Eligibility for Publicly Funded Health and Disability Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Note: The Guide to Eligibility will help you decide whether you meet the eligibility criteria.

If the Guide to Eligibility or the answers to these Frequently Asked Questions do not answer your question, email the question to eligibility@moh.govt.nz for an answer.

Accidents

If I am injured in an accident in New Zealand, will my hospital costs be covered?

New Zealand has a universal accident insurance scheme (ACC) that covers acute hospital care for most accidental injuries. However ACC does not cover all injuries, part charges may apply for some treatment, and the scheme also may not cover rehabilitation or repatriation. The Government strongly recommends that people visiting, studying or working in New Zealand who are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services should hold comprehensive travel insurance, including health insurance.

For more information on the ACC scheme visit their website - www.acc.govt.nz.

Acute care

What 'acute' services should be provided by a DHB to a person who is ineligible for publicly funded services, whether or not the person is able to pay?

Each DHB is responsible for making this decision. Acute care is generally the medical treatment:

without which a person will die, or
without which the person’s condition could deteriorate to become life threatening or significantly debilitating, or
needed to establish whether a condition is life threatening or significantly debilitating.

If the person is too unwell to make an informed decision about whether they want further treatment, and a clinician determines that treatment is necessary to prevent loss of life or significant disability, treatment should be provided. If the person is not eligible for that treatment to be publicly funded, they would be asked to pay afterwards.

Aged Parents

I am sponsoring my mother to live in New Zealand. She is currently in a rest home in the United Kingdom. What do I need to know?

To be eligible for public funding for aged residential care (a residential care subsidy) an older person must meet the eligibility criteria for public funded health and disability services and be assessed as requiring residential care indefinitely, and undergo a financial means assessment.

To be eligible to receive publicly funded services, a person would need to:

be a New Zealand citizen; OR
be an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has been living or is intending to live in New Zealand for two years or more; OR
hold a Residence Permit and a Returning Resident’s Visa; OR
hold a Residence Permit and have lived in New Zealand for the two years prior to accessing the services.

To be eligible for publicly funded residential care the person must have:

a needs assessment to determine their needs and the level of care required to meet those needs. It may be determined that the person is able to receive services in the community or in a supported living environment, and that residential care is not required to meet their needs.

It would be helpful for you to contact the Needs Assessment Service Coordination agency (NASC) in your area and ask for an assessment to be arranged for when your mother arrives. They will be able to advise you about what relevant information would be helpful for your mother to bring with her. View a list of NASC agencies in the Health of Older People section.

I want to bring my mother from the United Kingdom, to live in a rest home near me. Will she be eligible for public funding?

Not unless she is granted a Residence Permit and a Returning Residence Visa and has a needs assessment in New Zealand that determines she needs residential care to meet her needs. There is a difference between residential care provided in New Zealand and that provided in the United Kingdom. In New Zealand, if a person is able to receive services in the community or in a supported living environment, and residential care is not required to meet their needs, rest home care will not be publicly funded.

I am sponsoring my mother to come to New Zealand. Can she move into a rest home and get public funding when her money runs out?

If your mother enters residential care but is not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services, and/or the outcome of a needs assessment shows she does not need residential care, her sponsor would be responsible for meeting the full cost of her care.

How do I arrange a needs assessment for my mother to move into a rest home?

When a person wishes to apply for residential care for older people the first step is to apply for a needs assessment from a DHB or local DHB funded Needs Assessment and Service Coordination Agency (NASC). View a list of NASC agencies in the Health of Older People section.

A needs assessment will determine the level of need the person has - very low, low, medium, high, or very high. During the service co-ordination process it will then be determined:

whether or not the person has a condition that can be reversed;
whether or not the person can be safely supported in the community; OR
if the person needs long-term residential care indefinitely, what level of care is required - in a rest home or a continuing care hospital.

If they are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services, a person can access private care in a residential care setting, but if their personal funds are exhausted, and they are not eligible for public funding or not assessed as requiring residential care, no public funds will be made available.

If my mother is assessed as requiring supported living, is this residential care in a rest home?

No. In New Zealand supported living is available for older people in Retirement Village facilities. Generally this is a private arrangement and there is no government funding available toward the purchase of a unit.

Many aged care facilities do have independent living units in the complex and available for sale. The agreed arrangements may enable your mother to live independently but access her meals through the facility - at a cost.

My parent has a multiple entry visa issued under the parent and grandparent multiple entry visitor's visa policy. Is she eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

No. A condition of visas issued under this policy is that the visa holder’s sponsor agrees to meet the cost of any health care required while in New Zealand. For more information, see the Immigration New Zealand website www.immigration.govt.nz.

Australians

I'm from Australia, and I'm thinking of moving to New Zealand to live. Will I get publicly funded health services, and how do I enrol?

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and you decide to live here long term, you will have the same access to publicly funded services as a New Zealand citizen.

Treatment is provided under the same conditions as for New Zealand citizens, and is subject to the same charges as New Zealanders would pay. You would need to show your health service provider proof that New Zealand will be your principal place of residence for two years or more (for example, work contract, house long-term lease, ownership, or mortgage and your Australian Passport or your valid Passport of your own nationality with a current Resident Visa (including a Resident Return Visa) issued by the Government of Australia.

You enrol by registering with a general practice (doctor). If you choose a doctor who has a contract with a PHO you are likely to get lower fees for doctor’s visits and medicines (pharmaceuticals).

I am an Australian citizen or resident but intend to live in New Zealand for two years or more. Am I eligible for publicly funded health services, and what proof should I provide to show my intention?

Yes, Australians who have lived, or intend to live in New Zealand for two years or more are eligible for publicly funded services.

Examples of proof include: change of pension to a New Zealand one; long term (2+ years) house rental; house purchase in New Zealand; long term (2+ years) employment contract in New Zealand; sale of property in Australia; records of closing back accounts in Australia and opening them here.

I'm an Australia citizen here on holiday. Do I get to access publicly funded health and disability services?

Yes, but for immediately necessary treatment only.

New Zealand has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia that covers Australian permanent residents and Australian citizens who are not ordinarily resident in New Zealand for immediately necessary medical treatment while they are on holiday.

Cover includes immediately necessary pharmaceuticals, hospital and maternity care clinically necessary for the diagnosis, alleviation or care of the condition requiring attention, on terms no less favourable than applies to New Zealanders. The services funded in New Zealand are not the same as in Australia. General practitioners (GPs) and other primary care is not covered. GP prescribed medications are subject to part charges. You may have to pay some or all rehabilitation costs. It is recommended you have comprehensive travel insurance.

Read more about the reciprocal health agreement between New Zealand and Australia.

Children

My parents both have 2 year Work Permits, and I am 16 years old and have a Student Permit. Is my baby, who is cared for by me and my mother, eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

Yes. A child 18 years or younger, who is in the care and control of a parent or legal guardian who is eligible, is eligible for publicly funded health services. You and your baby are eligible because your parents are eligible.

Can a child be eligible because its parent’s partner is eligible?

Unless the parent's partner has been officially appointed as a guardian to the child, and the child is in the partner’s care and control, the partner's eligibility cannot be used to give eligibility to the child.

For the eligibility criteria, a guardian has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Care of Children Act 2004. Under section 23 of the Act, the parent's partner can be appointed as a guardian. The people who can make that appointment are specified in section 21 of the Act. An appointment takes effect only when the Registrar of a Family Court approves the form and declarations referred to in section 23(5).

A health service provider may only accept the parent's partner as a guardian of the child if the parent or partner can provide the appointment form signed by the Registrar of a Family Court in New Zealand. If the parent's partner has been appointed under the provisions of the Care of the Children Act 2004, the child would meet the criteria of having a parent or guardian who is eligible.

Only one parent or legal guardian needs to be eligible for the child to meet the eligibility criteria.

Citizens

A New Zealand citizen and his family are living overseas and are back in New Zealand for a visit. He has brought his child into the practice for some health care. Is the child eligible?

Yes, a child in the care and control of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident is eligible, provided the eligible parent can prove eligibility through his passport.

Are all New Zealand citizens eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

New Zealand citizens are eligible for publicly funded services whenever they are in New Zealand - whether they have been in New Zealand for all their life, or whether they have just flown back from living overseas.

Who can become a New Zealand citizen?

Children of New Zealand citizens and New Zealand permanent residents, who are born in New Zealand, are automatically granted New Zealand citizenship. It will be recorded on their birth certificate.

In addition, people born in New Zealand (or the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau) before 1 January 2006 were automatically granted New Zealand citizenship, whether or not their parents were New Zealanders.

People born in New Zealand on or after 1 January 2006, to parents neither of whom was a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand permanent resident are not automatically granted New Zealand citizenship. Refer to the Department of Internal Affairs website for further information - www.dia.govt.nz.

Some people born outside New Zealand can also claim ‘citizenship by descent’. They should contact the Department of Internal Affairs. The website address is: www.dia.govt.nz.

Who can claim ‘citizenship by descent’?

Children of New Zealand citizens, whether or not the child was born in New Zealand, can claim New Zealand citizenship by descent.

People born outside New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978, with one or both parents who were New Zealand citizens otherwise than by descent, may have a claim to New Zealand citizenship by descent. They should contact the Department of Internal Affairs. The website address is: www.dia.govt.nz.

People who were adopted outside New Zealand by a person who was a New Zealand citizen otherwise than by descent, may be a New Zealand citizen by descent. However, the adoption must fit several criteria. They should contact the Department of Internal Affairs. The website address is: www.dia.govt.nz.

What does a citizen 'otherwise than by descent’ mean?

A person could be a New Zealand citizen ‘otherwise than by descent’ if they:

were born in New Zealand before 1 January 2006 to a person who was not a New Zealand citizen; or
were adopted in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1949 by a New Zealand citizen parent; or
received the grant of New Zealand citizenship; or
were born outside New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 and one parent was a New Zealand citizen who was on overseas service; or
were a British subject who was born before 1 January 1949 and was:
- ordinarily resident in New Zealand throughout 1948; or
- naturalised in New Zealand before 1949; or
- born in Samoa before 1949; or
- married to a man who automatically became a New Zealand citizen on 1 January 1949.

How can someone prove their citizenship by descent?

They can show their passport, or their parent’s passport and their own birth certificate, or a Certificate of Confirmation of New Zealand Citizenship.

A person who claims citizenship by descent should contact the Department of Internal Affairs if they:

cannot produce the above evidence; or
are not sure whether they or their parent(s) are New Zealand citizens otherwise than by descent; or
want more information on citizenship otherwise than by descent.

View also:

How do I prove my citizenship by descent in order to claim publicly funded health and disability services?

A birth certificate gives the name and nationality of parents. If a person is claiming citizenship by descent through their father and they are not named on the birth certificate, extra information will need to be provided. View more details on the Department of Internal Affairs website - Paternity information (www.dia.govt.nz).

If the person does not have their birth certificate they can apply for a Confirmation of New Zealand Citizenship from the Department of Internal Affairs as official evidence that they are a New Zealander. Citizens by descent who were born before 1978 did not need to register their citizenship.

Compulsory Treatment

Would a person who would meet the criteria for a compulsory order under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act be considered eligible for treatment under this direction even if an order was not in fact made?

Yes. The person would have to meet the compulsory treatment criteria, however. They would need to have a mental disorder, plus be a risk to themself or others. Not all people who would benefit from treatment for mental illness would formally meet both these two criteria.

Diplomats

Are diplomats, and their family members, eligible for publicly funded health services?

Foreign diplomats and their family members are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. They may receive medical care in the public health system but must pay for all medical and associated costs. Foreign diplomats and their family members are covered under the accident compensation scheme and may receive medical treatment under the public system as the result of an accident, including motor vehicle accidents. Please refer any queries to Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wellington.

Doctors

How do I get health and disability services when I am visiting New Zealand?

If you are seriously ill or injured, you should go to the local hospital or emergency clinic, or phone for an ambulance (dial 111). You will have to pay for health services unless you are eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. To find out if you are eligible, use the Guide to Eligibility Criteria.

If you are not seriously ill or injured, but require medical treatment you should make an appointment with a health centre, general practitioner (GP) or medical centre. They will refer you to another health service provider if further treatment is necessary.

A list of local hospitals, health centres, GPs and medical centres can be found in the green pages at the front of every White Pages telephone directory, from the nearest citizens advice bureau, or primary health organisation. There is also a free, 24-hour health advice line, Healthline, on 0800 611 116.

Do I have to pay for health services?

Many health services are publicly funded for eligible people. They may be fully funded or partly subsidised. To find out if you are eligible, use the Guide to Eligibility Criteria.

If you are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services, you will need to pay for the services in full.

I am eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. What does this include?

Your health or disability service provider will be able to advise you about publicly funded health or disability services, or you can contact the district health board in your area for advice.

I have received an invoice from the local public hospital. Do I have to pay?

You will have to pay unless you meet the eligibility criteria for publicly funded health and disability services. See the Guide to Eligibility Criteria to see whether you meet any of the criteria.

The hospital (or district health board, or doctor) says I am not eligible for publicly funded health or disability services. I think I am. What can I do?

First, use the Guide to Eligibility Criteria to see whether you meet any of the criteria. If you do meet the criteria, take proof to your health service provider. If your health service provider still thinks you are not eligible, ask them to explain why. If you are unable to resolve the situation with your health service provider, you or they can ask the Ministry of Health for an Eligibility Determination.

For information on the Determination process, see Determination of Eligibility.

I am very unhappy with the treatment I have received from a health professional. What can I do?

If you are able, discuss your concerns with your health service provider. If you are not satisfied, and the health service provider is part of a larger organisation, such as a hospital or medical centre, ask to speak to someone authorised to follow up complaints. If you are still dissatisfied after following up these options, the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner has been set up to investigate complaints about health and disability services or service providers. The Office will also be able to advise you about other available options.

Information on the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner can be found at www.hdc.org.nz.

Ineligible people

I don't think I'm eligible for publicly funded health services, but will I still be treated if I become very unwell (for example, burst appendix, heart attack)?

Yes, you will be treated. However, be aware that you will be charged for the services you receive if you are not eligible for publicly funded services.

The Government strongly recommends you get comprehensive health insurance if you are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services.

I have a Limited Purpose Permit (LPP) for 1 year. If I get it extended for another year, will I be eligible for publicly funded health services?

No. Although some LPPs do allow the holder to work while they are in New Zealand, a LPP is not included in the criteria for eligibility. Even if the LPP is issued for two or more years, the holder is not entitled to publicly funded health services.

You are recommended to get comprehensive health insurance.

People issued with an LPP to allow them entry for medical treatment in New Zealand must have independent funding for their treatment arranged before they enter New Zealand.

Infectious diseases

What is the policy about notifiable infectious diseases?

Regardless of whether a person meets the eligibility criteria specified in the 2003 Eligibility Direction, a person suspected of having a notifiable infectious disease, and who may be infectious and so pose a risk to others, is eligible for any publicly funded:

diagnostic and other tests relevant to the disease
inpatient or outpatient care for the disease, including medications, so as to effectively deal with the risk of the disease spreading
other follow up such as counselling where this is relevant to the management of the risk of the disease spreading.

If there is doubt about whether these provisions apply in a particular case, it should be determined on the judgment of the Medical Officer of Health.

Lawfully in New Zealand

What does “lawfully in New Zealand” mean?

To be lawfully in New Zealand a person must:

be a New Zealand citizen OR
be a New Zealand Residence Permit holder with a Returning Resident's Visa, or have been living in New Zealand for two or more years immediately before receiving a health or disability services OR
be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident with a valid passport (a valid passport is one which has not expired) OR
have a current permit (for example, Student Permit or Visitor's Permit) issued by Immigration New Zealand in a valid passport (a valid passport is one which has not expired) OR
have been accepted as a refugee OR
have proof of their refugee status being considered by Immigration New Zealand OR
have proof that their application to appeal to the Refugee Status Appeal Authority has been accepted.

Long term residents in New Zealand

I am a citizen of Fiji (or Samoa, or Tonga, or England, or any other country except Australia, Niue, the Cook Islands or Tokelau), but have lived in New Zealand for many years. Am I eligible for publicly funded health care?

Unless you have become a New Zealand citizen, or have a current New Zealand Work Permit or New Zealand Residence Permit or Returning Resident Visa in your passport, you may not be eligible for publicly funded health or disability services.

If you believe that you have permanent residence in New Zealand, but do not have passport documentation to prove it, contact Immigration New Zealand for information on how to prove your residency status.

Maternity (pregnancy) services

I am a New Zealand citizen and my partner, who is here on a Visitor’s Permit, is pregnant. Will her maternity services be publicly funded?

Yes. The wife or partner of an eligible person is eligible for the same maternity-related services as New Zealand citizens, including antenatal, labour, birth, and post natal services. She will need to show proof that you are her husband or partner, and that you are eligible.

I am a New Zealand permanent resident and my partner, who is here on a Visitor’s Visa, is pregnant. Her Visitor’s Permit has now expired. Will her maternity services be publicly funded?

It is important that foreign nationals comply with immigration legislation and take responsibility for their immigration status. Pregnant partners of eligible people are eligible for publicly funded maternity-related services, provided they can prove their husband or partner is an eligible person. Permanent residents are eligible people.

My partner is a New Zealand citizen and I have a Visitor's Permit. Although I am eligible for publicly funded maternity services, I cannot keep the child and want an abortion. Will the abortion be publicly funded?

No. However, if you decide to continue with the pregnancy, you will be eligible for the same publicly funded maternity-related services as a New Zealand citizen if you can prove you have a partner who is eligible for publicly funded health services.

I am a here on a two year Work Permit, and my partner, who is here on a Visitor’s Permit, is pregnant. Will her maternity services be publicly funded?

Provided she can prove that you are her partner, and you are eligible for publicly funded services, she will be eligible for the same publicly funded maternity-related services as a New Zealand citizen.

How can I demonstrate that I am the partner of an eligible person?

Acceptable proof of partnership includes:

a marriage or civil union certificate, OR
a Visa or Permit granted by Immigration New Zealand on the basis of the relationship, OR
a statutory declaration from both partners, detailing how they meet the definition of “de-facto partner” (including supporting documents relevant under s 2D of the Property (Relationships) Act).

My partner and I came here three months ago, and we both have one year Work Permits. I am now pregnant. Will my maternity care be publicly funded?

No.

I am a New Zealand citizen and my pregnant partner has a Visitor’s Permit. She has developed a condition that the doctor says is a result of our pregnancy. Will treatment of the condition be publicly funded?

This is a clinical decision. Your partner is eligible for publicly funded maternity-related services because she has a partner who is eligible for publicly funded services.

If the doctor is certain that a non-maternity treatment is necessary for the healthy survival of mother and/or baby, or that the condition only arose because of the pregnancy, it would be categorized as maternity-related, and may be publicly funded.

See also the Pregnancy Services page in the Publicly Funded Health and Disability Services section.

Medicines

I’m travelling to New Zealand from overseas. Can I bring my medication with me? If I can’t bring all I need, can I get more prescribed medicines while I’m there?

If you are travelling to New Zealand and want to bring medicines with you, you can bring for your own personal use:

THREE months supply of a prescription medicine and/or
SIX months supply of an oral contraceptive.

It is advisable to keep your medicine in its original packaging so that pharmacy labels are clearly visible. It is a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor outlining that you are being treated with the medicine. All medicines should be declared to Customs upon arrival in New Zealand.

Please be aware that medicines containing ingredients that are classified as Controlled Drugs in New Zealand are subject to further and more stringent regulations. If you have been lawfully prescribed a Controlled Drug for the treatment of a genuine medical condition and you wish to travel to New Zealand you should contact the New Zealand Customs Service to establish what it is you need to do to bring this medicine to New Zealand. Contact details for the New Zealand Customs Service are available from the following website: www.customs.govt.nz.

What do I do if I am travelling to New Zealand for greater than three months and need more medicines?

Upon arrival in New Zealand you can make an appointment with a New Zealand doctor who may be able to prescribe the same or similar medicine that is readily available from a New Zealand pharmacy. You will need to pay the cost of the medicine and the consultation fee from the doctor. For information on how to get a doctor in New Zealand, see the frequently asked questions about doctors.

Alternatively, you may have more medicines sent to you in New Zealand. The maximum quantity you may import is THREE months supply of a prescription medicine or SIX months supply of an oral contraceptive. The rules about importing medicines are outlined on the Medsafe website - http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/MIET/ImportMedicines.asp.

I am covered by the reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand (or the United Kingdom and New Zealand). Will my regular medicines be partly publicly funded, as they are for New Zealanders?

View answer in the Reciprocal Agreements section.

I am in New Zealand and want to import medicines from overseas. What must I do?

Information for people wishing to import medicines from overseas is available on the Medsafe website - http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/MIET/ImportMedicines.asp. There is a contact email address on that page if you have further questions.

I’m a New Zealander planning to travel overseas. Can I take my medicine with me?

To find out the quantity of a medication you can take into a country, we recommend you call the embassy or consulate of that country. If there isn’t an embassy or consulate in New Zealand for the country you are travelling to, you should contact the Customs service of that country.

Medicines should be kept in their original packaging so that pharmacy labels with directions are clearly displayed. It is a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor as well. The medicines should be declared to Customs upon arrival in each country you are travelling to.

How much medicine can I get in New Zealand to take overseas with me?

For any prescription medicine, your New Zealand doctor is able to prescribe THREE months of medication, except in the case of oral contraceptives, where SIX months’ supply can be prescribed. Most countries allow this much to be carried with you while you travel. Be aware that some countries allow less than this so it is best to check with the country you are travelling to.

For Controlled Drugs, such as morphine and methylphenidate, your doctor can only prescribe ONE month supply of medication. The rules surrounding travelling with Controlled Drugs are different for every country. If you are travelling with Controlled Drugs, it is extremely important that you contact the Customs service or embassy of the country that you are travelling to before you travel.

Further information for New Zealanders travelling overseas is available at:

New Zealand citizens

I am a New Zealand citizen living overseas and am thinking about coming back to New Zealand to live. Would I be able to access free health care straight away?

As a New Zealand citizen, you would be eligible for publicly funded health and disability services while in New Zealand, regardless of the time spent away from New Zealand.

At your first visit to a health care provider you will need to show your New Zealand passport to demonstrate you are still a New Zealand citizen.

New Zealanders travelling overseas

I'm a New Zealander going to Australia on holiday. Should I get travel insurance?

Yes. The Reciprocal Agreement with Australia covers New Zealand citizens and permanent residents for immediate necessary medical treatment while you're on holiday. Cover includes medical treatment that, in the opinion of the provider, is clinically necessary for the diagnosis, alleviation or care of the condition requiring attention, on terms no less favourable than applies to Australians.

However, cover does not include the same publicly funded services as New Zealand. You may also not be covered by ACC for any accidents that occur overseas. Costs for those things that are not covered can be very high so the Government recommends that you have comprehensive travel insurance.

I am a New Zealander and I have moved to Australia for work. Am I covered by the Australia-New Zealand reciprocal agreement?

The reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand is for citizens and permanent residents of those countries who are in the other country on a temporary stay. If you have moved to Australia, you may not be covered by the reciprocal agreement.

For further information on the eligibility for health and disability services for New Zealanders in Australia, we recommend you contact the Australian health department in the state or territory in which you are staying, or the New Zealand High Commission in Australia. Their website is - http://www.nzembassy.com/home.cfm?c=18.

Information on the Australian Medicare system is on their website - http://medicareaustralia.gov.au.

I'm a New Zealand permanent resident going to the United Kingdom on holiday. Does the Reciprocal Agreement cover me for emergency care?

No. You have to be a New Zealand citizen to be covered by the Reciprocal Agreement between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. It is recommended you have comprehensive travel insurance.

Even for New Zealand citizens, cover does not include all services. You may also not be covered by ACC for any accidents that occur overseas. Costs for those things can be very high so the Government recommends that you have comprehensive travel insurance.

NHI numbers

I have an NHI number. Am I eligible for publicly funded health services?

Not necessarily. An NHI number is assigned to anyone receiving health or disability services, regardless of their eligibility status. Use the Guide to Eligibility to determine your eligibility.

Ordinarily resident

Do I need to be ordinarily resident in New Zealand to be eligible for publicly funded health services?

New Zealand citizens who are in New Zealand do not need to be ordinarily resident in New Zealand to be eligible for publicly funded health services.

Australian citizens need to be ordinarily resident in New Zealand for two years or more before the service is used, or have proof that they intend to reside in New Zealand for two years or more, before they are eligible for all publicly funded services.

People with New Zealand Residence Permits need to have a Returning Resident’s Visa in their Passport, or be ordinarily resident in New Zealand for two years before the service is publicly funded.

Work Permit holders must have a Work Permit for two years or more, or have previous continuous permits that, together with the current Work Permit, amount to two years or more.

Overseas visitors, students and workers

Use the Guide to Eligibility Criteria to check whether you meet the criteria.

Special provisions exist for United Kingdom citizens, and for Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents.

Are citizens from the European Union eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

No, unless they have a British Passport or have a work permit and are eligible to be in New Zealand for two years or longer, they will not be eligible. Time spent lawfully in New Zealand immediately prior to the current Work Permit counts towards the two years. British Passport holders should refer to the “Guide to Eligibility Criteria”.

Pacific Islanders

What is the responsibility of Pacific Island governments to pay for health services provided to their citizens in New Zealand?

Pacific people must meet one of the eligibility criteria in their own right if they are to access publicly funded services. See the Guide to Eligibility Criteria to see whether a person meets any of the criteria. Citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau are eligible.

The New Zealand government doesn’t usually pay for New Zealanders’ health services overseas and very rarely will pay for their repatriation. The same is likely to apply for other governments including for Pacific Island countries, unless a special prior arrangement has been made with the country's government.

Are people from the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

Citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau are issued with New Zealand passports. If they are visiting New Zealand they are eligible for publicly funded services in New Zealand. There may be waiting times for some services, and part-charges apply (for example, for primary care or pharmaceuticals) on the same basis as for other New Zealanders.

Residents of those islands who are not citizens must meet one of the other eligibility criteria before they can access publicly funded services. See the Guide to Eligibility Criteria to see whether a person meets any of the criteria.

Are people from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu or Vanuatu eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

The New Zealand Government funds special health services through the NZAID agreement with the governments of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. If a person is referred through this agreement, it is advisable for health service providers to ensure that country’s government has been advised of the likely cost, and has agreed to pay.

People who arrive in New Zealand for medical treatment without going through their own government channels are likely to be refused help from their own government, and unless they met one of the eligibility criteria they would not be eligible for publicly funded care from New Zealand. See the Guide to Eligibility Criteria to see whether a person meets any of the criteria.

For more information on eligibility of pacific island people, see Services for Pacific Island People and Medical Assistance for Pacific Islands.

Partners

What is a partner?

For the eligibility direction, a partner means:

where the couple is legally married or in a civil union, either member of the couple, as the case requires; OR
a visa or permit granted by Immigration New Zealand on the basis of the relationship; OR
a “de-facto partner” within the meaning of the term in section 2C of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976.

Acceptable proof of partnership includes: marriage or civil union certificate, or a statutory declaration from both partners that they meet the criteria in section 2D of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, including information on how they meet each of the criteria.

A person is another person's de facto partner if they have a de facto relationship with each other. In determining whether 2 persons live together as a couple, all the circumstances of the relationship are to be taken into account, including any of the following matters that are relevant in a particular case:

the duration of the relationship;
the nature and extent of common residence;
whether or not a sexual relationship exists;
the degree of financial dependence or interdependence, and any arrangements for financial support, between the parties;
the ownership, use, and acquisition of property;
the degree of mutual commitment to a shared life;
the care and support of children;
the performance of household duties;
the reputation and public aspects of the relationship.

The relationship ends if the de facto partners cease to live together as a couple, or one of the de facto partners dies.

What is a legal guardian? I’m not married, but my partner’s kids live with me. I share their day to day care and pay half the bills. My partner is not eligible, but I am. Can the kids be eligible through me?

A child is eligible if one of its parents or legal guardians is eligible. A person can be a legal guardian if the Family Court recognises them to be.

See the Family Court website for more information: Information on Guardianship (justice.govt.nz/family) or contact the nearest Family Court: Family Court Locations (justice.govt.nz/family).

Permanent resident, Residence Visa or Permit and Returning Resident’s Visa

Am I a permanent resident?

For the purposes of eligibility for health and disability services, you are a New Zealand permanent resident if you have a current New Zealand Residence Permit and have a current New Zealand Returning Resident’s Visa in your passport, or have been in New Zealand for two years immediately before you require treatment.

I have been granted a New Zealand Residence Visa, and am planning to move to New Zealand. Will I be eligible for publicly funded health care?

Before health and disability services can be publicly funded, residents must have a current New Zealand Returning Resident’s Visa, or have lived in New Zealand for two years or more immediately before they access the health services. Contact Immigration New Zealand if you have a New Zealand Residence Visa but do not have a New Zealand Returning Resident’s Visa in your current Passport.

I've been granted New Zealand permanent residence status, outside New Zealand. Am I covered for publicly funded health and disability services when I arrive in New Zealand?

As a new permanent resident, you will be eligible for publicly funded health and disability services, and will be able to prove that by showing your health provider the Returning Resident’s Visa in your passport. Because the first Returning Resident’s Visa only lasts for two years, if you leave New Zealand after that time you will need to apply for a new Returning Resident's Visa if you want to be eligible for publicly funded health and disability services when you return.

I am in New Zealand on a Visitor's Permit. I have applied for permanent residency. Am I eligible for publicly funded health and disability services now?

Unless you have been in New Zealand since before 30 October 2003 you will not be eligible. Note that there are some exceptions for maternity-related services. Check the Guide to Eligibility to see if you qualify for maternity-related services.

I arrived in New Zealand before 2 April 1974 and have been in New Zealand continuously from that date. Am I a permanent resident?

It is likely that you are. If you do not have a passport or certificate of identity with a Residence Permit, you should contact Immigration New Zealand in order to verify your residence status. You will need to prove your eligibility before you can access publicly funded health care or disability services.

Are permanent residents of New Zealand eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

Permanent residents are eligible if they have:

both a Residence Permit AND a Returning Resident’s Visa; OR
a Residence Permit AND have been resident in New Zealand for the previous two years.

When people first get permanent residence, they are automatically granted a Returning Residents Visa for two years. This is to allow them to go back and forth as often as they need to get settled. After that, they must apply for a Returning Resident’s Visa if they want to come and go. The length of the visa they are granted depends on immigration criteria. Contact Immigration New Zealand for further information. Their website is - www.immigration.govt.nz.

Permit or Visa

Do I check a person’s Visa or Permit when assessing their eligibility for publicly funded health and disability services?

Because New Zealand has visa-waiver agreements with some countries, it is usually the permit that's used to determine eligibility to publicly funded health and disability services. The criteria in the Eligibility Direction refer to Permits in most cases.

What is the difference between a Visa and a Permit?

A visa allows a foreign national to travel to New Zealand. New Zealand visas are in the form of labels. These are put into valid travel documents - usually passports.

A permit is issued when a person crosses the border to enter New Zealand. Permits granted at the border are usually in the form of a border permit stamp and show handwritten details.

On arriving at the border a foreign national may be granted a permit of the same type as the visa so they can enter the country to:

reside (live here) permanently, OR
work, OR
study, OR
visit.

A person is only allowed to remain in New Zealand if the permit is valid.

Once in New Zealand a person may decide to apply for an extension of their existing permit or a different type of permit from the New Zealand Immigration Service (INZ). This permit will be in a label form or a letter.

Nationals of a number of countries (e.g. United Kingdom) do not need a Visitor’s Visa to travel to New Zealand. On arrival at the border, they may be granted a Visitor’s Permit. Details on visa / permit labels are normally machine printed. However, some Visa labels issued overseas may show handwritten details.

For more information on permits and visas, visit the Immigration New Zealand website - www.immigration.govt.nz.

Policy

Who sets the policy criteria for eligibility for publicly funded health and disability services?

The criteria are set by the Minister of Health. For services funded through DHBs, this is generally done through Ministerial Directions under section 32 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Services Act 2000.

The Minister is prevented by law from making a direction or notice about a specific person or activity.

The current (2003) Ministerial Direction on eligibility provides a specific role for MoH in determining eligibility if there is a question or dispute about whether a person meets the criteria. The Ministry determination is specific to the person and their particular circumstances, and must be consistent with the criteria. There is no provision to make exceptions to the criteria.

For more information see the Eligibility Direction.

Private health insurance

Should I get health insurance?

The Government strongly recommends that people who do not meet the eligibility criteria take out comprehensive medical insurance. People who do meet the eligibility criteria decide for themselves how much coverage they personally want above and beyond publicly funded services.

Information on publicly funded services is on this page - Publicly Funded Health and Disability Services.

You can get further information by contacting:

private health insurers - to request details of the policies they offer, and consider the level of coverage in light of publicly funded health and disability services
your local district health board and other service providers - for actual costs of services that are not fully funded or partially subsidised for eligible people

Reciprocal Agreements

I am covered by the reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand (or the United Kingdom and New Zealand). Will my regular medicines be partly publicly funded, as they are for New Zealanders?

Only in the case of Australians. The reciprocal agreement with the United Kingdom only covers services for conditions that arose in New Zealand or became worse while in New Zealand. United Kingdom residents should bring their regular medications with them, or have health insurance or the means to pay for regular medications.

See also questions and answers related to Reciprocal Agreements in the following sections:

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

A patient has a letter from Immigration New Zealand. It says that their application for refugee status has been accepted. The letter is more than a year old. Can I continue to accept it as proof of eligibility for publicly funded health and disability services?

No. Ask them to obtain written confirmation from Immigration New Zealand that their application is still being decided.

Is a person who has applied for refugee status eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

Yes. To prove their status they should show the letter from Immigration New Zealand, advising that their application is being processed.

If the letter is more than three months old, ask the person for confirmation that their application has not yet been granted or declined. Immigration New Zealand usually writes to the client if their application takes more than three months to process.

If the letter is more than six months old, ask the person to obtain written confirmation from Immigration New Zealand before giving them publicly funded services.

A patient has a letter from Immigration New Zealand saying that they have been granted refugee status. Do I need to see their passport to decide whether they meet the criteria for publicly funded health and disability services?

No. Refugees might not have a valid passport. The letter is sufficient proof.

A person has an expired work permit in their passport but they also have a letter from Immigration New Zealand saying that they have been granted refugee status. Are they eligible health and disability?

Yes. Once a person has refugee status, they are eligible for publicly funded health and disability services as long as they remain in New Zealand.

Are asylum seekers eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

Asylum seekers are refugee status claimants. Once an asylum seeker applies for refugee status and has this application accepted, they are eligible for publicly funded services under the same criteria as refugees. If their application for refugee status is denied and they don’t appeal against the decision to deny them refugee status, or they lose an appeal, they are no longer eligible.

Students

I have a Student Permit/Visitor’s Permit, and arrived before 29 October 2003. Am I eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

Yes, if your original permit was for two years or more and you have held continuous consecutive permits (of any kind) to be in New Zealand since before 30 October 2003. The relevant parts of the Ministerial Direction are:

The 2003 Direction of the Minister of Health relating to Eligibility for Publicly-Funded Health and Disability Services in New Zealand (New Zealand Gazette 2/10/2003) (“2003 Direction”) states at clauses 3(3) that:

"An individual on a Student Permit or Visitor Permit who at 29 October 2003 would have been eligible under clauses 2(e) and (f) of the 2000 Direction had it not been revoked, will retain eligibility under the 2000 Direction if he or she is:

(a) a Visitor Permit holder and is granted consecutive permits to remain in or re-enter New Zealand;

(b) a Student Permit holder and is granted consecutive permits to remain in or re-enter New Zealand, even where the individual leaves New Zealand for short periods (of up to four months)."

The 2000 Direction of the Minister of Health Relating to Eligibility for Publicly Funded Personal Health and Disability Services in New Zealand (“2000 Direction”) clauses 2(e)(and (f) are as follows:

"e) holds a Student Permit issued under section 26 of the Immigration Act 1987:

entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a period that equals or exceeds 2 years; or
entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a period of not less than 12 months, where that individual can demonstrate a reasonable expectation of having a further Student Permit issued for that period which will (together with the duration of the first permit) allow that person to remain in New Zealand continuously for a period that equals or exceeds 2 years; or
entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a specified period of time which, together with the period of time that person has already been lawfully in New Zealand immediately prior to obtaining the permit, equals or exceeds 2 years, or

(f) holds a Visitor's or Work Permit issued under section 26 of the Immigration Act 1987:

entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a period that equals or exceeds 2 years; or
entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a specified period of time which, together with the period of time that person has already been lawfully in New Zealand immediately prior to obtaining the permit, equals or exceeds 2 years."

United Kingdom citizens

I’m a United Kingdom permanent resident. Am I covered by the Reciprocal Agreement with New Zealand?

No. Only United Kingdom citizens ordinarily living in the United Kingdom are covered by this agreement.

As a United Kingdom citizen here for a short visit, are my laboratory tests or medicines covered under the reciprocal agreement with New Zealand?

If laboratory tests or medicines are prescribed by a doctor for prompt treatment of a condition that either arose in New Zealand or became (or would have become if not treated) unexpectedly worse while here in New Zealand, then the person is eligible for publicly funded subsidies. However, if a New Zealand citizen would have had to pay for the same test, so would the United Kingdom citizen.

I'm a United Kingdom citizen, here on holiday from the United Kingdom. What health cover do I have?

Under the Reciprocal Agreement New Zealand has with the United Kingdom, United Kingdom citizens temporarily in New Zealand are covered for medical treatment which, in the opinion of a medical practitioner (or dental practitioner for people under 19 years) is required promptly for a condition that arose after you arrived in New Zealand, or for conditions that became worse or would have become worse if treatment was not provided.

The Reciprocal Agreement does not apply to people who travelled to New Zealand for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment.

Treatment is provided under the same conditions as for New Zealand citizens, and is subject to the same charges as New Zealanders would pay.

Being a United Kingdom permanent resident does not give you cover under the Agreement. If you are not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom you are also not covered by the agreement.

It is recommended you have comprehensive travel insurance, including medical cover.

A pregnant United Kingdom citizen is in New Zealand on a visitor visa from Aug 08 to Feb 09. Is she eligible for antenatal, birth and postnatal services?

A reciprocal agreement between New Zealand and the United Kingdom provides for treatment that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner (doctor) is required promptly for a condition that arose after arrival in New Zealand, or for a pre-existing condition that required, or would have required urgent treatment. This is generally interpreted as covering, for pregnancy, full term childbirth services, or premature delivery.

Related conditions, such as toxaemia, would also be covered if, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, prompt treatment was required.

Routine antenatal and postnatal services would not be covered.

Visitors

I am here on a Visitor's Permit, and arrived after 29 October 2003. Am I eligible for health services?

You are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. You can still use publicly provided health services, but you will be required to pay for them. You may, however, be eligible for publicly funded maternity services – see below.

My partner is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and I am pregnant. I have a Visitor's Permit for less than two years. Am I eligible for maternity services?

Yes. As the partner of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you are eligible for publicly funded maternity-related services if you can prove that your husband or partner is an eligible person.

You are recommended to hold comprehensive health insurance.

I have a Visitor’s Permit, and arrived before 30 October 2003. Am I eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

Yes, if your original permit was for two years or more and you have held continuous consecutive permits (of any kind) to be in New Zealand since before 30 October 2003. The relevant parts of the Ministerial Direction are:

The 2003 Direction of the Minister of Health relating to Eligibility for Publicly-Funded Health and Disability Services in New Zealand (New Zealand Gazette 2/10/2003) (“2003 Direction”) states at clauses 3(3) that:

"An individual on a Student Permit or Visitor Permit who at 29 October 2003 would have been eligible under clauses 2(e) and (f) of the 2000 Direction had it not been revoked, will retain eligibility under the 2000 Direction if he or she is:

(a) a Visitor Permit holder and is granted consecutive permits to remain in or re-enter New Zealand;

(b) a Student Permit holder and is granted consecutive permits to remain in or re-enter New Zealand, even where the individual leaves New Zealand for short periods (of up to four months)."

The 2000 Direction of the Minister of Health Relating to Eligibility for Publicly Funded Personal Health and Disability Services in New Zealand (“2000 Direction”) clauses 2(e)(and (f) are as follows:

"e) holds a Student Permit issued under section 26 of the Immigration Act 1987:

entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a period that equals or exceeds 2 years; or
entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a period of not less than 12 months, where that individual can demonstrate a reasonable expectation of having a further Student Permit issued for that period which will (together with the duration of the first permit) allow that person to remain in New Zealand continuously for a period that equals or exceeds 2 years; or
entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a specified period of time which, together with the period of time that person has already been lawfully in New Zealand immediately prior to obtaining the permit, equals or exceeds 2 years, or

(f) holds a Visitor's or Work Permit issued under section 26 of the Immigration Act 1987:

entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a period that equals or exceeds 2 years; or
entitling that person to remain in New Zealand for a specified period of time which, together with the period of time that person has already been lawfully in New Zealand immediately prior to obtaining the permit, equals or exceeds 2 years."

Work Visa or Permit

I have a Work Permit but have been in New Zealand for less than two years. Am I eligible for publicly funded health and disability services?

Check the Guide to Eligibility on this website. If your permit is for two years or more you will be eligible. There are also some other circumstances where a person who has been in New Zealand for less than two years may be eligible for some services. The New Zealand government strongly recommends you obtain travel insurance that includes health cover.

I have a Work Visa. Can I access public health and disability services?

Because New Zealand has visa-waiver agreements with some countries, it is your Work Permit that is used to determine if you are eligible to publicly funded health and disability services. (A permit is given to you when you enter New Zealand).

To give you eligibility, your Work Permit must have been issued under section 26 of the Immigration Act and

must entitle you to be in New Zealand for a minimum of two years or
if your Work Permit is valid for less than two years then you must have had a permit immediately prior to it that, together with your current Work Permit, equals two or more years.

If you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria in the Guide to Eligibility, you can expect to be charged for any health services you receive.

My spouse has a three-year Work Permit, but my children and I have Visitors’ Permits. Can we get health services under my spouse's Permit?

Each person has to meet the eligibility criteria in their own right. A person with a Visitor's Permit is not usually eligible. Children under 19 years of age and in the care and control of a person with a Work Permit of two years or more would be eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. A pregnant partner would be able to get publicly funded maternity-related services.

I have a Work Visa for two years from 1 April 2007, but have been charged for my health services because my Work Permit was issued from 22 April 2007 to 1 April 2009. Is that right?

Yes. The Ministerial Direction on Eligibility says that the Work Permit, which was issued when you entered the country, must be for two years or longer for you to be eligible for publicly funded health and disability services.

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Page last updated: 24 August 2009