Labour will make healthcare affordable again with three free doctor's visits, free prescriptions, free maternity scans and free cervical screening - all through one Medicard.
- Free Doctor's Visits - three free GP visits a year for every New Zealander
- Free Prescriptions - the $5 fee removed from 1 July 2027
- Free Maternity Scans - everywhere in New Zealand from July 2028
- Free Cervical Screening - for ages 25 to 69, from 1 October 2027
- Family Doctor Loan Scheme - backing more local GPs to open and stay open
Why it matters
Under Christopher Luxon, it's become harder and more expensive to see a doctor when you're sick.
No one should have to choose between seeing a doctor and putting food on the table. Labour will build a health system that doesn't depend on what’s in your wallet.
Labour's plan in detail
Free Doctor's Visits (Medicard)
Every New Zealander will get a new Medicard giving access to three free doctor's visits a year at their enrolled practice, funded by a simple, targeted tax on investment property profits.
Full policy details →Free Prescriptions
From 1 July 2027, the $5 fee on prescriptions will be removed for every New Zealander entitled to public healthcare - no forms, no claiming money back.
Full policy details →Free Maternity Scans
From July 2028, Labour will fund every scan a doctor, midwife or specialist refers a pregnant woman for, everywhere in New Zealand - no forms, no invoices.
Full policy details →Free Cervical Screening
From 1 October 2027, cervical screening will be free for everyone aged 25 to 69, loaded automatically onto the Medicard and available at your local doctor or a community screening event.
Full policy details →Family Doctor Loan Scheme
Labour will offer doctors interest-free loans for the first two years, of up to 90% of the cost of buying into a general practice (capped at $500,000), to encourage more owner-operated local clinics.
Full policy details →A Labour government will also guarantee a job for every eligible graduate nurse, so our hospitals and clinics have the staff to deliver this care. See our full plan for good jobs.
What is Labour's Medicard?
The Medicard is a new card and app every New Zealander will receive, giving access to three free doctor's visits a year at their enrolled practice, free cervical screening (ages 25 to 69), and free maternity scans. Entitlements are loaded automatically.
What free healthcare will I get under Labour?
Under Labour, New Zealanders will get three free doctor's visits a year, free prescriptions, free maternity scans, and free cervical screening for those aged 25 to 69. Labour is also backing more local GP practices through the Family Doctor Loan Scheme.
How is Labour's healthcare plan funded?
Labour's healthcare policies are funded by a targeted 28% capital gains tax on profit from selling commercial or residential investment property, excluding the family home, farms, KiwiSaver, shares, businesses and inheritances. Every dollar raised is ring-fenced for health, and nine out of 10 New Zealanders will not pay the tax.
When do these healthcare changes start?
Free prescriptions and the Family Doctor Loan Scheme start from 1 July 2027. Free cervical screening starts from 1 October 2027. Free maternity scans start from July 2028. The Medicard's three free doctor's visits roll out alongside these changes.
Who is eligible for these entitlements?
The Medicard and its entitlements are available to every New Zealander entitled to public healthcare. Cervical screening is free for those aged 25 to 69. Maternity scans are free for anyone pregnant and eligible for publicly funded health services, with a referral from a GP, midwife or specialist.
Affordable, reliable healthcare is the foundation on which New Zealanders build their lives.
Better starts now.
See Labour's full policy plan →
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