Health hazards
The general emergency number in New Zealand, which is free to call, is 111. It should be called in the case of medical, fire or crime-related emergencies. Generally, most hospitals don’t have their own ambulance services, although some private ambulances do also operate in New Zealand.
Emergency services in New Zealand have fast response times, but this may not be the case in rural areas. As with New Zealand’s other medical services, expats can expect highly proficient ambulance staff.
In the case of an accident, costs from using emergency services will generally be subsidised by the ACC. In the event of an emergency that doesn’t result from an accident, expats who are not New Zealand residents will have to pay emergency service costs in full.