Health, Safety and Accident/Insurance Information

Health & Safety

New Zealand has a reputation for being one of the safest places to visit and in an ever changing world this has become increasingly important when deciding on where to travel.

Theres no free health care for overseas visitors in New Zealand, so you will need travel insurance. Make sure that your insurance covers you for dangerous activities if you plan to take advantage of New Zealandss great reputation for adventure sports. Some policies wont cover you if you intend to scuba dive, ride a motorcycle, or go tramping.

There are no vaccination requirements to enter New Zealand and the country is clean and prides itself on it healthy image. Many medical clinics are open long hours usually 8am-8pm, seven days a week and these can be found at the front of local phone books under Hospitals and other health service providers. Check out essential information for Hawkes Bay Emergency Services.
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Safety Precautions

Although there are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand, you should be aware of the following:

• Variable Weather - Weather conditions in New Zealand alpine areas can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold wet weather if you plan to go for bush walks, whatever the time of year.
• Giardia - Giardia is a water-borne parasite that causes diarrhoea. To avoid contracting it, dont drink water from lakes, ponds or rivers without first boiling, chemically treating or filtering it.
• Sunburn Sun block and hats are a must during most times of the year. Sunlight is stronger in New Zealand and burn times in summer can be as low as 10 minutes.

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Safety in the water

You are never too far from the water when travelling around New Zealand and many of our activities are water based. We recommend that you visit Water Safety New Zealand for advice on how to stay safe on New Zealands beaches and waterways.

Beaches with potential hazards are often patrolled by lifeguards, who put up yellow and red flags and it is important to swim between these flags. Always have an adult watching over children at all times, listen to advice from lifeguards, never swim or surf alone, learn to recognise rip currents, use safe equipment, never swim or surf when tired or cold, considering other surf users and staying out of the water if in doubt.

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General Insurance and Safety

New Zealand is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. However, you are advised to observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would in any other country or at home. We recommend you invest in comprehensive travel insurance before departing.

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Accident Compensation Scheme

Visitors to New Zealand are covered under the local Accident Compensation Scheme for personal injury by accident. Benefits include some medical and hospital expenses, but do not include loss of earnings outside New Zealand. We therefore recommend your travel insurance policy also covers accidents.

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Accident Advice for Visitors

A private company called Accident Information Services can advise visitors to New Zealand on how best to access New Zealand's health system should they have an accident or need medical attention for an illness. This 24-hour service can give advice on where to go and can arrange for a medical practitioner to visit the patient.

Patients access the service by telephoning +64 9 529-0488. No prior arrangements need to be made. For free information on the service once you are in New Zealand, telephone 0800 263-345.