Check your public health eligibility and cover

Why it matters

• Immigration New Zealand says the Ministry of Health decides who can get publicly funded health care, and if you qualify you don't pay for those services.
• If you can't get publicly funded care, Immigration New Zealand says you, or your sponsor if you have one, must pay for any health care you need.

Steps

1. Open Health New Zealand's guide to eligibility and use its Check if you are eligible section to find the group that matches your visa.
2. Check which rules apply on the date you'll get care. New eligibility regulations come into force on 1 December 2026.
3. If you're on a work visa, read the criteria for work visas. Health New Zealand's guide sets a test of 2 years or more, which can include time you've already been in New Zealand legally.
4. If anyone moving is pregnant, read Immigration New Zealand's page for pregnant visa applicants and the maternity criteria in Health New Zealand's guide.
5. Note the proof each person is asked to show a health provider, and keep it with you.
6. If the criteria show someone isn't covered, look at insurance. Immigration New Zealand strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance, including full health insurance.
7. If a question about eligibility remains, the new regulations say the Ministry of Health must decide it when asked in writing.

Documents you'll need

• For a work visa holder: your valid passport with a current work visa that lets you stay 2 years or more, which Health New Zealand names as proof
• Your eVisa letter, which Immigration New Zealand gives as an example of proof to show a provider

Common mistakes

• Turning up without proof. Immigration New Zealand says that if you don't have any proof, you may have to pay.

Watch out for

• Immigration New Zealand says that, in general, people on temporary visas to visit, study and work can't get publicly funded health care, and to check the conditions of your visa.
• For some temporary visa holders who are pregnant and can't get publicly funded care, Immigration New Zealand says you must show at least NZD $9,000 to pay for maternity care.
• Immigration New Zealand says holders of a Limited Visa can't get publicly funded maternity care.
• Immigration New Zealand says ACC usually covers most treatment costs after an accident for residents and visitors, and ACC must accept the claim first.

Sources