National Telehealth Service: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Get 24/7 health advice via phone or text for free to help you manage your wellbeing when you can't reach a doctor.
The National Telehealth Service provides a way to speak with health professionals whenever you need medical advice or guidance. This service acts as a remote support system to help you manage your health concerns without needing to visit a clinic in person immediately.
Who it's for
The service is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone living in the country. All residents qualify to use this service to seek health-related information or professional advice regarding their wellbeing.
What you get
You receive 24/7 access to health advice, meaning you can reach out for support at any time of the day or night. You are not limited to a single method of communication; you can receive help through a phone call or via text message. This flexibility allows you to seek guidance whether you are at home, at work, or in a fast-paced environment where you might only be able to send a quick text.
What it costs you
There is no financial cost to use this service. It is entirely free for those who qualify, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent you from accessing essential health information.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that this service is for health advice and general guidance only. It is not a substitute for emergency 111 services. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or are in immediate danger, you must contact emergency services directly rather than using this telehealth option.
How to apply
- Determine if your health concern requires professional advice or if it is an emergency.
- Use your phone to contact the service via a voice call or a text message.
- Speak with the professional to receive guidance on your next steps.
- For more information on how the service operates, visit the official portal: https://www.telehealth.org.nz