Cystic Fibrosis care in New Zealand?

[SiobhanAoife]

I'm asking this in other places as well, and through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, but I thought I would toss it out here just in case, too.

My husband and I have long wished to move to New Zealand from the United States. However, our firstborn has surprised us by being born with cystic fibrosis. This life-shortening medical condition varies widely in its health impact, and one of the biggest factors is getting regular and appropriate medical care for the condition throughout one's life.

Does anyone know anything about the quality of care for cystic fibrosis in New Zealand?

Also, does anyone know whether having a baby with major medical needs would cause the authorities to deny an application for immigration? We are otherwise pretty good on the grading scale used (advanced degrees, needed job skills, etc.)

[Spring Sun]

I am sorry to hear about your child. Yes, it may cause a huge problem in getting into the country. People are turned down just for being overweight. Health care is quite good and is also free there, so they are not about to willingly take on a big expense if they don't have to and are very picky about anything health related.

I hope I am saying this in a nice way. I have crohn's disease, and they would not let me in at all if I did not have my own medical insurance. They would also not let me in if I were still on immunosuppresents for it. Luckily, I went off after I got pregnant and should be able to stay off them.

You have to do an extensive medical examination when applying to get in. There are a ton of other very strict requirements to come in. I have done a ton of research. Luckily, we are going there for my dh's grad program, but otherwise, we both have advanced degrees in an area that they really need workers in. Nevertheless, any company that would hire us would have to prove that they searched hard first for employees from NZ. Even then, we would need to bring in private medical insurance.

I wanted to move there before I had this baby so that she could have dual citizenship (I found out they wouldn't give it to her anyway), and they would not let me bc even their births are free, and they don't want to take on the expense.

Sorry to give you the bad news, I hope you figure it out and I see you there!