Moving to a new country is bound to raise some questions, many of which are answered below. If you have a question that is not answered below please contact us.
What jobs are available?
A variety of jobs are available in all branches and specialties of medicine. We offer short term and long term placements through to permanent positions. If you want to be in a particular region then please contact us for possibilities in that area. Many positions are listed under our vacancies page but if your position is not listed contact us and we will source it for you!
How do I get registered / licensed to practice?
Before you can work as a medical practitioner in New Zealand you will need to apply for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. NZMedics can advise you on your eligibility for registration and we will work with you throughout the registration process.
What do I need to do for immigration?
Anyone taking a position in New Zealand needs to be legally entitled to do so. To find out more about your eligibility please visit The New Zealand Immigration website. NZMedics has a licenced adviser who can provide immigration advice, to find out more about this service, please click here.
What is ‘IELTS’ and do I have to sit it?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. If English is not your first language you may be required to complete IELTS or provide proof of your English proficiency before the Medical Council will consider your application for registration.
What am I likely to earn?
Doctors working in the public hospital system are contracted to the District Health Boards under a Collective Agreement (MECA). This agreement details pay scales and grades dependant on the number of hours you will be working and the number of years experience you have. For more information about pay scales for your speciality contact us.
Do I have to pay tax?
Most people working in New zealand are required to pay tax of some kind. To find out if and how this may apply to you, please click here.
Do I have to have medical indemnity insurance?
Yes, you are required by law to have indemnity insurance if you are practicing as a doctor in New Zealand. This is an easy and simple process which we will assist you with and the rates are very reasonable. You may even be able to transfer your existing policy.
Will my children need to go to school?
If you are staying longer than three months and your children are over five years old they will have to attend school in New Zealand. New Zealand has a very good standard of education and for more information please click here.
Do I need health insurance or am I covered under the New Zealand Public Health System?
If you have a work permit with a duration of less than two years you are not covered and we would recommend you getting your own health insurance. For stays longer than two years, on valid work permits /visas, you and your family are covered by the New Zealand Public Health System.
What is the cost of living like?
New Zealanders generally enjoy a high standard of living that is on par with many other countries. For more information, you can visit The New Zealand Immigration website.