Q. Am I eligible for free healthcare while on holiday in Australia? And do I need travel insurance?
A. Under a reciprocal health agreement, New Zealand visitors to Australia requiring medical treatment have the same rights as Australians - with some provisos.
First, the treatment must be confirmed as requiring prompt attention by a medical practitioner; second, it is for conditions which arise after arrival in Australia, or became "acutely exacerbated" after arrival.
"Immediately necessary treatment" covers pharmaceuticals, hospital and maternity care.
You still have to pay (the Australian rate) for visiting a doctor and for any pharmaceuticals prescribed.
However, the agreement does not include all the same publicly funded services as in New Zealand, nor does it necessarily cover pre-existing conditions.
Also, Kiwis on holiday in Australia may not be covered by New Zealand ACC for accidents occurring over there.
Costs can be very high for some services.
Ambulances, for example, are not always publicly funded and can be very expensive.
In short, take out comprehensive travel insurance.
It includes any health costs you might have to pay, stolen, lost or damaged baggage and unforeseen cancellations etc. (And it's not that expensive: for two weeks, about $65 per person.)
Source: Ministry of Health.
