Question about medical coverage

[bradly78]

Hello,

I've just been offered a permanent teaching position here in ChCh (yes!). We're not residents, and I was wondering if there was a way to get medical coverage while our residency applications are in process or rush our application?

I'm asking this because my wife is pregnant and our insurance (Southern Cross) won't cover it.

I know its a long shot, so if worse comes to worse, my wife will go back to the States to have the baby if it doesn't work out.

We haven't put in our EOI yet, I'm waiting for the letter from the school offering me the position.

[Taffy]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum

What visa are you currently on?

[bradly78]

Hello,

I'm on a graduate job search visa. I did my teaching course here in ChCh, so we've been living in NZ for about 18 months now. We're expecting in Septemeber(ish).

[kiwiguy]

heres a couple select in NZ

World Nomads - Keep Travelling Safely
Uni-Care Educational Travel Insurance

don't know if they will cover the baby if its already on the way

Regards

[nickydwuk]

Congrats on the job and the impending arrival

[Taffy]

I'm not sure how you stand as I've never heard of that visa before. Would it be classed as an emergency perhaps? I would phone the hospital where you plan on going and ask them how you would stand as a visitor for charges and see what they say!

[MotherBear]

It seems the usual practice that people on long term visas i.e. over a year in duration, have access to medical coverage the same as someone with PR, so I don't know if that would be the case with your type of visa.

[heidi]

Ask about getting a work permit (or is it work visa?) while you wait for residency. It should be processed quickly with your job offer. Then you both qualify for health care.

8 years ago my husband and I lived in nz on a work permit (or is it work visa? I get the terms mixed up) and I was pregnant. All my doctor's visits were free (even GP visits as they are for all pregnant women/young children).

[MotherBear]

Originally Posted by heidi

8 years ago my husband and I lived in nz on a work permit (or is it work visa? I get the terms mixed up)

Just to set the record straight, you get a work visa if you apply from outside NZ and it is converted into a work permit when you enter the country. If you apply for one when you're already in NZ you would get a work permit. I tend to call them all permits as I can't be bothered to differentiate.