New Zealand has a mixed public-private healthcare system. The public system is funded by taxes and provides free or subsidised care for residents. Here's what you need to know.
Who Is Eligible for Public Healthcare?
You're eligible for publicly funded healthcare if you hold:
- A Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident (under a reciprocal agreement)
- A work visa valid for 2+ years
- A Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
- Refugee or Protected Person status
Temporary visa holders (e.g., most short-term work visas, student visas under 2 years, visitor visas) generally need private health insurance.
How to Enrol with a GP (General Practice)
- Find a GP clinic near your home using Healthpoint or the local DHB website.
- Contact the clinic and ask if they're accepting new patients.
- Complete an enrolment form (you'll need your passport, visa, and proof of address).
- Once enrolled, you'll receive subsidised consultations. Without enrolment, you pay the full fee (approx. NZD $60–$90 per visit).
Many clinics provide after-hours care or have shared after-hours services.
Public vs Private Healthcare
Public System (Free or Subsidised)
- GP visits: $19–$60 for enrolled adults (free for children under 14)
- Public hospital treatment: Free (including surgeries and specialist care)
- Accident & Emergency (A&E): Free at public hospitals
- Prescriptions: $5 per item for most medicines
- Maternity care: Free for eligible residents
- Emergency dental: Free at public hospitals (for major trauma only)
Private System (Paid / Insurance)
- Faster access to specialists and elective surgery
- Private health insurance costs: NZD $1,000–$3,000/year for an individual
- Most employers don't offer private health insurance as a benefit
- Common insurers: Southern Cross, Accuro, Sovereign, nib
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)
ACC is New Zealand's no-fault accident compensation scheme. It covers the costs of treatment and rehabilitation for anyone injured in NZ, regardless of nationality or visa status.
- ACC covers: GP visits for injuries, physiotherapy, surgery, lost wages (80% of your income, up to a cap).
- You don't need to pay for ACC coverage — it's funded by levies on wages, vehicle registrations, and petrol.
- ACC does NOT cover illness or disease — only accidents and injuries.
- One downside: you give up the right to sue for personal injury.
Dental Care
Dental care in New Zealand is mostly private and expensive:
- Check-up and clean: NZD $80–$150
- Filling: NZD $150–$350 per tooth
- Root canal: NZD $800–$2,000
- Wisdom tooth extraction: NZD $250–$600
Many people take out dental insurance or use a dental savings account. Some employers offer dental coverage.
Mental Health Services
- Free crisis support: 0800 543 354 (free call nationwide)
- GP can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist (public system wait times are long)
- Private counselling/therapy: NZD $120–$200 per session
- Free helplines: Lifeline (0800 543 354), Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 828 865), Youthline (0800 376 633)
Emergency Numbers
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 111
- Healthline: 0800 611 116 (free 24/7 registered nurse advice)
- Poison Centre: 0800 764 766
- COVID-19 Healthline: 0800 358 5453