Reference
Last updated: May 2026
What it costs to fill a prescription and see a doctor in New Zealand. Prescriptions for subsidised medicines carry a small co-payment, with several groups exempt, while GP fees are set by each practice and vary widely. This is a general guide; check with your pharmacy and GP for exact charges.
Budget Calculator Health Insurance Estimator Cost of Living Comparison| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard co-payment | $5 per subsidised medicine item |
| 12-month prescriptions | From 1 February 2026, eligible long-term medicines can be dispensed on a 12-month prescription with a single $5 co-payment, instead of repeat fees through the year |
| Under 14 years | Free; no prescription co-payment |
| Family/individual cap | After 20 new prescription items in a year (from 1 February), further new prescriptions are free until the next 1 February |
| Community Services Card / over 65 | Additional support and exemptions may apply; check with your pharmacy |
| Patient group | Typical cost of a standard consult |
|---|---|
| Children under 14 | Free at most practices (government-funded zero fees) |
| Enrolled adult, standard practice | Often around $45 to $75 (set by each practice) |
| Enrolled adult, VLCA (Very Low Cost Access) practice | Lower capped fees, often around $20 or less |
| Community Services Card holder | Reduced fees at participating practices |
| Casual / not enrolled | Higher, often $70 to $90 or more |
| After-hours / urgent care | Higher again, varies by clinic |
GP fees are not set nationally; each practice sets its own, within funding rules. Enrolling with a practice (rather than casual visits) lowers the cost, and Community Services Card holders pay less at participating practices. Nurse consults and phone consults are often cheaper than a full GP visit.
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