By Belinda Castles
Researcher | Kairangahau
It’s stressful when your child is sick and you can’t book a doctor’s appointment. An online GP visit may help, and, as of August 2026, they’re free for under-14s.
Health NZ’s Online GP Care service has done away with charges for children’s appointments, removing a barrier to healthcare as winter bugs put pressure on schools, families and GP clinics.
Dr Dale Bramley, Health NZ’s chief executive, says the health system has seen a significant surge in cases related to winter illnesses in the past week. The peak is expected to last several more weeks.
“People might find it difficult to book an appointment with their regular doctor. Other families may not be enrolled with a health provider. That’s where our Online GP Care service can help. The service is available from anywhere in the country, any time of the day or night.”
From the start of August, all children under 14 can access this service for free. Previously, only children with a Community Services Card received free online GP care and children under 14 without one were charged up to $30.
Health NZ's online GP appointment interface.
Rates for teenagers (14–17) with Community Services Cards have also been reduced from a maximum of $30 to a maximum of $13.50. The maximum fee for teenagers without a Community Services Card has gone from $55 to $45.
Adult appointments range from $69 to $99, depending on the provider you book an appointment with. Adults with a Community Services Card pay between $25 and $33.
Dr Bramley says the Online GP service is also helpful for rural communities.
“Appointments usually take place through a video app or a phone call, and the service can prescribe a medicine and send the prescription to your nearest pharmacy.”
Since launching in May 2025, Online GP Care has provided 115,426 consultations for 85,784 people.
Dr Bramley says the service has the added benefit of freeing up emergency care, although it is still important that people go to an emergency department or call 111 without delay when necessary.
Schools are reminding whānau to keep children at home when they’re sick, and Dr Bramley says it’s not too late to get a winter flu vaccination, which is free for some people.
Where else can you get medical care?
If you can’t see a GP, there are several other options available in New Zealand.
Pharmacies
You can get a range of over-the-counter medicines and some health advice from the pharmacist. Pharmacies can help with:
medicine queries
coughs and colds
bladder infections
eye infections
minor cuts and grazes
emergency birth control
vaccinations (at some pharmacies).
While you don’t have to make an appointment, the pharmacy isn’t free. You’ll have to pay for special consultations and medicines, and fees will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy.
Healthline
You can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 at any time for free health advice from a registered nurse.
PlunketLine
Whānau Āwhina Plunket is a free service that supports tamariki under 5 and their caregivers. It runs the PlunketLine advice line for caregivers and whānau 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll be connected with a registered Plunket nurse who can help with parenting issues and your child’s health and wellbeing.
Call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922.
