Doctor’s visits for children under 14

Children under 14 can get:

• free visits to the doctor they’re enrolled with — nearly every general practitioner (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.

Zero fees for tamariki under 14 — Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora

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 providers

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 is between 48 and 72 hours old.

Heel prick test — newborn metabolic screening — Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora

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

Newborn hearing screening services — Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora

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 — Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora