Auckland Healthcare and Medical Treatment

As soon as you settle in Auckland, you’ll need to prioritise your health and wellbeing. A combination of healthy dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as regular check-ups with a general practitioner and dentist, can help keep you in great shape – and allow you to work to your full potential.

There are many aspects to proper healthcare, from insurance to emergencies and finding that perfect gym, so read on to learn about staying healthy and looking after your wellbeing in Auckland.

What is the public health system in Auckland?

New Zealand has a fantastic public health system, in which essential healthcare is offered for free. This means that most hospital treatments are free (with some minor exceptions). While you will need to pay for doctor’s and dentist’s appointments, any essential treatments or surgeries at the hospital are provided at no cost to the patient.

In some cases, low-income individuals and families may be able to access subsidised GP visits and prescriptions.

If you have a two-year work visa (or longer) to work in New Zealand, you are also eligible for free public healthcare. Australians who have lived in the country or intend to live in New Zealand for more than two years are also provided with the same public health system as residents.

Additionally, British and Australians may be eligible if they fit the reciprocal agreement criteria that the New Zealand government holds with each country.

Note that if you are bringing children under the age of 17 to New Zealand, they will also be covered under the public health system so long as you are eligible through your nationality or working visa.

Generally speaking, treatment under the public health system is only offered for free if the issue is considered urgent or necessary by a health practitioner, so it is often best to also invest in private health insurance.

How to find private health insurance in Auckland

Whether you are ineligible for the public health system in New Zealand or would simply prefer to add additional cover to your healthcare needs, there are multiple options for private health insurance in Auckland. These will usually cover treatments at private hospitals, as well as dental, optical, and chiropractic services.

Note that in most cases, there is a short waiting period after you have purchased the insurance for the cover to kick in, so be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions when you make your decision.

Shop around when considering the best option for private health insurance in New Zealand. Here are some of the main options in Auckland to get you started:

What to do in an emergency in Auckland

The emergency number in New Zealand is 111, which puts you through to the police, ambulance, and fire services.

If you need to get in touch with the police for a non-urgent matter, you can find answers and contact information on the Auckland police website here.

Where to find medical assistance in Auckland

If you need emergency medical assistance, you can go straight to the emergency department of a hospital or to some medical centres. You can find both private and public hospitals in Auckland under ‘Hospitals’ in the Yellow Pages. If you need an ambulance, dial 111.

For non-emergencies, see a general practitioner at your local medical practice. Most GPs will require that you make an appointment first, while some will allow walk-ins for urgent cases. Be sure to call ahead to ensure they can fit you in for an appointment. You can also find these services through the Yellow Pages by looking up ‘Medical Practitioners’.

Dental services in Auckland

Dental care in Auckland is top quality, and you can find a full range of treatments available, from crowns and fillings to root canals and bridges. Auckland dentists don’t have fixed prices, so it can pay to shop around when you sign up with a local dentist, although your decision will likely also come down to the location, open hours, and general vibe of the practice.

Keep in mind that dentistry is free for children up until their 18th birthday in New Zealand, so you can book your kids in straight away if you’re moving to Auckland with your family.

Your private health insurance may cover some of your dentistry costs, but it will depend on your insurance company and the level of cover you have. Many dentists also offer payment plans if you prefer not to pay for treatment up front.

To find a dentist in Auckland, you can use the ‘Find A Dentist’ tool on the Auckland Dental Association website.

Alternatively, ask for recommendations from your new colleagues, as they may be able to offer a personal suggestion.

Gyms in Auckland

Auckland is a city that loves to work out, so there are many gyms throughout the central business district and in the suburbs to choose from. Some gym brands are now offering 24/7 access to make it easier to fit your workout into your workday.  If you choose to live in an apartment, you may have access to a small gym within the building.

Most major Auckland gyms will offer an annual fee, while others will work on a month-to-month plan, and some provide classes that you can sign up for without joining with a membership.

Here are some of the major gym brands to check out in Auckland: