A4.10.2 Assessment of whether an applicant for a residence class visa is unlikely to impose significant costs on New Zealand's health services
The requirement that an applicant for a residence class visa must be unlikely to impose significant costs on New Zealand's health services is not met if, in the opinion of an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor, there is a relatively high probability that
the applicant's medical condition or group of conditions will require health services costing in excess of NZ$41,000.
Note: Assessment will be in terms of current costs with no inflation adjustment.
In the case of acute medical conditions, the medical assessor will provide an opinion on whether there is a relatively high probability that the condition or group of conditions will require health services costing in excess of NZ$41,000 within a period of five years from the date the assessment against health requirements is made.
In the case of chronic recurring medical conditions, the medical assessor will provide an opinion on whether, over the predicted course of the condition or group of conditions, there is a relatively high probability that the condition or group of conditions will require health services costing in excess of NZ$41,000.
The following factors have no bearing on whether an applicant is unlikely to impose significant costs on health services:
The ability of a person or organisation to pay for health services, pharmaceuticals, or residential care which may be required.
The ability of an applicant to gain access to the private health system.
The applicant’s possession of health insurance.
The capacity of family, friends, or a charitable organisation to provide care for an applicant.