Who can get public health services in NZ
Most health and disability services are free or provided at a reduced cost for eligible people.
Funded health and disability services
If you’re eligible, publicly funded healthcare includes:
- family doctor visits — also called general practitioners or GPs
- treatment at public hospitals
- hospital care if you have an accident
- maternity care
- support services if you’re disabled
- prescriptions
- fertility services.
Being eligible does not mean you’ll automatically get these health services. Many services have their own restrictions and criteria that you’ll need to meet.
Which health service should I use? — Health New Zealand
Who is eligible
New Zealand citizens and most people living in NZ with a resident visa can get publicly funded healthcare and disability services. For everyone else, it depends on your situation.
If you’re visiting from overseas, check if you’re eligible and what proof you’ll need to give your healthcare provider.
- Check if you’re eligible — Health New Zealand
- Services for people from Pacific Island countries — Health New Zealand
We strongly recommend that anyone travelling to New Zealand has comprehensive travel insurance. This is especially important if you’re not eligible for publicly funded health services.
Make sure your policy includes full health cover.
Proof that you’re eligible
If you’re eligible for publicly funded healthcare, you need to show your healthcare provider proof of this.
The proof you need is included in the eligibility requirements for each situation.
Eligibility for publicly funded health and disability services — Health NZ
Accidents and personal injuries
If you’re injured in an accident in New Zealand, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) may help pay for some of your treatment and recovery costs while you are here.
ACC helps people who are injured in accidents, no matter who caused the accident. This means you may be able to get help whether you are a New Zealand citizen, resident, or visitor.
A health provider will usually make a claim to ACC for you, where appropriate.
ACC must accept your claim before it can help pay for your costs.
If your claim is accepted, ACC may help pay for:
- medical treatment and rehabilitation
- support to help you recover, including help at home
- financial support, like weekly compensation, for loss of income if you’re unable to work.
You may still need to pay some costs yourself, and there are limits to the support available.
More information:
If you’re not eligible
If you do not qualify for publicly funded healthcare, you can still use these services if you pay for them.
Use your comprehensive travel insurance with full health cover, to help with your healthcare costs.
Who to contact for more help
If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.
-
Health New Zealand
Contact and agency details -
Ministry of Health
Contact and agency details
