At the moment, if you test positive for COVID-19 and you are eligible for the antiviral medication, then your GP consultation to discuss this is fully funded by the Ministry of Health. This is the only funding still left in place for appointments related to COVID-19.
Unfortunately, this funding will be coming to an end after 30 June 2024. From Mon 1 July any GP appointments for those with COVID-19 who are eligible for the antivirals will not be funded by the Ministry of Health, and our standard GP consultation fee will apply instead.
This means that, regardless of age, ethnicity, other health conditions, or eligibility for antiviral medication, if you test positive for COVID-19, then any consultation with your doctor will incur the standard GP consultation fee.
We are sorry to see this funding go -- as we have been for all the other COVID-19 funding that has ended already -- as the virus is still very much affecting the community. We realise cost may be a barrier to some, especially those who are eligible for antivirals and need an appointment to get their prescription.
As per Te Whatu Ora's webpage on COVID-19 antiviral medication, you may be able to get antivirals from certain pharmacies without a prescription if you meet the eligibility criteria and if the pharmacist is able to get the required information from you. Not all pharmacies can do this. Otherwise, you will need to have a phone consultation with a GP in order to get a prescription.
If you are in need of this appointment but cost is a barrier, please let us know and we will do our best to work out a plan with you.
