Where to Go? GP vs After-Hours Clinic vs Hospital

Good on you for securing yourself with an OrbitProtect policy! What now? How and when do you use it? Where do you go? Do you need approval to see a doctor? Does the doctor need to be affiliated with OrbitProtect? We know it is daunting enough to be in a foreign country, more so if you end up sick or injured in one.

Start with Healthline

If you have an injury or medical issue, please start by calling Healthline to find out if you need to see a doctor or if you need more urgent care. You can make a free call to Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Seeing your GP

The starting point for almost any matter in New Zealand is a GP (General Practitioner), also known as a family doctor or general physician. If and when you need to see one, you are encouraged to register or enrol with the medical centre you are at.

Even if you are a non-NZ resident, you are welcome to enlist yourself with any GP. Consultation fees can vary so it’s worth understanding how much they are before you go. You can visit any GP at a medical centre at any location, at your convenience. Use Google to find medical centres or clinics in the town/city you are in.

You will be pleased to know that medical centres not only provide treatment when you need them to, they also aim to proactively support your health and wellbeing by providing health education, counselling, disease prevention and screening. Some services include smoking cessation, flu vaccinations, regular cervical/pap smears, and breast screening.

These services are not free for non-NZ residents nor are they covered under your OrbitProtect policy but if you can afford to, you are welcome to use these services at your own expense.

If you require specialist input, your GP will refer you to the appropriate specialist as required.

Medical Centre Hours and Availability

The majority of medical centres operate during the day on weekdays. Outside these hours, you can be seen at an after-hours GP service. Check online to find which practice in your location operates after-hours if it is not your normal medical centre.

Emergency Departments and Hospitals

If you have life-threatening symptoms, you can go to the Emergency Department of the public hospital where you are located. If there is a major situation requiring an ambulance, you would be taken to a public hospital for comprehensive care that is not available from a private medical practice.

You will also find that there are not that many private hospitals in New Zealand. If your immigration visa entitles you to free government medical care, then our insurance would require you to use the free option.

If you are not entitled to free government medical care and the matter is not urgent, then private care would likely be an option and we may be able to help with the costs (within policy limitations).

Making a Claim

It is best to make a claim after visiting the doctor with all the receipts and information you have, including the notes from the doctor. Find out how to make a claim.

If we approve your claim, you will be reimbursed through your bank account, or the hospital will be paid directly, less any applicable excess. To find out what an excess is, feel free to read our blog about insurance excesses and how they work.

Irrespective of insurance, if you think you should see a doctor, that is what you should do. You do not need our authorisation.

This page was last updated in July 2024.