Understanding New Zealand's Healthcare System: What Migrants Need to Know (2026)

Healthcare is one of the most important factors when moving to a new country. Understanding how New Zealand's healthcare system works, what you're entitled to, and what you'll need to pay for can save you money, stress, and potential health complications after you arrive.

New Zealand has a public healthcare system that provides free or subsidised care to residents and citizens, but eligibility depends on your visa status. There's also ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation), which covers accident-related injuries regardless of who you are. Understanding both systems — and knowing when private insurance is necessary — is essential for migrants in 2026.

How New Zealand's Public Healthcare System Works

New Zealand operates a publicly funded healthcare system run by Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora). The system is designed to provide free or low-cost care to New Zealand citizens and residents who meet eligibility criteria.

What's Covered Under Public Healthcare?

If you're eligible for publicly funded healthcare, you receive:

• Free emergency department care at public hospitals
• Free inpatient hospital treatment (surgery, specialist care, maternity)
• Subsidised GP visits (typically $20–$70 depending on your enrolled practice)
• Subsidised prescription medications ($5 per item for most medicines on the Pharmaceutical Schedule)
• Free maternity care from midwives and hospital births
• Free mental health crisis services

Who Is Eligible for Public Healthcare?

Eligibility depends on your visa type and how long you've been in New Zealand:

• New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are automatically eligible
• Work visa holders with visas valid for 2+ years are usually eligible
• Refugees and protected persons are eligible
• Australian citizens and permanent residents living in NZ are eligible
• Temporary visa holders (tourists, short-term work visas, visitor visas) are generally not eligible for publicly funded healthcare

If you're not eligible for publicly funded care, you'll be charged the full cost of treatment, which can be extremely expensive. This is why health insurance is critical for many migrants during their first years in New Zealand.

Understanding ACC: New Zealand's Accident Compensation Scheme

One of New Zealand's most unique features is ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). ACC is a no-fault accident insurance scheme that covers everyone in New Zealand — citizens, residents, and visitors alike — for accident-related injuries.

What Does ACC Cover?

• Medical treatment for accidental injuries (GP visits, surgery, physiotherapy)
• Rehabilitation and recovery support
• Income compensation if you can't work due to an injury (80% of your earnings, up to a cap)
• Support for serious injuries requiring long-term care

What ACC Does NOT Cover

ACC only covers injuries caused by accidents. It does not cover:

• Illness (like cancer, heart disease, diabetes)
• Mental health conditions (unless caused by a specific traumatic accident)
• Gradual process injuries (like arthritis or wear-and-tear conditions)
• Pre-existing medical conditions

This distinction is crucial because many migrants assume ACC covers all healthcare costs — it doesn't. If you develop an illness or need treatment for a non-accident condition and you're not eligible for public healthcare, you'll need private health insurance.

Registering with a GP (General Practitioner)

In New Zealand, your GP (family doctor) is your first point of contact for most healthcare needs. When you arrive, one of your first tasks should be registering with a local GP practice. This is important even if you're healthy, as having an established relationship with a GP makes accessing care much easier when you need it.

How to Register with a GP

• Search for GP practices near your home or workplace
• Call or visit the practice to check if they're accepting new patients
• Bring your passport, visa documentation, and proof of address
• Some practices may ask for your NZ work visa or residency status to determine eligibility for subsidised care

Once registered, you'll typically pay a consultation fee each time you visit. If you're eligible for publicly funded healthcare, this fee is subsidised (usually $20–$70). If you're not eligible, expect to pay the full private rate ($80–$150 per visit).

For more on settling in during your first months, including healthcare registration tasks, see our guide: What to Expect in Your First 6 Months in New Zealand.

Healthcare Costs in New Zealand (2026)

Even with public healthcare access, there are still costs to consider. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:

GP Visits

• Subsidised GP visit (if eligible): $20–$70
• Non-subsidised GP visit: $80–$150
• After-hours or urgent care: $75–$120

Prescriptions

• Subsidised medications: $5 per item (for those eligible for public funding)
• Non-funded medications: Can range from $20 to $200+ depending on the drug

Dental Care

Dental care is not covered under the public healthcare system (except for emergencies in some cases). Most people pay out-of-pocket or use private dental insurance.

• Routine check-up: $80–$150
• Cleaning: $100–$180
• Fillings: $150–$300
• Root canal: $1,200–$2,000

Children under 18 may receive free or low-cost dental care through school-based programs or community dental services.

Optical Care

Eye tests and glasses are also not covered by public healthcare.

• Eye exam: $50–$80
• Glasses: $200–$600 depending on frames and lenses

Hospital Treatment

If you're eligible for publicly funded care, hospital treatment is free. However, wait times for non-urgent procedures can be long (sometimes months). Private hospital treatment is faster but expensive:

• Private specialist consultation: $200–$400
• Private surgery: $5,000–$30,000+ depending on the procedure

For a full breakdown of living costs including healthcare expenses, read: Cost of Living in New Zealand: A Realistic Breakdown (2026).

Do You Need Private Health Insurance in New Zealand?

Whether you need private health insurance depends on your situation:

You Probably Need Private Insurance If:

• You're on a temporary visa and not eligible for publicly funded healthcare
• You want to avoid long wait times for non-urgent surgery or specialist appointments
• You have ongoing health conditions that require regular treatment
• You want access to private hospitals and specialists
• Your visa conditions require proof of health insurance

You Might Be Fine Without Private Insurance If:

• You're a NZ citizen or permanent resident with full access to public healthcare
• You're young, healthy, and don't mind public hospital wait times
• You have emergency savings to cover unexpected medical costs

Private Health Insurance Costs

Private health insurance in New Zealand typically costs:

• Individual: $40–$120 per month
• Family: $120–$300 per month

Policies vary widely in what they cover — some include GP visits, prescriptions, dental, and optical, while others only cover hospital treatment. Read the fine print carefully and compare policies from providers like Southern Cross, NIB, and Accuro.

Healthcare for Families and Children

If you're moving to New Zealand with children, understanding child healthcare is essential.

Children's Healthcare Benefits

• Free GP visits for children under 14 (if enrolled with a participating practice)
• Free or low-cost prescriptions for children under 14
• Free dental care for children under 18 through school-based or community programs
• Free vaccinations for children
• Well Child/Tamariki Ora checks (free health checks from birth to age 5)

Even if you're on a temporary visa and not eligible for full public healthcare, your children may still qualify for some subsidised services. Check with your GP practice or local health authority.

Mental Health Services in New Zealand

Mental health services are available through the public system, but access can be limited. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, you can access free crisis services through:

• Your local hospital emergency department
• Mental health crisis teams (available 24/7 in most regions)
• Helplines like 1737 (free call or text for mental health support)

For ongoing mental health support, you may be referred to publicly funded services, but wait times can be long. Many people opt for private psychologists or counsellors, which typically cost $120–$200 per session.

Pharmacies and Prescriptions

Pharmacies in New Zealand are widely available and easy to access. When your GP prescribes medication, you can fill the prescription at any pharmacy.

How Prescriptions Work

• If you're eligible for subsidised care, most prescriptions cost just $5 per item
• If you're not eligible, you'll pay the full price (which varies by medication)
• Some medications are not funded by Pharmac (NZ's pharmaceutical funding agency) and must be paid for privately, even if you're eligible for public healthcare

You can also buy many over-the-counter medications (like paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines) without a prescription.

Finding Healthcare Providers Near You

When you arrive in New Zealand, use these resources to find healthcare providers:

• Healthpoint: Search for GPs, specialists, and hospitals by location (healthpoint.co.nz)
• Health New Zealand: Official health system information (tewhatuora.govt.nz)
• Local community health centres: Often provide low-cost or free services for certain groups
• Your workplace: Some employers offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) with free counselling

If you're choosing where to live in New Zealand, consider proximity to healthcare facilities, especially if you have ongoing medical needs or young children.

What to Bring: Medical Records and Prescriptions

When moving to New Zealand, bring:

• Copies of your medical records (especially if you have ongoing conditions)
• A list of current medications (both generic and brand names)
• Proof of vaccinations for yourself and your children
• Any specialist letters or test results
• A supply of essential medications to last your first few weeks (check NZ customs regulations)

Your new GP will appreciate having this information when you register, and it can make the transition much smoother.

Budgeting for Healthcare as a Migrant

Healthcare costs should be factored into your overall budget when planning your move. Here's a realistic monthly estimate for a family of four in 2026:

• If eligible for public healthcare: $50–$150/month (GP visits, prescriptions, occasional dental/optical)
• If not eligible (with private insurance): $200–$400/month (insurance premiums + out-of-pocket costs)
• Emergency fund: Keep $2,000–$5,000 set aside for unexpected medical needs

For comprehensive guidance on managing your finances before and after you move, see: How to Budget & Save for Your Move to New Zealand.

Common Healthcare Mistakes Migrants Make

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Assuming ACC covers everything: Remember, ACC only covers accidents, not illness
• Not registering with a GP immediately: Don't wait until you're sick — register as soon as you arrive
• Skipping health insurance on a temporary visa: One hospital visit can cost tens of thousands of dollars
• Not understanding eligibility: Check your visa conditions carefully to know what you're entitled to
• Ignoring dental care: Budget for dental expenses as they're not covered publicly

Healthcare Resources for Migrants

Useful websites and contacts:

• Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora): tewhatuora.govt.nz
• Healthline (24/7 advice): 0800 611 116
• ACC: acc.co.nz
• Mental health crisis line: 1737
• Healthpoint (find providers): healthpoint.co.nz
• Plunket (for parents): plunket.org.nz

Final Thoughts: Healthcare Planning Is Part of Your Migration Journey

Understanding New Zealand's healthcare system before you arrive can save you significant stress and expense. Make sure you know your eligibility status, register with a GP early, and have appropriate insurance coverage if needed. Healthcare is just one piece of the puzzle — but it's an essential one that affects your family's wellbeing and financial security.

Planning your move thoughtfully means considering all aspects of life in New Zealand — from healthcare to housing to budgeting. If you want to stay organised and ensure you don't miss critical steps, The Migrate Hub can help you create a personalised immigration checklist, track your progress, and access trusted resources all in one place.