New Zealand’s healthcare system
There are good health and disability services in New Zealand, including doctors, pharmacies and hospitals.
As someone living in New Zealand you will always be able to use those services when you need to, and you should certainly do so.
- Are you eligible for healthcare in New Zealand?
- Visiting a doctor in New Zealand
- How much does it cost to visit a doctor in New Zealand?
- Children's visits to the doctor
- Blood and laboratory tests
- Getting immunised
Who is eligible for publicly-funded health services in New Zealand?
Government funding of health services means that eligible people may receive free inpatient and outpatient public hospital services, subsidies on prescription items and a range of support services for people with disabilities in the community.
Your eligibility for healthcare in New Zealand will vary depending on your situation, eg whether you are a visitor to New Zealand, a New Zealand resident, or working in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Scheme.
There are also a Reciprocal Health Agreements between the UK and New Zealand, and between New Zealand and Australia, which may cover urgent medical treatment.
Refer to this quick guide to eligibility (opens in new window) on the Ministry of Health website to find out if you’re eligible for publicly-funded healthcare in New Zealand.
All people in New Zealand have cover for injuries even if they are not eligible for general health and disability services.
Visiting a doctor in New Zealand
Doctors operate as private practitioners in New Zealand and you can choose the doctor or medical centre that you prefer. Doctors are listed at the front of the telephone book.
The local doctor or family physician (General Practitioner or GP) is the important first contact for New Zealanders. It is good practice to think about your choices early and find where a suitable GP is before you get sick. You should enrol with a practice to make sure you can get on-going care from the same person.
If necessary your GP may refer you onto a specialist doctor for further assessment and diagnosis. As long as you use the public system you will not be charged if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you choose to go to a private specialist you will be charged.
How much does it cost to visit a doctor in New Zealand?
Most GPs are private practitioners and can set their own fees.
However, at the time of writing, the standard adult consultation charges are between $35 and $50. Eligible adults between the ages of 25 and 44 pay the full cost of visiting the doctor. Other age groups pay less.
From 1 July 2007 all eligible people will have reduced costs. Non-eligible people will pay full costs.
Visits to the doctor for children
Visits to the doctor are generally free for eligible children under six years old, although some doctors do charge a small surcharge (usually $5–$10).
Older children (generally aged 6–17 years) are charged about $20 if they are eligible for publicly-funded healthcare.
Blood and laboratory tests
If your doctor considers blood or laboratory tests are required you may be referred to a medical laboratory. As an eligible person you will not be charged for these services.
Immunisation
Immunisation is free for eligible children and so are some health checks in the early years of life. Non-eligible children can also get immunised if appropriate.
For more information see the Ministry of Health website.
Insurance for health professionals