How to Afford Expensive Surgery: Real Ways to Pay for Private Surgery in New Zealand

Private surgery in New Zealand can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $50,000, depending on the procedure. That’s not just a big number-it’s a wall many people face when they need help but can’t wait for public system delays. If you’re facing a surgery that’s not covered fully by public healthcare, or you want to skip months-long waits, you’re not alone. But you also don’t have to go broke to get it done.

Know exactly what you’re paying for

Too many people get a vague quote like “$15,000 for knee surgery” and panic. But that number often includes everything: surgeon fees, anaesthetist, hospital bed, implants, post-op care, and even physio. Ask for a detailed breakdown. Some providers bundle everything. Others charge separately. If you get a quote without itemized costs, ask for one. You might find that the surgeon’s fee is $6,000, the hospital is $4,500, and the anaesthetist is $2,200. That changes how you plan.

For example, a hip replacement in a private Auckland hospital might cost $28,000 total. But if you choose a smaller clinic outside the city, the same procedure could drop to $21,000. Location matters. Facility type matters. Even the time of year can affect pricing-some clinics offer discounts in slower months like July or August.

Use your private health insurance wisely

If you have private health insurance, check your policy before assuming anything. Many people think they’re covered for everything. They’re not. Some plans cover only 70% of surgeon fees. Others exclude certain implants or require pre-approval. Call your insurer. Ask:

• What percentage of each component is covered?
• Is there a cap per procedure?
• Do I need pre-authorization?
• Which hospitals or surgeons are in-network?

One woman in Wellington had a spinal fusion covered at 85%-but only because she picked a surgeon listed in her plan. If she’d chosen someone outside the network, her out-of-pocket cost would have jumped from $4,200 to over $18,000. Don’t guess. Verify.

Ask about payment plans

Most private clinics in New Zealand offer interest-free payment plans. Not all advertise them, but nearly all will set one up if you ask. You don’t need a credit check. You don’t need to apply for a loan. Just say: “Can I pay this over time?”

Typical plans let you pay over 6 to 24 months with $0 interest. For a $12,000 surgery, that’s $500 a month for 24 months. No hidden fees. No credit score checks. Many clinics partner with medical finance companies like MediFinance NZ a New Zealand-based provider offering interest-free payment plans for medical procedures or Health Finance Group a local service that helps patients structure affordable payments for elective surgeries. These aren’t payday loans-they’re structured to fit your budget.

Consider public options as a backup

Even if you’re trying to go private, don’t ignore the public system. Sometimes, you can get the same surgery for free through public hospitals-but you’ll wait. For example, a cataract surgery might take 18 months on the public waitlist. But if you pay $4,000 privately, you get it in 3 weeks. Is that worth it? For many, yes.

But here’s a trick: you can sometimes start in the public system, get assessed, and then use that assessment to speed up your private route. A public surgeon’s report can be used by a private provider to skip the initial consultation. That saves you $300-$600. It’s not a loophole-it’s a smart shortcut.

Use your ACC if it applies

If your surgery is the result of an accident, work injury, or even a car crash, ACC might cover it. ACC doesn’t just cover work injuries. It covers slips, falls, sports injuries, and even some medical complications if they’re linked to an accident. For example, a knee injury from a fall at home? ACC might pay for the repair. A shoulder injury from lifting heavy boxes at work? ACC likely will.

Don’t assume you’re not eligible. Fill out an ACC form. Get a doctor to complete the injury report. Even if you’re unsure, it’s free to apply. If approved, ACC can cover 100% of surgical costs, including private care. In 2025, over 14,000 New Zealanders used ACC to fund private surgery they otherwise couldn’t afford.

Tap into community and charitable support

Some charities and community groups help people pay for essential surgeries. They’re not magic, but they exist. For example:

• Canterbury Health Charities a regional fund supporting low-income patients needing non-elective surgery helps with travel, accommodation, and partial surgery costs for people in the South Island.
• Heart Foundation NZ offers financial aid for cardiac procedures for those without insurance provides grants for heart surgeries based on income and need.
• Diabetes NZ offers assistance for foot and limb surgeries related to diabetic complications.

These aren’t big payouts, but $1,000-$3,000 can make the difference between paying in full or needing a loan. Apply early. They often have waiting lists too.

Look into medical tourism (carefully)

Some people fly to Thailand, India, or even Australia for cheaper surgery. The cost difference can be huge. A hip replacement in Bangkok might cost $8,000 versus $28,000 in Auckland. But here’s the catch: you’re on your own for aftercare. If something goes wrong, you’re not covered by NZ health laws. No ACC. No local follow-up. No easy way to sue.

If you consider this, only choose hospitals with international accreditation (like JCI). Get all records translated. Bring a local doctor’s note with you. And never skip pre-op tests in NZ. Your GP should clear you before you leave. The savings are real-but so are the risks.

Use your KiwiSaver (if eligible)

Under certain conditions, you can withdraw KiwiSaver funds for medical treatment. It’s not for cosmetic surgery. But if your surgery is deemed medically necessary-like spinal fusion, joint replacement, or cancer treatment-you can apply to withdraw your own contributions and employer contributions. The government allows this under the “serious financial hardship” clause.

You need a doctor’s letter confirming the surgery is essential and that you can’t afford it otherwise. Approval takes 2-4 weeks. You can’t withdraw the government tax credit, but you can take out your own money. One man in Hamilton used $15,000 from his KiwiSaver to cover his double knee replacement. He didn’t have insurance. He had no savings. But he had been contributing for 12 years. It was his only option.

Don’t ignore your options

There’s no single way to afford expensive surgery. But there are many paths. Most people who succeed don’t have deep pockets. They just know where to look. They ask questions. They shop around. They don’t accept the first number they hear. They use insurance, payment plans, ACC, charities, and even KiwiSaver-not all at once, but strategically.

Start by listing your surgery, estimated cost, and what you’ve already tried. Then go through each option above. Talk to your surgeon’s office. Call your insurer. Visit ACC’s website. Reach out to charities. You might be surprised how many tools are already available.

Surgery doesn’t have to break you. It just needs a plan.