Eligibility for publicly funded health services

​​​New Zealand has a world leading health system which makes most services available free (or subsidised) to people who meet the eligibility criteria.

Some people in New Zealand don’t qualify to have these services paid for by the New Zealand Government and are required to pay for their healthcare.

For more details on each question and advice on information you need to provide to prove your eligibility, see the “Guide to Eligibility Criteria” on the Ministry of Health website at www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility.

What should I bring if I need to prove my eligibility for publicly funded healthcare?

To make sure we have the correct information, we recommend that a patient brings with them:

  • Passport, including permits and visas
  • Birth certificate (if born in New Zealand or Australia) or
  • Confirmation of citizenship or
  • Confirmation of permanent residency or other residency status
  • Photo identification (if no passport)
Interpreter / translator service

An Interpreter Service is available for people who do not speak English as their first language. Please ask for an interpreter from the nurse in charge of your care.