Vero Insurance New Zealand has partnered with the Best Doctors service to provide rural customers free access to medical specialists.

Best Doctors remotely connects people to a network of peer-nominated medical experts around the world.

It gives patients more information and options regarding their conditions, and helps treating doctors decide on the best course of action.

Vero Head of Rural Insurance Chris Brophy says about 700,000 New Zealanders live in rural communities and access to specialist medical advice is often limited.

“Having owners who are present and healthy is often a farm’s No.1 asset, so we’ve partnered with Best Doctors to help our customers who need expert medical advice but live too far away to get it,” he said.