As a traveller you will have to pay for medical care in New Zealand. This is a good reason to buy insurance! British Citizens have a reciprocal agreement allowing them emergency care but for general problems you will have to pay to see a doctor and prescriptions. Check what the excess is for your insurance policy as you may find it's the same as going to the doctor! It is best to carry with you any doctor's prescriptions for large amounts of medication you're bringing into the country to avoid problems in customers.

Good news for those with a fear of needles; there are no obligatory vaccinations required for entering New Zeland. However, the World Health Organisation does recommend that travellers are covered for certain illnesses. For more information go to www.who.int.

One thing you do need to be careful of in New Zealand is the strong sun it experiences during summer. Remember to cover up, drink plenty of water and wear nothing less than SPF 15.

For information on Visitor Eligibility for Healthcare in New Zealand click here. For general information see the Ministry of Health website http://www.moh.govt.nz. To find out more about medical insurance see our insurance article.