Contract workers in the Cook Islands now qualify for lower cost medical care after six months in the country.
A new policy passed on July 1st puts longer term expatriate workers and their families in the same category as Cook Islanders when it comes to the medical fees they pay.
The new National Health Services Fee Schedule is divided into five sections which encompass all charges in the Ministry of Health.
This covers fees at the Rarotonga Hospital, the hospital laboratory, radiology, Community Health and dental services.
Policy manager Valentino Wichman says the change recognises that contract workers pay taxes and should be given the cheaper fees.
