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Free health checks for children under 14

Your child’s health will be checked regularly while they grow.

Doctor’s visits for children under 14

Children under 14 can get:

  • free visits to the doctor they’re enrolled with — nearly every GP offers free visits, but it’s wise to check first
  • free prescriptions — there’s no charge for standard prescriptions, although you may have to pay for some medicines or extra services
  • free after-hours care for urgent medical needs — ask your own GP or local pharmacist where to go for this service.

Visiting a doctor

Dental care under 18

Children get basic free dental treatment until they turn 18.

Dental care if you’re under 18

Health checks for under 5s

Well Child/Tamariki Ora is a free service for all children under 5. You’ll get:

  • free health checks from a nurse or registered health practitioner

  • information on protecting and improving your child’s health and development

  • a book to track your child’s progress and health record.

Well Child/Tamariki Ora services are provided by agencies like Plunket. Your lead maternity carer can help you choose a Well Child provider in your area.

Well Child/Tamariki Ora

Plunket can help with:

  • sleeping
  • breastfeeding
  • growth
  • development
  • behaviour.

Plunket visits

All families are offered newborn metabolic screening for their baby. This tests for rare but life threatening disorders when a baby’s between 48 and 72 hours old.

Newborn metabolic screening programme

All families are offered hearing screening for their baby by the time they’re a month old.

Universal newborn hearing screening programme 

B4 School Check is a free health check for 4-year-olds, to check they’re ready for school. They’ll be checked for any concerns with:

  • health
  • behaviour
  • social development
  • communication
  • sight and hearing.

B4 School Check

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