Healthcare
New Zealand — Healthcare: Average Costs
Whether you can use publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand depends on your visa or citizenship under the Health and Disability Services Eligibility Direction 2011, and Health NZ says changes to who qualifies take effect on 1 December 2026. Adult visitor visa holders are usually not eligible, and a general practice can only enrol you if you are eligible; non-enrolled patients usually pay a higher casual fee. Nobody can be refused emergency care because they cannot pay, but non-residents may have to pay for some services. ACC can cover treatment for accidents and injuries regardless of residential status, and travel insurance is recommended for other costs. Health NZ does not publish GP prices; ask your practice.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceHealth New Zealand — eligibility for publicly funded healthcareLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- Eligibility for publicly funded health services depends on visa or citizenship status (Eligibility Direction 2011); changes take effect on 1 December 2026.
- Adult visitor visa holders are usually ineligible; a general practice can enrol only eligible people, and others usually pay a higher casual fee.
- Emergency care cannot be refused for inability to pay, but non-residents may have to pay for some services.
- ACC can cover accident and injury treatment regardless of residential status.
- GP fees are set by each practice; ask for the price.
Steps
- Understanding the Publicly-Funded Healthcare System — The public healthcare system in New Zealand is primarily funded through taxes and is generally free for residents. However, there may be additional costs associated with certain services or procedures.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a visitor visa gives access to subsidised GP care — enrolment requires eligibility.