Recently, I visited a GP (General Practice) for the first time in a while, so I’d like to share how to book an appointment and what a visit to the doctor looks like in New Zealand.
New Zealand's Healthcare System: What is a GP (General Practitioner)?
In New Zealand, when you need to consult a doctor or receive a prescription, your first step is to visit a General Practitioner (commonly referred to as "GP" in conversation).
In Japan, it’s common practice to consult a specialist based on your specific symptoms, such as visiting a dermatologist for skin issues, an orthopedic surgeon for sprains or fractures, or a headache clinic for persistent headaches.
However in New Zealand, the GP handles general examinations and provides primary care as the first point of contact for most health concerns (except in cases of emergencies).
If the GP determines that more specialized care is necessary, they will refer you to a specialist or a larger hospital, progressing to what is known as secondary care.
Upon researching, I found that this system is also common in countries like the UK and Australia.
A GP functions like a family doctor, and you typically register with a clinic located near your home.
Instead of seeing a different doctor each time, you generally consult the same doctor consistently, which offers several benefits, such as:
Your medical history, symptoms, and progress are continuously recorded in your file, allowing for diagnosis and treatment based on more accurate and comprehensive information.
There’s no need to switch clinics or doctors for different symptoms, making the process more convenient.
If your family members are also registered with the same GP, it becomes easier for the doctor to consider family-wide factors such as shared medical history or genetic predispositions.
A GP also serves as a home doctor, so it’s common for all family members living in the same household to be registered with and see the same GP.
How to Book a GP Appointment in New Zealand?
To receive a general consultation at a GP, an appointment is mandatory.
One important thing to note is that waiting times for appointments can often exceed a month or more.
For example, I had my consultation in mid-January, but I made the booking in early December.
While the holiday season over Christmas and New Year contributed to the delay, it’s not uncommon to find that the earliest available appointment is at least three weeks away when checking your doctor’s schedule.
I always use an app called Manage My Health to book my GP appointments online.
The smartphone app allows you to book GP appointments, schedule video consultations, access information about related medical facilities, and read articles on basic health topics such as allergies.
You can also bookmark articles for future reference.
With the app, you can check your doctor’s availability anytime, making it a very convenient tool.
Once you’ve had a consultation, the app displays a "Book with the same doctor as last time" button, making it easy to book with the same GP for future visits.
If you want to see a different doctor, you can browse a list of all doctors at the clinic directly within the app and choose the one you prefer.
How Much Does a GP Consultation Cost in New Zealand?
While costs can vary depending on the clinic, the typical price for a GP consultation is around $60 to $70 NZD.
What Happens on the Day of Your GP Appointment?
On the day of your appointment, head to the clinic reception and let them know your name and appointment time by saying, "I’m △△, and I have an appointment at ○○." You’ll then need to pay the consultation fee upfront.
After that, you can wait in the lobby until your doctor calls your name and escorts you to a private room.
Since appointments are by reservation, the waiting time in the lobby is generally not very long.
The consultation room is usually spacious, equipped with a simple bed and a sink, making it a comfortable space for the examination.
At the GP clinic I’m registered with, each consultation is limited to 15 minutes per person.
There’s even a notice on the wall stating that if your appointment significantly exceeds the allotted time, you may be charged an additional fee of around $20 NZD.
As a result, doctors tend to work very efficiently and always seem quite busy.
They’re often multitasking, speaking with you while checking something on their monitor or quickly printing out necessary documents.
That said, I’ve never felt their care was rushed.
Despite the short consultation time, they take the time to listen attentively and address your concerns thoroughly.
Of course, this can vary depending on the doctor, so even within the same clinic, I recommend trying out a few doctors to find one you feel most comfortable with.
Challenges of Living Abroad: Consulting in English
It’s been just over four years since I moved from Japan to New Zealand.
While I can understand English fairly well in daily conversations and work settings, I often feel anxious or struggle with communication when it comes to environments filled with specialized terms, like medical consultations.
I usually prepare for my consultation by organizing what I want to discuss in advance and writing down any difficult-to-pronounce or unfamiliar words on a piece of paper.
When explaining my concerns to the doctor, I refer to this note and sometimes show them the written words for clarity.
Since the consultation time is limited to 15 minutes, it’s better to focus on discussing one symptom per appointment rather than trying to address multiple concerns at once.
This allows the doctor to provide more thorough care within the given time.
How to Get a Prescription in New Zealand
After your consultation, if the doctor determines that medication is necessary, they will write a prescription for you.
After your consultation, the doctor will ask which pharmacy you’d like your prescription sent to. I usually choose the pharmacy located within or adjacent to the clinic where my GP is based.
In New Zealand, many clinics have an on-site pharmacy or one located within the same premises.
However, if your GP is a bit far from home, you can opt for a pharmacy closer to you, such as Chemist Warehouse or other local drugstores, which is often more convenient.
Once your GP appointment is complete (and the consultation fee already paid), you can simply head to the designated pharmacy, provide your name, and receive your prescribed medication promptly.
How Much Does a Prescription Cost in New Zealand?
As of 2025, in New Zealand, a prescription generally costs $5 NZD per item in most cases.
There are also prescription subsidy programs in place, and fees may be waived for certain individuals, such as those with a Community Services Card or depending on age.
Since prescription costs are subject to change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information on the New Zealand government’s website before your appointment.
These are the basics of GP visits and prescriptions in New Zealand. I hope this information helps when you need to access general medical care or get a prescription while living here.
Note: Consultation fees and systems may vary depending on the clinic. It’s recommended that you conduct your own research and verify details beforehand. Ensure that the information comes from reliable sources, such as the New Zealand Government, for accurate and trustworthy guidance.
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