Health Services We Fund

Maternity Services

Eligibility for Funded Maternity Services

On 1st January 2006, the regulations relating to citizenship for children born in New Zealand changed so now not every child born in New Zealand has the right to become a New Zealand Citizen. Because of this change some parents may have to pay for maternity care . But, in most cases, maternity care (some or all) is still free if at least one parent is a citizen, resident or here on a long term visa.

It is important to know that access to free maternity care before and after the baby is born can be determined by the residency status of the baby’s mother or father. You should provide this information as soon as possible when you book your pregnancy care.

If you are not sure if your care is free or if you will have to pay, our hospital accounts staff can help you. They can check if you are entitled to free care or, if you have to pay, they can help you to understand the charges that apply so you can make arrangements for payment. They can also arrange payment programmes to make paying easier and to avoid unpaid accounts later being handed to collections agencies.

For any queries, please contact the Eligibility Officer, Counties Manukau District Health Board:
Phone: 09-276 0060
Email: residency@healthalliance.co.nz

Please also see Publicly-Funded Maternity Services in New Zealand

Published: 12-Mar-2012 | Website enquiries: Web Content Manager