Financial Assistance

Options to help cover the cost of medical appointments.

Financial Assistance

Options to help cover the cost of medical appointments.

If you don't have enough funds to go to the doctor,
here are some options for financial assistance.

Community Services Card (CSC)

The Community Services Card can help you with the costs of health care, making your medical consults cheaper. You don’t have to be on benefit to request a card and it can also be used for your dependent children under 18.

Individuals 16 years or older who are New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or hold refugee or protection status may qualify for a Community Services Card if they are on a low income, living in public housing, or receiving an accommodation supplement.

The CSC offers discounts on a range of healthcare services, including visits to your regular general practice, prescription fees, after-hours appointments, glasses for children under 16, emergency dental care, and more.

CSC holders and their dependents may access reduced-cost visits at most general practices across New Zealand, ensuring essential healthcare remains affordable.

Find out more about CSC

High Use Health Card (HUHC)

The High Use Health Card provides more support for patients with high healthcare needs. Patients who have visited their enrolled general practice 12 or more times in one year for ongoing health conditions may qualify for the HUHC.

The HUHC offers benefits like the CSC, including reduced fees for after-hours appointments and visits to non-enrolled general practices. Some practices may also offer lower fees to enrolled patients with a HUHC.

Patients with both a CSC and a HUHC may enjoy enhanced benefits, including lower costs for enrolled patients and subsidies for dependent family members.

Your doctor or medical practitioner can send a High Use Health Card application. Talk to your general practice about it.

Find out more about HUHC