Immigration New Zealand has removed hepatitis B and hepatitis C from the “high‑cost health conditions” list used to assess resident‑visa applications. The change applies to applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026 and means that a diagnosis of either condition no longer triggers an automatic failure of the health requirement.
How the high‑cost health list works
Resident‑visa applicants must meet an “acceptable standard of health.” Part of the assessment considers whether an applicant is likely to impose significant costs on New Zealand’s health or education services. The cost threshold is set at NZD 81,000. Conditions on the list are presumed to exceed that threshold, resulting in an automatic health‑requirement failure unless a medical waiver is granted.
What the removal means
- No automatic fail – Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are now assessed on individual medical circumstances (treatment needs, prognosis, expected costs) rather than being presumed to exceed the cost threshold.
- Medical examination still required – Applicants must still undergo the standard medical exam and provide a General Medical Certificate. If concerns arise, Immigration New Zealand may refer the case to a registered medical assessor.
- Not retrospective – The change does not automatically overturn decisions made before 3 August 2026. Previous refusals remain unless a new application is lodged under the updated rules.
Reason for the removal
Immigration New Zealand said that advances in antiviral therapy have drastically reduced treatment costs for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C, bringing expected expenses well below the NZD 81,000 threshold. The decision was made in consultation with the Ministry of Health and supported by Pharmac’s assessment of current treatment costs. A similar removal occurred in October 2021 for HIV infection for the same reason.
Other updates to the high‑cost list
- Major psychiatric illness or addiction – Remains on the list only when the applicant requires significant support services.
- Severe autoimmune disease – Wording updated to reflect a broader range of lower‑cost treatment options now available.
- Renal and hepatic disorders – Clarified wording to better capture the intended conditions.
Practical implications for applicants
- Skilled migrant, family and employer‑sponsored visa categories are most likely to be affected, as many applicants from regions with higher hepatitis prevalence previously faced automatic health‑requirement failures.
- Applicants should ensure that their medical records and treatment plans are up to date when submitting the General Medical Certificate, as the case will be evaluated on its own merits.
- While a medical waiver is no longer automatically required, complex or advanced disease and related complications may still lead to a referral to a medical assessor and could result in a health‑requirement refusal if projected costs exceed the threshold.
Frequently asked questions
Does removal guarantee a pass on the health requirement?
No. Applicants must still meet the acceptable standard of health; the condition is simply no longer an automatic fail.
When does the new list take effect?
From 3 August 2026 for all resident‑visa applications submitted on or after that date.
Will a medical exam still be needed?
Yes. The standard medical examination and General Medical Certificate remain mandatory.
What about previous refusals based on hepatitis B or C?
The change is not retroactive. Applicants whose earlier applications were declined must submit a new application to be assessed under the updated rules.
These updates shift the focus of New Zealand’s health‑requirement assessment toward actual treatment costs and individual health outcomes rather than blanket assumptions about specific diagnoses.
Source article: www.newzealandshores.com
