New Zealand Resident Visa Health Rules Updated: Hepatitis B and C No Longer Automatic Barriers

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced an important change to the health assessment process for resident visa applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026.

Under the updated policy, applicants with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C will no longer be automatically assessed as not meeting the acceptable standard of health simply because they have these conditions.

This change recognises that treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C has become significantly more affordable, meaning these conditions no longer automatically fall within the category of high-cost medical conditions.

What Has Changed?
Previously, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C were included on INZ's list of high-cost health conditions. This often meant applicants were automatically considered as potentially placing high costs or demands on New Zealand's health system.

For resident visa applications lodged from 3 August 2026 onwards, this automatic assessment no longer applies.

Instead, INZ medical assessors will consider each applicant's individual medical circumstances before determining whether they meet New Zealand's acceptable standard of health requirements.

Other Health Assessment Updates
INZ has also updated the wording of several health conditions to make the requirements clearer for applicants and medical assessors. Key changes include:

• Major psychiatric illness and/or addiction will only be considered where significant support is required.
• Severe autoimmune diseases have been updated to reflect the availability of a wider range of lower-cost treatment options.
• Renal and hepatic disorders have been clarified to better identify which conditions are intended to be included.

These changes are designed to ensure the high-cost health conditions list remains focused on medical conditions that are likely to create significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health services.

Does This Mean Every Applicant with Hepatitis Will Be Approved?
No. Applicants must still satisfy New Zealand's health requirements for a resident visa.
The difference is that hepatitis B and hepatitis C are no longer automatic reasons for an adverse health assessment. Instead, each case will now be assessed individually based on the applicant's medical situation and likely impact on New Zealand's health system.

Why Has INZ Made This Change?
According to INZ, treatment costs for hepatitis B and hepatitis C are now well below the current significant cost threshold of NZD $81,000. The policy update was developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, and Pharmac also supports removing both conditions from the list of high-cost health conditions.

Our Comments
This update is welcome news for many prospective migrants who may previously have faced additional barriers when applying for New Zealand residence.

However, every health case is different. Even with these changes, medical information must still be accurately disclosed and applicants must continue to meet New Zealand's health requirements.

If you have a medical condition and are considering applying for a New Zealand resident visa, understanding how the health assessment applies to your individual circumstances remains an important part of preparing a strong application.

For qualified advice from our licensed immigration adviser, click the button below.

Appointment