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Free Prescriptions at Life Pharmacy
Great news, prescriptions are now free at Life Pharmacy!
On 1 July 2023, the Government scrapped the $5 prescription co-payment charge for fully funded medications from approved providers. So, you won’t pay a cent when you pick up your next prescription at your local Life Pharmacy.
We’re thrilled! This change will make it easier for all our customers to access their medications with no strings attached.
Expert care and free advice at your local pharmacy
Another thing that comes free at Life Pharmacies is our expert health advice and caring support.
So don’t worry if you have lots of questions about your medication, our pharmacists will talk you through every step, making sure you understand your prescription before you leave.
Your local Life Pharmacy offers much more than prescriptions
We consult on an extensive range of health, wellness, beauty care and treatments...
Want something to soothe your cough?
Worried about your sore throat?
Trying to kick a smoking habit into touch?
Looking for the latest lipsticks or soothing care for sensitive skin?
Or perhaps you simply want an up-to-date snapshot of your health?
Just ask at your local Life Pharmacy. We’ve been caring for generations of Kiwis and we’re always happy to help. Our promise is to provide you with free access to care and advice on the above, plus any other health services.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are all prescriptions free?
Free prescriptions are available on all medications that are fully funded by the New Zealand Health System (Manatu Hauora).
Prescription medicines that are not fully funded still incur a prescription charge. Extra services (e.g. blister packaging) may also have a small fee attached. If you’re not sure, just ask and we’ll be happy to help.
Do children get free prescriptions?
Yes, prescriptions for children up to 13 years old were free under the old system and that continues today.
Do you have to pay for repeat prescriptions in New Zealand?
If you received free prescriptions for your fully funded medicine, then your repeat prescriptions will also be free.
Are specialist prescriptions free?
Prescriptions from specialists, and non-funded medicines, have $15 co-payments on prescription charges. However, if you and your family need more than 20 non-funded prescription items in a year, you’ll qualify for the Prescription Subsidy Scheme.
What is the Prescription Subsidy Scheme?
If you and your family (that’s your spouse and any dependent children aged 14-18 years) get more than 20 non-funded prescription medicines in one year, you’ll get a Prescription Subsidy Card. That means any further prescriptions will be free until 1 February the following year.
Don’t forget to let us know the names of everyone in your family. We’ll keep track of how many prescriptions you’ve paid for, and let you know as soon as you’re eligible for a Subsidy Card.
Does my free prescription qualify for Living Reward points?
Yes, you'll enjoy 1 Living Reward point for every prescription item*. Terms and conditions apply.
Additionally, anything you buy alongside your free prescription may be eligible, which means you’ll enjoy one point for every $1 you spend with Living Rewards!
Ready to pop into one of our community pharmacies?
If you’re looking to fill your next prescription, or even if you need confidential and expert advice, it’s easy to find us using our pharmacy finder.
We look forward to helping you soon.
Life Pharmacies are Kiwi pharmacies. We’re locally owned and there for you.
*Free Prescriptions Terms & Conditions:
- Charges relating to partially funded or unfunded medicine prescriptions may apply.
- Prescription co-payments remain for prescriptions from unapproved prescribers (e.g., private specialists and private dentists)
- Living Rewards Points:
- One Living Rewards point will be allocated per prescription item on the initial prescription only.
- Living Rewards points are not available on repeat prescriptions.
- To earn points members must either present their Living Rewards card or provide an email address or mobile number at time of purchase for points to be allocated to their membership profile.
