NZ Government Content

Extra help with medical costs

Community Services Card

The Community Services Card can help with the costs of health care.  You'll pay less on some health services and prescriptions.  There is an income limit to get this card.

How it can be used

The Community Services Card can reduce the cost of:

  • prescription fees
  • fees for after-hours doctor visits
  • visits to a doctor who is not your regular doctor
  • glasses, vision tests and eye patches for children under 16 years
  • emergency dental care provided by hospitals and approved dental contractors (ask the dental provider if they are an approved contractor)
  • travel and accommodation for treatment by a specialist at a public hospital outside your area.

You can also use the card for your dependent children aged under 18 years.

Talk to Senior Services about the Community Services Card

High Use Health Card

The High Use Health Card helps people who do not have a Community Services Card, but who have ongoing health problems that mean they visit a doctor often. The card can be used to get a subsidy for a doctor's visit at a practice that is not the one usually used or for after-hours medical care. This card also gives a subsidy on some prescription charges.

Who qualifies?

A High Use Health Card is for a person that has made 12 or more visits to a doctor in the previous 12 months. The card is free, and there is no income limit. It can only be used by the cardholder and does not give benefits to the rest of the family.

Who to contact about the High Use Health Card

Visit a doctor to apply for this card.