Financial Assistance
Introduction
Living with diabetes can create extra financial pressures for individuals and whānau — from healthcare costs and healthy food choices to transport, equipment, and time away from work or study. For some, there are also costs related to caring for a loved one with diabetes.
Financial support is available! In Aotearoa New Zealand, a range of financial assistance options can help ease the burden — including subsidies for healthcare and prescriptions, income and disability supports, and assistance for carers, which can be utilised that can be variety of costs. This section outlines what help is available, who may be eligible, and where to start when applying through government services, health providers, and community organisations.
How to get started
The first step is to talk with your diabetes team, GP, or social worker — they can help identify which supports you may qualify for and guide you through the application process. Many forms of assistance are accessed through Work and Income (WINZ), the Ministry of Health, or your local Primary Health Organisation (PHO). Community organisations and diabetes support groups can also help with advice, advocacy, and completing forms.
Areas to explore:
Help with healthcare and prescription costs
- Community Services Card – what it covers, how to apply.
- Prescription subsidies – the $5 prescription charge, eligibility for free prescriptions.
- High Use Health Card – for people who see their GP or nurse frequently.
- Diabetes supplies – funded through Pharmac (insulin, test strips, CGMs, pumps, etc.).
- Dental and eye care – where to find low-cost or subsidised services.
Support for diabetes supplies and equipment
- What is funded vs self-funded (Pharmac list).
- Hospital or DHB/Te Whatu Ora funding for specialist equipment.
- Options for people using technology not yet funded (advocacy, community grants, fundraising tips).
Travel assistance for medical appointments
- National Travel Assistance (NTA) – who qualifies, how to claim.
- Mileage, accommodation, and escort support for those travelling long distances for care.
- Other local travel help (hospital shuttles, community transport).
Income and disability-related supports
- Disability Allowance – ongoing costs like medical supplies, transport, heating.
- Supported Living Payment or Jobseeker Support – Health Condition, Injury or Disability.
- Child Disability Allowance for tamariki with diabetes.
- How income thresholds and medical certification work.
Carer support and respite options
- Carer Support Subsidy – how it works and how to claim respite days.
- Support for whānau carers – training, wellbeing, peer networks.
- Links to Carers NZ, Te Whatu Ora, and disability support services.
Where to go for help and advice and help applying
- Diabetes NZ have a great resource on Financial Support. You can also call them for advice on 0800 342 238.
- Work and Income (WINZ) offices and online tools.
- Social workers and diabetes nurse specialists.
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Disability Information Centres.
Page updated: October 2025
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