Eligibility explained

Being eligible means a person can be considered for free or subsidised healthcare or disability services. It doesn't mean they're entitled to it.

On this page

• Eligibility Direction
• Health and Disability Services Eligibility Direction 2011
• 2003 Eligibility Direction of the Minister of Health
• Who can be considered eligible for NZ healthcare
• Who is responsible of checking a person's eligibility
• Find out more

Eligibility Direction

You must meet one of the criteria in the Eligibility Direction to be considered for these publicly funded services. If you are not eligible, you are liable to be charged for the full costs of any medical treatment or disability support service you receive during your visit.

The Eligibility Direction describes the groups of people who are eligible for free or subsidised health and disability services in New Zealand.

It's a direction made by the Minister of Health under section 32 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Services Act 2000. The direction became effective on 16 April 2011, and applies from that date forward.

Establishing eligibility prior to 15 April 2011

People must meet the eligibility criteria at the time they receive services. If you're questioning whether you or someone else was eligible prior to 15 April 2011, you'll need to check the criteria in the Direction.