enquiry-form
finance

Funding Options

There are several categories of funding assistance for hearing devices that may be available to eligible clients.


Payment Plans

GEM is a flexible, client payment plan specifically designed for healthcare expenses that makes it easier for you and your family to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.

Some of the great benefits include 12 months interest-free finance, the convenience of monthly repayments and access to finance that can be used by the whole family for ongoing treatment without having to reapply.

Applying for GEM is easy.

It takes just three simple steps:
1. Ask your National Hearing Care audiologist about GE CareCredit
2. Complete the short application in clinic
3. Receive a decision, usually on the spot.

Ministry of Health Subsidy

Individuals purchasing their own hearing devices are eligible for the Ministry of Health Subsidy once every six years.

When you purchase your hearing devices your audiologist will get you to sign a Ministry of Health Subsidy application which will be submitted on your behalf to the government agency who administer the subsidy.

ACC

Individuals who have suffered hearing loss as a result of occupational noise exposure or traumatic damage to their hearing may be eligible for funding assistance for hearing devices, hearing assistive technology and/or tinnitus treatment through ACC. Your audiologist will advise you if you are likely to be eligible for funding through ACC and will explain how to go about lodging an ACC claim.

WINZ

Beneficiaries and superannuitants may be eligible for WINZ assistance. National Hearing Care can provide WINZ quotes on a range of affordable hearing device options.

War Pensions

Individuals who have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of their military service prior to 1974 (those who suffered hearing loss in routine service after 1974 may be covered by ACC), individuals who have been involved in a war or “emergency” military action as recognised under the War Pensions Act (1954) since 1974 and individuals who served in the merchant navy during WWII can apply to Veterans’ Affairs NZ for a War Pension and funding for hearing devices or hearing assistive technology. Your audiologist can provide you with a War Pension application form.

Equipment and Modification Services Subsidy

The government provides funding assistance for people who require hearing devices or hearing assistive technology who meet specific criteria.

Adults who have had a severe long-term hearing loss since childhood or who have developed a sudden severe hearing loss, or who have a dual disability (e.g. blind and hearing impaired) can apply for funding. Also, adults who hold a community services card AND are in full-time work, full-time study, work as a volunteer or are the full-time carer for a dependant person may also apply for funding.

This funding is limited, and is allocated on a priority basis. Waiting lists vary from region to region.

Your audiologist can explain to you how this funding process works and the amount that you will be required to contribute towards the cost of the service and equipment.


Tinnitus Treatment & Management

The aim of tinnitus treatment and management is to achieve habituation. Tinnitus habituation is when a person becomes less aware of their tinnitus and, when heard, does not associate the tinnitus with distress or anxiety. Just as someone living next to a railway track will tune out the sound of passing trains, so the brain can be trained to ‘tune out’ tinnitus.

Hearing devices are a tool to help you access the life you prefer, and give you the freedom to enjoy it.