Visiting New Zealand

The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) we have with New Zealand may cover some of your medical costs in the New Zealand public health system.

It must be:

  • necessary medical care that can’t wait till you get home
  • within 2 years after you arrive.

What’s covered

It covers:

  • hospital care
  • maternity services
  • pharmaceuticals.

What it doesn’t cover

It doesn’t cover:

  • care from a GP or other primary care
  • the full cost of medicines a GP prescribes - you’ll pay part of the cost of these
  • ambulance travel.

Your travel insurance may cover these and other extra costs.

What to do

Be ready to show your passport and Medicare card.

Read how to prove you’re eligible.

Where to find out more

You can read more about New Zealand’s reciprocal health agreements with Australia on the Ministry of Health website.

Page last updated: 27 October 2022.
QC 38286