Eligibility rules

The DHBs provide funding for laboratory testing services. Those who are not eligible will be required to pay at the time of sample collection.

As the referring medical practitioner, you are responsible for confirming your patient can have free 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 medical Health 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 2 years. Foreign 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 visitors permit See eligibility conditions for child visitors under the 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 Foreign 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 1992 and prison 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 29th October 2003)	NO

For more information on test funding eligibility, please visit http://www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility