Enrolling with a general practice is free and cuts the cost of each visit, but Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora says it can take up to three months for an enrolment to be completed, so it is best done before you get sick.
New migrants often only find this out when they need a doctor in a hurry. Here is how the system works.
Enrolled or casual patient
You can see any GP without enrolling. Health NZ says practices normally charge non-enrolled people a higher "casual" rate.
Once you're enrolled, the Government subsidises your visits, so you pay a lower consultation fee. Each practice sets its own fees, so check them first. Health NZ says the standard prescription charge is $5 per item on a new prescription, with no charge for repeats. Children 13 and under, people 65 and over, and Community Services Card holders do not pay it. Since 1 February 2026 some people with stable long-term conditions can get prescriptions lasting up to 12 months, paying the $5 only once. Visits for children under 6 are one of the exceptions where enrolled patients may not pay.
People with a Community Service Card also pay lower fees, according to govt.nz.
Who can enrol
Practices can only enrol people who are eligible for publicly funded health services. Health NZ lists New Zealand citizens and holders of resident or permanent resident visas among those eligible. Work visa holders also qualify if their visa lets them work in New Zealand for two years or more, or if their current visa and their lawful time here immediately before it add up to at least two years, according to Health NZ and govt.nz.
International students cannot enrol. Health NZ says they can register with a GP but need medical insurance to cover treatment. Australian visitors can also register but not enrol.
What to bring
You'll be asked to sign an enrolment form and may need to show proof of eligibility. For residents, Health NZ lists a valid passport (showing your visa) or a Certificate of Identity. For citizens, a New Zealand passport, or a birth or citizenship certificate with two other forms of ID, one with a photo.
Finding a practice that's taking patients
Not every practice is taking new patients, and Health NZ says you may have to contact several. Healthpoint's search lets you filter for practices that are "enrolling new patients". You can also call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for help.
If a practice turns you away, it should refer you to its primary health organisation (PHO). The PHO can help find another practice, may put you on a waitlist and can arrange care in the meantime.
Family members
You can enrol children aged 16 and under who are in your care. Health NZ says other adults in the family need to enrol themselves unless you hold power of attorney or are their authorised representative.
Newborns should be enrolled as soon as possible. A practice can use the baby's birth certificate, or confirm the parent's own eligibility, to enrol them.
One practice at a time
You can only be enrolled at one practice. Enrolling somewhere else cancels the first enrolment, and your records can be transferred when you sign the new form. You can still visit another GP, but you'll pay the higher fee there.
Sources
- Health New Zealand, "Signing up with a healthcare provider": https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/hospitals-services/services-support/asian-migrant-and-refugee-health/signing-up-with-a-healthcare-provider
- Health New Zealand, "General practices": https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/hospitals-services/services-support/general-practices
- Health New Zealand, "Eligibility for publicly funded health and disability services": https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/hospitals-services/eligibility-subsidies/publicly-funded-healthcare
- Health New Zealand, "Reciprocal health agreements": https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/hospitals-services/eligibility-subsidies/reciprocal-health-agreements
- Health New Zealand, "Prescriptions": https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/tests-and-treatments/medicines/prescriptions
- govt.nz, "Healthcare if you're in NZ on a work visa": https://www.govt.nz/browse/health/public-health-services/healthcare-on-a-work-visa/
- govt.nz, "Find a doctor": https://www.govt.nz/browse/health/gps-and-prescriptions/find-a-doctor/
- Healthpoint GP search: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/
