Te Whatu Ora subsidises the cost of visiting your general practitioner (GP) if you’re enrolled with them. However there is still a part charge. You can only be enrolled with one GP practice in the country at a time. Most GP's offer free visits for children under 13 (if they are enrolled).
People no longer have to pay the standard $5 charge for prescriptions by approved providers. Prescriptions from specialists and non-publicly funded prescribers will still attract a $15 co-payment. Find out more about the prescription subsidy scheme.
Many GP practices have a number of different health care professionals working there. For instance, you may be seen by a practice nurse rather than a doctor for certain things.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you must phone your doctor first.
Symptoms include:
- a fever of at least 38°C
- a cough
- shortness of breath.
Most consultations will happen over the phone (or by video conference) to stop any risk of the disease spreading by person to person contact. If a face to face meeting is required, your doctor or other medical professional will organise this with you.
If you cannot get through and are severely unwell, for example having trouble breathing, don't hesitate to call emergency services by dialing 111.
Healthline
GP
Afterhours
Hospital ED