This section is a guide to publicly funded health and disability services in New Zealand. There is information for health service users, and resources for service providers to check eligibility.
Being eligible gives a person a right to be considered for publicly funded health or disability services (ie, free or subsidised). It is not an entitlement to receive any particular service. Individuals need to meet certain clinical and other assessment criteria to receive many services.
Find out if you are eligible
The guide to eligibility will help you decide whether you are eligible for publicly funded health and disability services in New Zealand.
For more information refer to:
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility
Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination is set out separately in the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Direction 2022, which applies in addition to the Health and Disability Services Eligibility Direction 2011.
This means than anyone in New Zealand is eligible for publicly funded COVID-19 vaccination regardless of your immigration or citizenship status.
- Read the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Direction 2022
- COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Direction 2022 – signed (PDF, 69 KB)
Find out more: COVID-19 vaccines
Information for service providers
- Resources to check eligibility
- Questions and answers
- Reciprocal health agreements
- 2011 Eligibility Direction
Disclaimer
This information is intended as a guide only. Every effort has been made to ensure that it is accurate. However, in the event of any dispute, Government policy and legislation, including the Health and Disability Services Eligibility Direction 2011 itself, will take precedence.
Being eligible gives a person a right to be considered for publicly funded health or disability services (ie, free or subsidised). It is not an entitlement to receive any particular service. Individuals need to meet certain clinical and other assessment criteria to receive many services.