top of page

Subsidised Online Doctor Appointments Now Available with Pocket Lab

  • Writer: Pocket Lab
    Pocket Lab
  • Jul 5
  • 2 min read
Woman and child looking at phone during online doctor consultation

Accessing quality healthcare in Aotearoa just got easier and more affordable.

Pocket Lab is now a Health New Zealand-accredited telehealth provider offering government-subsidised online doctor appointments from 8 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week.

You don’t need to be enrolled with a GP to book online doctor appointments with Pocket Lab. The service is open to both enrolled and unenrolled patients, making it a convenient option for casual users, travellers, and those without a regular doctor.


Who Can Access Subsidised Consults on Pocket Lab?

If you're eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand, you may qualify for a reduced-cost consultation — even if you're not enrolled with a GP.

Subsidies apply to:

  • Children under 14 years

  • Young people aged 14–17 years

  • Adults with a Community Services Card (CSC)

  • Children of CSC holders

You’ll be asked to confirm your eligibility during the booking process.


Who Is Eligible for Publicly Funded Healthcare?

To qualify for subsidised services, you must be eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand. This typically includes:

  • NZ citizens

  • Permanent residents or resident visa holders

  • People on work visas valid for two years or more (including time already spent in NZ)

  • Refugees, protected persons, or their dependents

If you’re unsure, you can check your eligibility on the official Health NZ website.


How It Works

Using Pocket Lab is simple and secure, designed for people who need care, not complexity.

  1. Book Online: Choose the service you need — general consultation, medical certificate, repeat prescription, or lab test referral.

  2. Consult a NZ-registered GP: One of our friendly doctors will speak with you via video or phone, based on your preference.

  3. Get What You Need


All of these services are arranged on the same day as your consultation

What We Can Help With

Pocket Lab doctors can diagnose and treat a wide range of common health concerns, including:

  • Cold & flu symptoms

  • Sore throat, cough, sinus infections

  • UTIs and skin infections

  • Mild mental health concerns (e.g. stress, anxiety)

  • Sick leave certificates for work and study

  • Repeat prescriptions and lab test referrals

If your condition requires an in-person assessment, our doctors will let you know and help guide your next steps.

Whether it’s a weekend, public holiday, or after-hours, Pocket Lab gives you reliable access to healthcare when you need it. Book your appointment today!

bottom of page