Some healthcare services in New Zealand are free or subsidised by the government for New Zealand citizens and residents, refugees, and people who have work visas for two years or longer.
More services are free or subsidised for people who meet certain criteria. You can find detailed information on whether you or your whānau are eligible on the Ministry of Health website.
General practice (GP) visits are cheaper if you enrol at the clinic you are visiting.
If you have been to at least 12 health appointments in the last 12 months for ongoing medical conditions, you may be eligible for a High Use Health Card, which gives you discounts for some health visits and prescriptions.
You can get free maternity care during your pregnancy and for six weeks after your baby is born.
Babies and children up to five years old can get a series of free health checks from a Well Child Tamariki Ora provider.
Most GPs and after hours clinics offer free appointments and prescriptions for children under 13 years old. We expect that from December 2018, free visits will be available for children under 14 years old.
Children and teenagers get free basic dental service up until their 18th birthday.
Most cities and large towns have free sexual health and family planning clinics. These clinics offer free contraception, advice, and tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Work and Income may be able to help pay for residential care or other health and disability needs.
SuperGold Card holders can get discounts at some healthcare providers.
The government subsidises many medications. There is a $5 charge per prescription for these medicines.
Some medicines are not subsidised or only partially subsidised and will cost more.
If your family has collected 20 or more prescriptions in a year, you can get a prescription subsidy, which means you won’t have to pay any more prescription charges until February the following year.
ACC helps pay for treatment of accidental injuries. ACC compensation is available to anyone in New Zealand including citizens, residents, and visitors. Find out more at the ACC website.
A community services card will make some health services cheaper, such as doctor’s visits, prescriptions, emergency dental care, and glasses for children.
You may be eligible for a community services card if you are on low-to-middle-income.
If you have a disability or long-term health condition, or have had an injury or surgery, you may be eligible for help paying for care. Talk to your GP team or Work and Income to find out more.
Page last updated: 12 April 2019
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