Getting public health care in New Zealand
Only some visa holders can get publicly funded health care in New Zealand. Find out if you are eligible and what services you may be able to get.
Health
- Acceptable standard of health criteria for visa approvals
- Who needs an x-ray or medical examination
- Working holiday visa medical requirements
- Countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis
- Countries with a high risk of HIV
- Getting an x-ray or medical examination
- Evidence you are in good health
- Identity documents for x-rays and medical examinations
- What we do with your x-ray and examination results
- Medical and x-ray certificates for existing Essential Skills Work Visa applications
- Find a radiologist or doctor near you
- Getting public health care in New Zealand
- Medical waivers for visa applications
Who can get publicly funded health care
The Ministry of Health is responsible for deciding who is eligible for publicly funded health care.
Eligibility explained | Ministry of Health
Confirming if you can get public health care
Check the Ministry of Health website to confirm that you are eligible.
Find out if:
- you are eligible for publicly funded health and disability services
- what the criteria are
- what you need to do to prove you are eligible
- you are eligible for full public health care or only limited services.
Guide to eligibility for publicly funded health services | Ministry of Health
If you must pay for your health care
Many people visiting New Zealand buy travel insurance to cover the costs of any health care they may need.
Even if you are not eligible for publicly funded health care, there are some circumstances where you may be offered free or subsidised care.
Eligibility for a limited range of publicly funded health services | Ministry of Health
If you have a student visa or a working holiday visa
If you have a Fee-paying Student Visa or a working holiday visa, when you apply you must agree that you will get health insurance .
Fee-paying Student Visa — Criteria: medical and travel insurance
Check the information for your country's working holiday to find out about the health insurance you will need.
If you are pregnant
You must be able to cover the costs of your maternity care if you:
- have a temporary visa to visit, study or work in New Zealand
- cannot get publicly funded health care, and
- will be here during your pregnancy or for the birth.
Health services that are publicly funded
Not all government health services are free. The Ministry of Health manages services that are paid for or subsidised by the government.
Publicly funded health and disability services | Ministry of Health
Healthcare services | Live and Work New Zealand
If you are injured by accident
The New Zealand Government provides comprehensive, no-fault cover for people who are injured as the result of an accident. The service is provided by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
If you qualify, your medical costs are paid for by ACC, even if you are in New Zealand on a temporary visa to visit, study or work.
If you are injured in an accident, tell your doctor and they will arrange for ACC to pay for your treatment.