Health care services
Health care services include hospital and specialists, and visiting the doctor or dentist. Find out about these and other health services available in New Zealand.
In this section
- If you need a lot of support from the health system you may be eligible for Care Plus. Care Plus ensures you get effective, quality care at a low cost, and is aimed at people with chronic health conditions, serious medical or mental health needs, or terminal illness. Read more
- Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice from our trained registered nurses. Read more
- A Health Passport is a booklet you can carry with you when you use health and disability services. It contains the information you want health workers to know about how to communicate with you and support you. Read more
- Hospitals provide quality care for serious health problems and illnesses. Specialist services cater for people who have conditions that need more focused medical attention. Find out when to visit an emergency department. Learn about travel assistance - who is eligible and how to make a claim. Read more
- There are a number of Māori health providers contracted to district health boards throughout Aotearoa – find a provider in your area. Read more
- Maternity services are free in New Zealand for eligible women. Most services are provided by a Lead Maternity Carer, who will care for you throughout pregnancy, labour, and for the first 4–6 weeks after your baby is born. Find out about Lead Maternity Carers, the services you will receive, and choosing where to give birth. Read more
- Most people will be referred to mental health services through their GP or family doctor. Find out here what to do in an emergency, read a list of helplines and access other resources to help you. Read more
- Palliative care is care for a person of any age who has a life-limiting illness (one that cannot be cured and may at some time result in the person dying). It involves supporting and helping the person to live as comfortably and fully as possible. Read more
- Ring PlunketLine on 0800 933 922 if you need advice about child health or parenting. Read more
- As you get older, you may need some support. The Ministry funds Care Plus to help you keep well and carries out regular certification and auditing of rest homes to let you feel confident in your decisions. District health boards fund support services to help you keep well and remain independent for as long as you can. Read more
- The way information about our health care is shared is improving. By the end of 2014 the Government’s aim is for all New Zealanders and the health professionals caring for them to have electronic access to their health information. Find out more about the changes taking place. Read more
- If you’re sick and it’s not an emergency, you should visit a family doctor (or general practitioner – GP). Find out how to enrol at a general practice, what you’ll pay and what happens with your medical records. Read more
- Oral health is about keeping your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Find out what a dentist does, which services are publicly funded, and how to access emergency dental care if you have toothache. Read more
- Well Child/Tamariki Ora is a free service offered to all New Zealand children from birth to five years. Find out more about how Well Child can support you to protect and improve your child’s health. Read more
Page last updated: 21 February 2013
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