International students to be excluded from free health care

4.00pm

Foreign students studying in New Zealand will no longer be able to get free or subsidised health care, when the Health Ministry brings in changes to eligibility criteria next month.

The ministry said today it was changing the eligibility criteria for publicly funded healthcare from October 30.

The Eligibility Direction sets out eligibility criteria for publicly funded personal health and disability services in New Zealand.

Only people who meet the criteria defined in the Eligibility Direction can receive free or subsidised services.

Eligibility settings are largely based on rights of citizenship, humanitarian and international obligations, and recognition of the contribution to New Zealand made by residents and long-term work permit holders.

Key changes to eligibility include:

* changing the eligibility settings for New Zealand citizens so they are eligible, regardless of how long they are in New Zealand;

* increasing the age from under 16 years to under 18 years, that a dependant child may be deemed eligible via an eligible parent/legal guardian;

* removing eligibility for student permit holders and visitor permit holders.

Health Ministry deputy director general of clinical services Colin Feek said the changes were timely given the increasing number of international students.

"Of the 82,000 FFP (foreign fee-paying) students in New Zealand last year, it's estimated that about 20,000 are currently eligible for publicly funded health services," Dr Feek said in a statement.

"I don't consider the Government has an obligation to provide this second group of permit holders public funded health services, as they generally don't intend to remain here on a permanent basis.

"Also, removing eligibility for FFP students it will eventually free up some of the funding for eligible people."

However, the changes will not affect those who are currently eligible. Visitors and students who are granted consecutive permits and visas to re-enter New Zealand will retain eligibility.

Compulsory medical and travel insurance provisions will apply to all international students enrolled or enrolling from January 1, 2004, regardless of how long they have been or intend to be in New Zealand.

Dr Feek said many education providers already required international students to hold health insurance for the period of time they are studying in New Zealand.

The amendments will not affect overseas visitors' eligibility for cover for personal injury under the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act 2001.

Acute health services provided by district health boards to ACC will remain available to everyone in New Zealand.

Australian residents and British nationals will also retain eligibility for urgent treatment.

- NZPA