CareHQ extends telehealth service to international visitors

CareHQ, the online GP service and joint venture between ProCare and Southern Cross, has expanded to bring the ease and convenience of telehealth consultations to people visiting New Zealand.

The service has been operational for two years, offering consultations to New Zealanders after the pandemic left traditional healthcare providers overstretched due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, CareHQ is offering a telehealth service for short-term visitors to New Zealand who are not enrolled at a GP practice. This includes non-New Zealand residents, international visitors, and international students.

CareHQ Clinical Director Dr Reza Jarral explained that a virtual consult with a CareHQ GP will hold strong appeal for international visitors, instead of trying to access an after-hours clinic or emergency department for their health care needs.

He said: “Trying to navigate the health care system in a foreign country can be a daunting process. CareHQ’s virtual GP service promises to be an easy solution for visitors to access the care they need, when they need it, delivered by a Specialist GP Fellow.”

He added: “A virtual consult is also an excellent choice for visitors who may be staying in parts of New Zealand where the nearest GP is some distance away.

“The past few years have really shown people how useful telehealth services like CareHQ can be, and we’re looking forward to sharing that convenience of care with short-term visitors to the country.”

International visitors needing additional care, such as a specialist referral, may require a National Health Identification number, created by uploading their photo ID. CareHQ can create this for them.

International visitor consults cost NZ$99.95, which may be able to be claimed back on travel insurance.