Kiwis? If a US traveler goes to NZ with no health ins. and gets sick, will they be treated?

Question

As far as being treated, I mean will NZ health coverage extend to a non NZ citizen.

Answer 1

No New Zealand doctor or hospital will ever refuse to treat anyone who is sick, regardless of their status. Visitors from the United Kingdom and Australia will be treated the same as New Zealanders, because we have reciprocal agreements with those countries. For all other visitors, medical treatment will have to be paid for by the patients or their insurers, except where the person requiring treatment has been involved in an accident. In such cases New Zealand's 'Accident Compensation Scheme' applies. The scheme provides financial protection for both New Zealanders and visitors who suffer injury as a result of an accident, a medical mistreatment, or certain criminal mistreatment. The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is funded by the New Zealand taxpayer. ACC does not cover the costs of medical treatment for sickness, does not always cover the full cost associated with the injury, and cannot cover subsequent costs (for example, loss of income) which may be a result of the injury.

Despite the existence of ACC, travellers to New Zealand should always take out medical insurance from their home country. You should also be aware that due to the existence of ACC and the various laws associated with it, the ability to sue another person or corporation for personal injury in New Zealand is virtually non-existent.

Answer 2

Yes, you'll be treated - then they'll send you the bill. Treatment in cases of accident is paid for by our Accident Compensation Corporation, but other medical care isn't free, I'm afraid.
Check our Immigration Department's website:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz

Answer 3

Not for free. However, I think if you're injured you're covered by the ACC.