Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Health
NZ is one of the healthiest countries in the world in which to travel. Diseases such as malaria and typhoid are unheard
of, and the absence of poisonous snakes or other dangerous animals makes outdoor adventures here less risky than in
neighbouring Australia.
Before You Go
MEDICATIONS
Bring medications in their original, clearly labelled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing
your medical conditions and medications (including generic names) and any requisite syringes or needles, is also wise.
VACCINATIONS
NZ has no vaccination requirements for travellers, but the World Health Organization recommends that all travellers
should be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and polio, as well as hepatitis B, regard-
less of their destination. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination (or 'the yellow booklet'), which
will list all the vaccinations you've received.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Health insurance is essential for all travellers. While health care in NZ is of a high standard and not overly expensive by
international standards, considerable costs can be built up and repatriation can be pricey.
If your current health insurance doesn't cover you for medical expenses incurred overseas, consider extra insurance -
see www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance for more information. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make
payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.
In New Zealand
AVAILABILITY & COST OF HEALTH CARE
NZ's public hospitals offer a high standard of care (free for residents). All travellers are covered for medical care result-
ing from accidents that occur while in NZ (eg motor-vehicle accidents, adventure-activity accidents) by the Accident
Compensation Corporation (ACC; www.acc.co.nz ) . Costs incurred due to treatment of a medical illness that occurs
while in NZ will only be covered by travel insurance. For more details, see www.moh.govt.nz and www.acc.co.nz .
The 24-hour, free-call Healthline (
0800 611 116; www.health.govt.nz ) offers health advice throughout NZ.
PHARMACEUTICALS
Over-the-counter medications are widely available in NZ through private chemists. These include painkillers, anti-
histamines and skin-care products. Some medications, such as antibiotics and the contraceptive pill, are only available
via a prescription obtained from a general practitioner. If you take regular medications, bring an adequate supply and de-
tails of the generic name, as brand names differ from country to country.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The giardia parasite is widespread in NZ waterways: drinking untreated water from streams and lakes is not recommen-
ded. Using water filters and boiling or treating water with iodine are effective ways of preventing the disease. Symptoms
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