Free health checks for children under 14
Your child’s health will be checked regularly while they grow.
Doctor’s visits for children under 14
Children under 14 can get:
- free visits to the doctor they’re enrolled with — nearly every GP offers free visits, but it’s wise to check first
- free prescriptions — there’s no charge for standard prescriptions, although you may have to pay for some medicines or extra services
- free after-hours care for urgent medical needs — ask your own GP or local pharmacist where to go for this service.
Zero fees for tamariki under 14 — Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora
Dental care under 18
Children get basic free dental treatment until they turn 18.
Dental care if you’re under 18
Health checks for under 5s
Well Child Tamariki Ora is a free service for all children under 5. You’ll get:
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free health checks from a nurse or registered health practitioner
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information on protecting and improving your child’s health and development
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a book to track your child’s progress and health record.
Well Child/Tamariki Ora services are provided by agencies like Plunket. Your lead maternity carer can help you choose a Well Child provider in your area.
Well Child Tamariki Ora providers
Plunket can help with:
- sleeping
- breastfeeding
- growth
- development
- behaviour.
All families are offered newborn metabolic screening for their baby. This tests for rare but life threatening disorders when a baby’s between 48 and 72 hours old.
Heel prick test — newborn metabolic screening — Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora
All families are offered hearing screening for their baby by the time they’re a month old.
Newborn hearing screening services — Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora
B4 School Check is a free health check for 4-year-olds, to check they’re ready for school. They’ll be checked for any concerns with:
- health
- behaviour
- social development
- communication
- sight and hearing.
B4 School Check — Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora
Who to contact for more help
If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.
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Ministry of Health
Contact and agency details