Appointments with your own doctor
If you need a doctor's appointment, call your own doctor first to see if they have an appointment. Many doctors offer video or over-the-phone appointments. This means you can speak to your own doctor even if you are somewhere else in Aotearoa. If you need a prescription your doctor can send this to the pharmacy closest to you.
Other online doctor services
There are dedicated health services for you to have an appointment with a doctor using a video or phone call.
Why use an online doctor service
Online doctor services are a good option if:
- your usual doctor cannot fit you in
- your do not have your own doctor.
They often have appointments available and you do not need to be enrolled to use some of them. Some providers offer this service after hours and on the weekends, as well as during normal business hours.
There will be a cost for the appointment.
Online doctor services can provide prescriptions for collection at your closest pharmacy.
Rural health service — Ka Ora Telecare
Ka Ora is an after hours health service providing phone and video consultations for people living in or visiting rural communities.
You do not need to be enrolled with a healthcare provider to use the service. It is free to speak to a nurse. All appointments are free for tamariki under 14 years old.
Ka Ora is available:
- 5pm to 8:30am during weekdays
- 24 hours during weekends and on public holidays.
Online doctors anyone can use
Everyone in Aotearoa can access these services, including students and visitors.
Tend
See a doctor online or in person. Download their app to book an appointment.
Book an appointment with Tend (external link)
Emergency Consult
You can video chat with an emergency doctor for 24-hour urgent care.
Video call with an emergency doctor now (external link)
Well Revolution
Talk to a doctor online without an appointment. Download the app for free.
Chat with a doctor now (external link)
CareHQ Online Doctors
Download the CareHQ app to select an appointment date and time to see a doctor online.
Book an appointment with CareHQ (external link)
Arataki Wellness Centre
Available 24/7 for prescription refills, second opinions, or guidance.
Online doctors you need to be enrolled with
It is recommended that everyone living in Aotearoa is enrolled with a local doctor (GP). It is free to enrol and it means your care will be subsidised, so you pay a lower consultation fee.
Find out more about general practice and enrolment (internal link)
MedOnline
Anyone in Aotearoa can register to use MedOnline services and get a prescription. You need to be enrolled to use this service — but this is quick and easy to do.
Practice Plus
You will need to be enrolled with a GP who uses Practice Plus to use this service.
You can find out if your GP uses Practice Plus by looking for the Practice Plus booking button on your GP's website. Select the logo and you will be taken to a booking page.