Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 resulting 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, antihistamines and skin-care products. Some medications, such as an-
tibiotics 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 details
of the generic name, as brand names differ country-to-country.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The giardia parasite is widespread in NZ waterways: drinking untreated water from
streams and lakes is not recommended. Using water filters and boiling or treating water
with iodine are effective ways of preventing the disease. Symptoms consist of intermittent
diarrhoea, abdominal bloating and wind. Effective treatment is available (tinidazole or -
metronidazole).
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
»
Hypothermia is a significant risk, especially during winter and year-round at altitude.
Mountain ranges and/or strong winds produce a high chill factor, which can cause hypo-
thermia even in moderate temperatures. Early signs include the inability to perform fine
movements (such as doing up buttons), shivering and a bad case of the 'umbles'
(fumbles, mumbles, grumbles, stumbles). To treat, minimise heat loss: remove wet cloth-
ing, add dry clothes with wind- and waterproof layers, and consume water and carbohy-
drates to allow shivering to build the internal temperature. In severe hypothermia, shiver-
ing actually stops; this is a medical emergency requiring rapid evacuation in addition to
the above measures.
»
NZ has exceptional surf beaches. The power of the surf can fluctuate as a result of the
varying slope of the seabed at many beaches. Check with local surf-lifesaving organisa-
tions before entering the surf and be aware of your own limitations and expertise.
