Don’t put off healthcare when money is tight
Going to the doctor or dentist can be too costly for many New Zealanders and lots of everyday people delay or never get healthcare because they can’t afford it. This greatly concerns the entire Debtfix Crew especially when treating medical or dental problems when they are small is the cheapest way of managing your health.
Delaying healthcare can cost you a lot more than money.
However, New Zealand Doctor reported in September 2021 that: “The standard requirement for full upfront health service payments is currently forcing between 24% and 39% of New Zealanders to neglect or delay accessing the medical care they need at least once within a twelve-month period.”
There are options and the Debtfix Crew wants to help every Kiwi to have access to appropriate healthcare when they need it. Here’s some tips to manage paying for healthcare in New Zealand.
Talk to the medical practice, dentist or specialist about finance options
Doctors and dentists are in the business of caring and many have options for patients to pay for services over time. Ask to talk confidentially with the practice manager or administrator to discuss spreading payments over time, that you know you can afford.
Shop around
Not all doctors charge the same prices, and it pays to shop around if you need a more affordable GP. Doctor Pricer is a useful website that seems to be accurate for pricing and it covers all New Zealand.
Community Services Card
In New Zealand people can get a Community Services Card to help cover the cost of healthcare for individuals or a family, including doctors’ bills, prescriptions, glasses for children under 16 and surcharges for ACC and after-hours care.
The card can also be used for emergency dental care and travel and accommodation for care you need at a public hospital.
There are restrictions based on the household income, age and New Zealand citizenship or residency.
To find out more visit the Work and Income Community Services Card page.
High Use Health Card
The Ministry of Health provides a High Use Health Card for people who have high health needs and have visited their GP where they are enrolled 12 or more times in one year. The patient will have been seen for the same health problem and the card is not means tested. The doctor needs to apply for the High Use Health Card for the patient and it last for one year.
It may reduce the cost of regular consultations at the doctors, as well as after hours care and visits to a GP practice where you are not enrolled. It can be useful to have both a High Use Health Card and a Community Services card to minimise medical fees.
Treat little problems before they become big ones
It is more economical to treat a health problem when it is small because it costs less to treat and you are less likely to need time off work, or unable to do your regular daily activities.
For example, if you need a small filling in a tooth, it could cost less than $200, which is still a lot of money. If the problem is ignored and tooth decay spreads, it will probably cost more than $1200 for a major root canal. A common alternative is to have the tooth pulled out for about $200 but this has long-term health implications affecting your ability to chew and digest food, and it can impact on your self-esteem. The worst-case scenario is doing nothing, and the tooth creates a significant infection that requires hospitalisation. Unfortunately, this happens far too often in New Zealand.
Buy now, pay later for healthcare and medications
There is a new buy now, pay later app that specialises in the health sector. HealthNow has no sign-up fees or interest but beware – there are late payment penalties and debt collection fees if users miss payments. It can be used at a few GPs, medical specialists, dentists, physiotherapists and pharmacies but it is very new and has limited distribution.
Avoid high interest lenders for dental and medical care
High interest lenders offer loans for medical and dental care, with interest rates from about 7% to 20%. These are easy to apply for and should be approached with caution. There are establishment fees as well as penalties for late payments.
Some dentists offer Q Card payments for accounts greater than $300 with 18 months interest free but there are establishment, advance and annual fees. The monthly minimum payment will not cover the debt within 18 months and after that time, the interest rate is very high, currently 25.99 per cent. Be warned, Q Card is still debt and it is not an ideal option if you are struggling financially.
It is better to talk to your GP or dentist to find out what other payment options are available.
Smile New Zealand Free Dental Days
The New Zealand Dental Association holds Free Dental Days but unfortunately these are all booked for 2021. Applicants must have a Community Services Card.
Covid health services are free in New Zealand
Diagnosis, testing and treatment for Covid is free. It does not matter what your citizenship, visa status, nationality or medical insurance coverage is. For up-to-date official information go to the Ministry of Health Covid webpage.
Emergency care at hospitals
Hospital emergency departments assess and treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses.
However, the Debtfix Crew is realistic and understands many people will go to a hospital emergency department when they can’t afford GP care. If you do not have an emergency it is preferable to call Healthline 0800 611 116 to talk with trained health professionals who can help you make the best option for your healthcare.
At hospital emergency departments, patients are prioritised according to how serious their illness or injury is, so if you are not serious, you could expect to wait a very long time in a busy emergency department, especially during the holiday season.
If you, a family member, or friend is experiencing a serious medical problem, dial 111 for an ambulance.
Alternatively, if you’re near the hospital and the situation is serious but not life threatening, you may choose to take the person yourself in your car, but make sure you know where you are going.
If you struggle to pay for healthcare for yourself or your whānau, please contact Debtfix now to work out a budget that will allow for medical costs. We all get sick and need to see a doctor, dentist, nurse, physio or any other health professional. Now is the time to ensure you have rainy day money set aside to cover the bill.