Healthcare and Housing in New Zealand

Healthcare

All citizens and permanent residents in the country of New Zealand are assured the right to healthcare at a reduced cost or for free. The national healthcare system will provide for the cost of treatment for all non-accident related illnesses and injuries. Twenty-four hour care, emergency services, and dental services for children are also available for free through this system, which is widely recognized as being one of the best in the world. .Most care is provided free of charge, except for visits to the doctor and pharmacy purchases.  However, even the fees associated to these services are less than in America, with the maximum cost of a co-payment being NZ$15.

New Zealand employs a no-fault system for accidents and injuries. This means there can be no lawsuits for injuries sustained and allows for people to purchase auto insurance at way less expensive rates than in the American system. New Zealand also has an accident compensation system with guarantees an income to people recuperating from injuries and full coverage for the cost of medical treatment. The system is government funded by taxation and employment charges, most employers in New Zealand do not offer additional medical insurance plans.

Housing

Like in the United States, housing options include renting and owning property. But unlike the State, rent amounts are calculated on a weekly basis, not monthly.

Purchasing property is also a bit different than in America. The housing dollar in New Zealand will stretch further than in urban America. There are no property taxes or school taxes. Instead the district council or local city officials collect rates which pay for road services and drainage structures. New Zealand schools are funded by the general taxes.

For those interested in living in a city or urban environment, it is important to note that the term suburb does not necessarily mean rural living. Often the term is used to describe any area outside of the Central Business District. Some suburbs are a driving distance away from the urban areas but many are a short walk away. 85% of purchased housing is located in the inner city but rural living is becoming increasingly popular.

New Zealand offers a selection of housing options depending on the lifestyle or needs of a family. Some of them include an inner city apartment or home, usually preferred by professionals who wish to stay close to work. Older suburbs close to the city are seeing a resurgence in people restoring older bungalows, cottages, and colonial villas. Townhomes with a view of the coast are extremely popular and increasing in numbers.  Lifestyle blocks are gaining popularity for New Zealanders who want to stay close to the city but enjoy living on small one or two acre pieces of land. There are also the family friendly suburban household havens which can have up to five bedrooms and plenty of room for large families. These types of reasonably sized homes make up a large share of the New Zealand housing.