How to Get Healthcare in New Zealand as a New Resident or Immigrant
Quick answer
As a new resident in New Zealand, you are entitled to publicly funded healthcare if you hold a visa allowing you to stay for 2 or more years. This includes visits to a GP (with a co-payment), emergency care, and hospital treatment. Enrol with a general practice as soon as possible to reduce your GP visit costs.
What healthcare am I entitled to as a new resident in New Zealand?
As a new resident in New Zealand, you are entitled to publicly funded healthcare if you hold a visa allowing you to stay for 2 or more years. This includes visits to a GP (with a co-payment), emergency care, and hospital treatment. Enrol with a general practice as soon as possible to reduce your GP visit costs.
New Zealand has a mixed public and private healthcare system. Understanding how it works when you first arrive can save you money and ensure you get care when you need it.
Enrolling with a GP (General Practitioner)
A General Practitioner, or GP, is your first point of contact for most health needs. When you are enrolled with a GP practice, you pay a reduced "co-payment" — typically $15–$30 per visit — rather than the full fee.
- To enrol, you will need to:
- Choose a GP practice in your area (use the Ministry of Health's [Health Point directory](https://www.healthpoint.co.nz))
- Bring proof of identity (passport) and your visa or residency documentation
- Complete an enrolment form at the practice
Children under 14 visit the GP for free. Young people aged 14–24 pay reduced fees at youth health services.
Who is eligible for publicly funded care?
- You are eligible for publicly funded healthcare if you are:
- A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident living in NZ
- A holder of a work visa valid for 2 or more years
- A holder of a student visa for 2 or more years (with conditions)
- A refugee or asylum seeker
If you are on a short-term visa, you may still access emergency care, but you will be charged the full cost.
Emergency care
If you have a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ED) or call 111. Emergency care in New Zealand is available to everyone — regardless of visa status — but non-residents may be charged.
For urgent but non-emergency issues (illness or injury that needs attention within 24 hours), look for an "Accident and Medical" or "Urgent Care" clinic, which typically has shorter waiting times than a hospital ED.
ACC — Accident Compensation
New Zealand has a unique scheme called ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). If you are injured in an accident — including at work, on the road, or at home — ACC covers your medical treatment costs and may cover lost income, regardless of your visa status. This applies from your first day in New Zealand.
Prescriptions
If a GP prescribes medication, you pay a standard co-payment of $5 per prescription item at a pharmacy. This is subsidised by the government for most common medicines.
What is not covered
- Dental care (there is no public dental system for adults — dental costs are paid privately)
- Optical care (eye tests and glasses are private costs, though some subsidies exist for children)
- Cosmetic procedures
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