Myth
Private Hospitals are just for the rich.

The Facts
Private Hospitals care for people from all walks of life. 35% of New Zealand adults (1.5 million people) have health insurance, many through their employer. Private hospitals also perform over 90% of ACC-funded surgeries, so if you’re injured and need an operation, chances are it will happen in a private facility. For those on elective surgery waiting lists, around one in five will have their operation in a private hospital.

Myth
Treating public patients in private hospitals is part of a secret plan to privatise the health system.

The Facts
Private hospitals have been an essential part of New Zealand’s health system for more than 100 years. They currently provide two thirds of all planned surgeries, and the government wants to use these capabilities to help people on long surgical waiting lists to get treatment faster. This is a practical solution putting the patient first—not a plan to privatise healthcare.



Myth
Treatment in a Private Hospital in New Zealand costs more.

The Facts
Using private hospitals is a cost-effective way to deliver timely care. Public hospitals manage emergencies, which can delay planned surgeries. Private hospitals focus on scheduled procedures, so patients are treated sooner—reducing pain, stress, and time off work. When all costs are considered, private hospitals can be the more efficient option.



Myth
Private Hospitals are only motivated by profit. 

The Facts
Private hospitals put patients first. Many are owned by charities or local trusts, and the largest network—Southern Cross—is a not-for-profit society. Whatever the ownership model, the focus is always on high-quality care.



Myth

Private Hospitals do the ‘easy stuff’ and when things get difficult, send patients to public hospitals. 

The Facts
Private hospitals perform a full range of planned surgeries, from minor procedures to complex operations like neurosurgery and heart surgery. Decisions about where a patient is treated are made by clinicians to ensure the best match of patient, surgeon, and facility. Fewer than 0.6% of privately treated patients need to be transferred to a public hospital after surgery for ongoing care.



Myth
Private Hospitals are stealing surgeons and other specialist staff away from the public sector. 

The Facts
Specialists have worked in both public and private hospitals for more than a century. Having private hospitals often helps keep skilled staff in a region and supports the viability of the local public hospital. The ability to combine public and private work also attracts overseas specialists to New Zealand.



Myth
New surgeons won’t get training if more operations happen in Private Hospitals. 

The Facts
Private hospitals already support training. NZPSHA has a training arrangement with the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association, which is working well. More partnerships like this can be developed to ensure future specialists get the experience they need.