All Kiwis are eligible for some assistance with hearing aids! The cost of your hearing aids includes the devices and a one-year service package with your audiologist. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to devices so we offer a range of options. Read more below to find out about funding options.
New Zealand Hearing is an accredited Southern Cross Easy-Claim provider.
The Ministry of Health offers a $511.11 (inc GST) subsidy every six years for a hearing aid (or $1022.22 for two).
More here >As a New Zealand permanent resident or citizen, you are entitled to a $511.11 (inc GST) subsidy through the Ministry of Health. This is a great benefit to help cover a portion of the overall cost of your new hearing aids. This subsidy is available every six years.
For more information, visit the Disability Support Services website.
You might be eligible for the Ministry of Health Hearing Aid Funding Scheme. This option is available to New Zealand permanent residents and citizens. This funding program will cover the cost of the hearing aids but will not cover fitting and assessment fees.
More here >As an adult, you are eligible if you meet the following criteria:
For more information, visit the Disability Support Services website.
You may be eligible for funding through ACC. If more than 6% of your hearing loss is due to an injury, ACC will help cover the cost of hearing aids.
More here >ACC may cover some portion of your hearing aids if more than 6% of your hearing loss is due to an injury. Injuries may include:
The amount of funding provided will vary depending on the cause and degree of hearing loss and how much of your hearing loss is due to the injury. New Zealand Hearing clinics offer hearing aids at all ACC funding levels.
The process for obtaining ACC funding can feel daunting but your audiologist is here to support you the whole way through. Every New Zealand Hearing clinic is ACC certified and will help guide you from start to finish.
You might qualify for hearing aid funding through the Veterans' Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) program if you have hearing loss or tinnitus from a Qualifying Service.
More here >Qualifying Service means you were deployed on one or more specific operations or you served in the NZ Armed Forces prior to 1 April 1974. You may also be eligible if your hearing loss or tinnitus prevent you from working as a result of your Qualifying Service.
For more information, visit the Veterans' Affairs website.
We are an accredited Southern Cross Easy-Claim provider – please enquire with your local clinic.
More here >Southern Cross Easy-Claim allows members to claim for eligible services like hearing tests at the time of their appointment – no forms required.
If your policy includes the service, Southern Cross pays us directly, and you only pay any remaining balance. As cover varies between policies, we recommend checking your plan before your appointment.
Please note: hearing aids and hearing devices are not covered under Easy-Claim.
For more information, visit the Southern Cross website.
You may need to file an insurance claim if you've lost or damaged your hearing aids beyond repair.
More here >Accidents happen and things get lost. You might need to make a claim for your hearing aids one day (make sure you put them on your household contents insurance straight away) and your New Zealand Hearing audiologist will help you through the process. We work with all types of insurance companies and we will make sure you get the proper care you need during this stressful time.
Note: some insurance companies are directing clients to "preferred providers" but rest assured, we can still work with you and your insurance company. Don't be afraid to talk to your audiologist if your insurance company asks you to see a different provider - we are here to help you and will make sure this process goes as smooth as possible!