For new arrivals, the health system in Aotearoa New Zealand may seem a little strange to follow, and certainly there’s a lot more to cover than can be dealt with in one story - but here’s a Beginner’s Guide to the Health System.
The public health system in Aotearoa New Zealand is basically subsidised by the Government, to be eligible for subsidised healthcare you must be:
a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or resident (exceptions apply if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident – check the Ministry of Health website)
a work visa holder who is allowed to work here for 2 years or more
the holder of a work visa that allows you to work here 2 years or more when combined with time you have spent in New Zealand just before getting your current work visa. For example, you qualify if you had a visa that allowed you to be in New Zealand for one year, and you now have a work visa that allows you to stay another year.
under 17 and your parent or guardian is eligible
an interim visa holder who was eligible immediately before you got the interim visa
a refugee or protected person.
If people are not in the categories in this list, they may still be eligible for the full range of services or for limited services – check details on the Ministry of Health website.
General Practitioner
If you’re sick and it’s not an emergency, you should visit a family doctor (or ‘general practitioner’ – GP) or nurse at your usual general practice.
It’s free to enrol with a general practice – but they may charge a consultation fee each time you go to see them after that. This can be around $30 - $50, but it depends on your situation and what support services you’re eligible for.