Who can get public health care
Most people who have resident visas and live in New Zealand can get publicly funded health care in New Zealand. Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has information on who can get publicly funded health care and what services are provided.
When public health care is funded
For most people with resident visas who live in New Zealand, health and disability services are funded.
The Ministry of Health decides who is eligible for publicly funded health care — if you are eligible, you do not have to pay for public health services in New Zealand.
Check Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand's website to find out:
- if you can get publicly funded health care
- if you are eligible for full public health care or only limited services
- what you need to prove you are eligible.
Guide to eligibility for public health services — Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Publicly funded health and disability services — Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
When you must pay for health care
In general, people who have temporary visas to visit, study and work in New Zealand cannot get free public health care in New Zealand
If you are not eligible for free public health care and services, you, or your sponsor if you have one, must pay for any health care or medical assistance you may need in New Zealand.
We strongly recommend that people travelling to New Zealand, especially those who are not eligible for publicly funded health care, have comprehensive travel insurance, including full health insurance.
Applying for a student visa or working holiday visa
You must provide evidence that you have health insurance when applying for a Fee-paying Student Visa and some working holiday visas.
Check the information for your country's working holiday visa to find out about the health insurance you will need.
If you are pregnant
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.
When you may get free health services
Even if you are not eligible for free public health care, there are some circumstances when you may get free or subsidised care.
Eligibility for a limited range of publicly funded health services — Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
If you are injured in an accident
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a New Zealand government agency that helps pay for treatment and medical costs if you are injured in an accident.
If your injury is covered, ACC will help pay your medical costs even if you are in New Zealand on a temporary visa to visit, study or work.