From 1 October 2027, cervical screening will be free for everyone aged 25-69 through Labour's Medicard, alongside three free doctor's visits every year for every New Zealander.
- Free cervical screening for everyone aged 25-69
- Starts 1 October 2027
- Eligibility automatically loaded onto the Medicard
- Available at your local doctor or community screening events - just scan your Medicard
- Free screening is in addition to three free doctor's visits a year
- Cost: $21.6 million for the first full year, funded from existing health baselines
Why this matters
Cervical cancer is among the most preventable cancers yet 85 percent of those diagnosed have never been screened or missed screenings.
Free cervical screening means more on-time screening, earlier diagnosis, lives saved, and less pressure on our hospitals. It also brings cervical screening in line with other nationwide free cancer screening programmes.
The cost of waiting
Cost should never be a barrier to care. Under Christopher Luxon, it's become harder and more expensive to see a doctor. He promised to fix the cost of living, but it's getting worse and there's no plan to fix our health system. It doesn't have to be this way.
How much it will cost
Cervical screening for everyone who needs it aged 25-69 will be available from 1 October 2027 and will cost $21.6 million for the first full year. It will be funded from existing health baselines.
Labour will build a health system that keeps people healthy, not just treats them when they're sick.
Who is eligible for free cervical screening?
Everyone aged 25 to 69.
When does it start?
From 1 October 2027.
How do I access it?
Eligibility is automatically loaded onto your Medicard - simply scan it at your local doctor or a community screening event.
How much will this cost, and how is it funded?
$21.6 million for the first full year, funded from existing health baselines.
Is this on top of my free doctor's visits?
Yes - free cervical screening is in addition to the three free doctor's visits every New Zealander gets each year.
Money back in your pocket and just one of the ways Labour policies will make your life better.
Download the full policy document.
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