatment urgently and the wait times for the specific medical treatment in New Zealand are too long given your diagnoses.
- Other drawbacks/risks associated with getting medical treatment overseas include complications during or after the procedure, inadequate post-operative care, and potential difficulties in pursuing legal action (in the event of medical negligence).
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