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What do locum tenens assignments in New Zealand look like? What is included with New Zealand locum tenens assignments Physician compensation for locum tenens jobs in New Zealand Reasons physicians choose to work locum tenens in New Zealand Just a few of the benefits of working international locum tenens: Things to know before leaving on your New Zealand assignmentInternational locum tenens assignments in New Zealand with Global Medical Staffing (GMS) are available on both the North and South Islands, and can be in inland or coastal areas. And with patients in rural areas who are in need of more doctors, it’s a great opportunity to give back — while having the adventure of a lifetime.
View locums jobs in New Zealand
Most are in rural, underserved locations
Some assignments are available in metropolitan areas
Most are 6- to 12- months with some lasting even longer
A typical work week in New Zealand is 40 hours a week plus on call
All medical settings need locums physicians:
Clinics
Hospitals
Urgent care clinics
The most common physician specialties that are needed in New Zealand include:
Global Medical Staffing will take care of licensing for you through the Medical Council of New Zealand.
We apply for and secure your and your family members’ visas upon approval from the Medical Council.
GMS will assist you with all credentialing and pre-fill apps as much as we’re legally allowed in order to reduce the amount of time you spend on paperwork.
New Zealand largely bars malpractice suits and instead has no-fault compensation for injured patients, so you will not need malpractice insurance. This compensation is covered by the New Zealand government and the medical facilities you’ll work with there.
GMS covers the cost of fully furnished housing for each physician working for us.
GMS also covers the cost of a car.
GMS provides roundtrip airfare for the physician. If you decide to bring your family along, you will need to pay for your family members’ flights, but GMS can help with the bookings.
Fun fact: In New Zealand, cars drive on the left side of the road. Try this quiz to brush up on New Zealand driving.
The pay rate for locum tenens physicians in New Zealand is lower than in the United States (about 34% of U.S. pay), and the cost of living tends to be higher, like most island countries.
On the other hand, the adventures that come with spending time in New Zealand are worth it to many locum tenens physicians who aren’t going for the money. Many also enjoy the quality time with family and the laid-back lifestyle New Zealand culture provides.
Explore more: How much locum tenens physicians get paid in other countriesThe way taxes work in New Zealand is different for each person and depends on your home country. GMS recommends you seek the advice of an accounting professional who understands international taxes. Physicians from the United States will be responsible for paying taxes in the U.S. for things such as State Tax (if applicable), Social Security, and Medicare.
Since locum tenens physicians are independent contractors, GMS does not provide health insurance or other typical full-time employee benefits. However, New Zealand does offer free healthcare for you and your family for anything accidental, like an injury from a bike crash or a car accident.
For supplemental health coverage, you can obtain affordable health insurance from private insurers like Southern Cross. Health insurance in New Zealand is generally cheap. For a family of four, coverage would be around NZ $1400 or U.S. $830 per year.
locum tenens faq
Enjoy the flexibility of locum tenens, where you choose where, when, and how often you work. Your GMS recruiter will find assignments that align with your preferred schedule.
I only work four days a week, so during my extended weekends, we’ve gone traveling. We book Airbnbs, go to the different beaches, and travel the country.
- Dr. Tracy Parrish, emergency medicine
Know that your work is making a difference in New Zealand communities. Many doctors find fulfillment during their time there, cherishing the chance to provide essential care and connect with the community.
Those living in the really remote areas rely heavily on the services provided by the clinic where I work. Since the location is so remote, critical patients have to be airlifted or transported by ambulance for major traumas.
- Dr. Myra Dimitrov, family medicine
You get to see parts of the world you may never have considered. Many physicians take locum assignments as a working vacation to places they’ve always wanted to visit — and some even bring their families.
On the South Island, we’ve been to the very bottom, the most southern tip of New Zealand. We saw some really cool caves down there, and we saw sea lions just hanging out on the beach. We went to Doubtful Bay, where there are probably 500 waterfalls. It’s just one of the most beautiful places in the whole world.
- Dr. Phyllis Dunckel, family medicine
Work in different locations, see how other facilities run, learn how other doctors in your specialty practice, and find new ways of practicing medicine.
Due to the high rate of skin cancer in New Zealand, I routinely treated patients with skin cancers. So, while I was there, I learned a lot about treating skin cancer. I learned a new skill called dermoscopy. As a family practitioner, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity in the U.S.
- Dr. Jason Heine, family medicine
Learn how the vibrant Māori culture in New Zealand has shaped the smallest towns to the largest cities
Expose your family to rich cultures and unique experiences as you spend quality time together
Mix work and play by exploring New Zealand in your off time
Practice medicine in a country with socialized healthcare
Enjoy the slower pace of living in New Zealand
Check out nearby exotic destinations like Australia and Fiji, which are just a short plane ride away
New Zealand has a set of standards they want all physicians to adhere to, including guidelines around giving care, communicating with patients, respecting diversity and equity, and professional behavior.
Physicians should come prepared knowing which medicines are and aren’t available in New Zealand. Here’s a list to get you started.
You can bring three months of most personal prescriptions into New Zealand. Beyond that, you’ll need additional prescriptions shipped to you.
Typically, physicians dress in smart casual with polos or blouses and slacks.
In order to bring your furry friend, you’ll need to fill out the proper paperwork and be prepared to quarantine your pet for 10 days at an approved facility.
New Zealand is on many people’s bucket lists for all its beauty, culture, and outdoor explorations. Combining that adventure with locum tenens is an unbeatable opportunity to do good by helping a new community, while also having a whole lot of fun. And even better? You’ll have the support of Global Medical Staffing every step of the way.
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