Enrol with a GP

Why it matters

• Health New Zealand says everyone should enrol with a general practice to get help with all their health needs.
• Health New Zealand says enrolled patients pay a reduced, subsidised consultation fee, while patients who aren't enrolled usually pay a higher casual rate.

Steps

1. Search Healthpoint, which Govt.nz links from its Find a doctor page. Select 'Enrolling new patients' to see only practices that are accepting new patients.
2. Health New Zealand says you can choose the doctor or general practice you visit. It lists fees, distance, opening hours, after-hours services and wait times among the things to consider.
3. Check your eligibility before you enrol. Govt.nz says practices can only enrol people who are eligible for publicly funded health services.
4. Contact the practice you've chosen. Health New Zealand says enrolling is free, and you take proof of eligibility, such as a passport, and sign an enrolment form.
5. If a practice isn't taking new patients: Health New Zealand says it should refer you to its primary health organisation (PHO), which may put you on a waiting list and arrange care in the meantime.
6. Ask your practice what to do when it is closed. Health New Zealand says you may need an after-hours accident and medical clinic or another practice, and Healthline (0800 611 116) gives free health advice from registered nurses at any time.
7. If you're pregnant: Govt.nz says that as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed you need to choose a lead maternity carer (LMC), most of whom are registered midwives. The same page links to Health New Zealand's pregnancy services eligibility.

Documents you'll need

• Proof of eligibility, such as your passport (Health New Zealand's general practices page)

Common mistakes

• Waiting until you are ill to enrol. Health New Zealand says patients who aren't enrolled usually pay the higher casual rate.

Watch out for

• Health New Zealand says general practices are private businesses and set their own fees, so ask each practice what it charges. It also says practices may charge separately for things like repeat prescriptions and referral letters.
• ACC: Health New Zealand's eligibility guide says ACC can cover treatment for accidents and personal injuries regardless of residential status.
• Health New Zealand's guide says changes to who can get publicly funded health services take effect from 1 December 2026. Check the guide again on the date you enrol.
• If you're pregnant: Govt.nz says people who aren't NZ citizens or permanent residents may still be able to get free or subsidised pregnancy care, and points to Health New Zealand's pregnancy services eligibility to find out.

Sources