Who can I call if I feel unwell at night and cannot see a doctor?
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 to talk to a nurse. It is free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In a life-threatening situation, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, heavy bleeding or a severe allergic reaction, call 111 straight away or go to the emergency department (ED).
Official figures
- Cost to enrol
- Enrolling with a GP clinic is free. The clinic may charge a fee each time you visit.3
- How long enrolment takes
- Enrolment can take up to 3 months to complete, so enrol while you are still well.2
- Work visa holders
- You are eligible if your work visa lets you stay in New Zealand for 2 years or more (counted from your first day in New Zealand), or if your visa plus the time you were legally in New Zealand before getting it adds up to 2 years.1
- Australian citizens and permanent residents
- Eligible if living, or intending to live, in New Zealand for 2 years or more (continuous, counted from your first day in New Zealand).1
- Children aged 17 and under
- Children aged 17 and under are eligible if they are cared for by an eligible parent or legal guardian.1
Official sources
- Eligibility for publicly funded health and disability servicesHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · healthnz.govt.nz
- Signing up with a healthcare providerHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · healthnz.govt.nz
- General practicesHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · healthnz.govt.nz
- Zero fees for tamariki under 14Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · healthnz.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Enrolling with a GP and who can get publicly funded healthcare →
People also ask
- How do I find a GP when I first arrive in New Zealand?
- Can I get public healthcare in NZ on a work visa?
- Does it cost money to enrol with a GP, and what documents do I need?
- Can international students enrol with a GP in New Zealand?
- Why do so many clinics say they are not taking new patients?
- Are GP visits free for children in NZ?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
How does this apply to me?
Tell us your situation for practical next steps, with official sources. Try a free question — no sign-in needed.
Share after you sign in with Google and your link will carry your invite code: when a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions. You can still share without signing in — it just won’t earn anything.Your link includes your invite code. When a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions (up to 10 friends).
Tap “···” at the top right to send to a friend or share to Moments