Te Whatu Ora – Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley provide funding for laboratory testing services and many services are free for eligible patients.
Your medical practitioner will let you know if your tests are funded by Te Whatu Ora.
Click here to view the 3DHB Funded and Unfunded Test List
The table below sets out the rules for publicly funded tests.
| Who | Criteria | Funded |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand citizens and residents | New Zealand citizens (including those living in the Cook Island, Niue or Tokelau) and residents | YES |
| EXCLUSIONS | ||
| Any person applying for immigration/emigration reasons | Testing for immigration/emigration or visa purposes | NO |
| Tests for screening purposes Tests for a trial or study | Tests that are requested on a well person devoid of symptoms and with no identifying risk factors e.g. blood group, wellness testing Tests that are for, or part of a research project , a study or trial | NO |
| Travellers | Screening tests prior to travel — e.g. Hepatitis immunity, rabies antibodies | NO |
| Tests for employment, pre-employment, education and work experience | Screening tests for education or work experience — e.g. Nursing student medicalHealth and safety testing — e.g. lead levels, drug testing | NO |
| Self referred or patients referred by other than NZ registered doctors | Limited range of funded tests for midwives, smear taker, nurse practitioner | NO |
| People obtaining a medical certificate, insurance or superannuation policy | Where a certificate is required — e.g. pilot or diver’s medical licence and insurance testing | NO |
| VISITORS | ||
| Work permit holders | Holds a current work permit, which together with the time the person has already been in NZ lawfully, allows for a continuous stay of at least two yearsForeign Language Teaching Assistants funded by Ministry of Education | YES |
| Refugees and applicant refugees | With proof of refugee/applicant status | YES |
| Visitor permit holder | Holds a visitor’s permitRefer to Ministry of Health eligibility conditions for child visitors under care of an eligible parent, or pregnant partner of an eligible person | NO YES |
| Australian citizens | As per New Zealand resident | YES |
| United Kingdom citizens ordinarily resident in UK | Testing required for medical conditions requiring prompt attention | YES |
| Foreign Diplomats | Other than Australia / UK diplomats and their family (including their children) | NO |
| All persons receiving compulsory health services | Compulsory treatment under TB Act 1948, Health Act 1956, Alcohol & Drug Addiction Act 1966, Mental Health Act 1992Prison inmates | YES |
| Funded Students | Funded by NZAID ODA and includes partners and children | YES |
| Student permit holders | Holds a current student permit (unless studying continuously since before 29 October 2003) | NO |
For more information on test funding eligibility, please visit the Ministry of Health website.