The legal framework
New Zealand funds both treatment and PrEP through the national pharmaceutical agency, with prescriptions available from general practice as well as specialist services. Testing is free at sexual health clinics and is also delivered by community organisations, with rapid results. Post-exposure prophylaxis is available through emergency and sexual health services.
New Zealand funds both HIV treatment and PrEP through the national drug funding agency, making PrEP free for those who meet the criteria, and free HIV self-test kits are available by post. Treatment is free for eligible residents, and the country has set an elimination target for local transmission.
Key points
| PrEP | Publicly funded since 2018, prescribable in general practice |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Publicly funded |
| Testing | Free at sexual health clinics and through community rapid testing |
| PEP | Through emergency departments and sexual health services |
| Eligibility | Funding depends on residence or visa status; check before assuming coverage |
| Community organisations | Deliver a large share of testing and peer support |
In practice
- Ask your GP about PrEP: a specialist referral is not required.
- Community rapid testing gives a result in minutes and is free.
- Confirm your eligibility for funded medicines if you are on a temporary visa.
- For PEP, go to an emergency department without delay.
Cost and coverage
Treatment and PrEP are publicly funded for eligible people; a standard prescription charge may apply.
Where to go
- Sexual health services of the health districts.
- Burnett Foundation Aotearoa and Body Positive.
- General practices for PrEP prescriptions.
Worth knowing
Eligibility for publicly funded medicines depends on immigration status. If you are on a temporary visa, establish your position before you need treatment urgently.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get PrEP in New Zealand?
Through a GP or a sexual health clinic, with funded prescriptions for people meeting the eligibility criteria and three-monthly monitoring. There is no cost for the medication itself for those who qualify. Self-test kits for HIV are available free by post.
What does undetectable equals untransmittable mean?
That a person on effective treatment whose viral load stays below the limit of detection does not pass HIV on sexually. This is settled science, confirmed by large studies and accepted internationally. It depends on taking the medication consistently and having the viral load checked regularly. For a couple where one partner is HIV positive, it changes everything.
Official sources and links
- govt.nz — official government information
- New Zealand Legislation — acts and regulations