Eligibility for Publicly Funded Health and Disability Services

Maternity Care

Most maternity care is free for women who are New Zealand citizens, have permanent residency or who are eligible through other criteria under the Eligibility Direction. You may be charged for antenatal or childbirth education classes, and some tests at a private laboratory. You may also have to pay to have an ultrasound scan. Private obstetricians and private maternity hospitals will also charge a fee.

To find out if a person is eligible for publicly funded maternity services, use the guide to eligibility to publicly funded health and disability services.

In summary, a pregnant woman is eligible for publicly funded maternity services if:

she is eligible for publicly funded health and disability services in her own right; or
she is lawfully in New Zealand and her husband or partner is a New Zealand citizen; or
she is lawfully in New Zealand and her husband or partner is a New Zealand permanent resident who has been in New Zealand for two years or more; or
she is lawfully in New Zealand and her husband or partner is a New Zealand permanent resident who has Returning Resident’s Visa; or
she is lawfully in New Zealand and her husband or partner is an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident who has been or plans to be in New Zealand for two years or more; or

A pregnant woman is eligible for publicly funded labour and birth services if:

she is lawfully in New Zealand and her husband or partner is a Work Permit holder who is eligible to be in New Zealand for two years or more; or
she is not lawfully in New Zealand but her husband or partner is a citizen or a New Zealand permanent resident who has been in New Zealand for two years or more; or
she is not lawfully in New Zealand but her husband or partner is an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident, who has been or plans to be in New Zealand for two years or more.

The Lead Maternity Carer is responsible for organising your maternity care. They may provide all your care or share the care with one other, or more, practitioners. They also provide information to assist with decision-making during pregnancy, preparation of the birth and for parenting. Topics will include a wide range of matters such as nutrition, exercise, the risks of smoking and alcohol, labour and the birth process, pain relief, breastfeeding, baby care, immunisation, community services, contraception and many more.

For more information about maternity services and choosing a Lead Maternity Carer call toll free on 0800 MUM 2 BE (0800 686 223). The phone line does not offer counselling, clinical or medical advice.

View information for pregnant women in the Maternity section.

View information on the Eligibility Direction.

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Page last updated: 20 August 2008