Cochlear™ Implant Funding in New Zealand
Discover the funding available to New Zealanders for Cochlear™ implants and sound processors.
Public Cochlear Implant Programs
New Zealanders of all ages can access government funded Cochlear Implant Programs, which typically offer fully funded Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems to eligible patients.1-3
The Cochlear Implant Programs can also cover the below on your behalf4,5
- Cochlear implant assessment
- Cochlear implant surgery
- Audiological services
- Associated ongoing support services
- Programming and rehabilitation
Southern Cross Health Insurance
Southern Cross Health Insurance will cover the cost of one cochlear implant (surgically implanted hearing device) for adult policyholders who meet eligibility criteria. Depending on the policy, they may also cover the costs of the cochlear implant surgical procedure. Southern Cross Health Insurance will not cover the cost of sound processors (externally worn devices).8
To find out more, speak to your Southern Cross Health Insurance affiliated surgeon or contact Southern Cross Health Insurance on 0800 800 181. Exclusions and eligibility criteria apply.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)6
If you have suffered a hearing loss as a result of an accident, you can access a hearing device through the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). If you are eligible, your ACC case manager can help you apply for funding for a cochlear implant or bone conduction device.
Enable New Zealand6,7
You or your child may be eligible for funding for a bone conduction device through Enable New Zealand. Children who have a hearing loss and are in full-time education are eligible for support with hearing devices up to the age of 21 years. Your child may start with a bone conduction device on a headband (called a Baha® Softband) until they are old enough for a surgically implanted device. Replacement bone conduction sound processors are also funded up to a maximum of three times for young people in primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
You can apply for Enable New Zealand funding as follows:
- Take your child for an assessment and hearing aid recommendation by an audiologist or audiometrist who is a member of the New Zealand Audiological Society.
Find an Audiologist/Audiometrist - The audiologist or audiometrist will complete an assessment and, if the device is suitable, apply to Enable New Zealand on your behalf.
Once funding is secured, the sound processor is fitted by an audiologist or audiometrist in a public hospital.
Funding Cochlear devices yourself
If you want the latest Cochlear hearing technology immediately, you can choose to self-fund. To enquire about pricing or for more information, contact the Cochlear Engagement Team.
5 years interest-free finance on Cochlear devices
If you live in New Zealand, there is an option to self-fund your Cochlear device with interest free finance. Cochlear has partnered with Gem Visa to provide approved customers with 5 years interest-free credit on Cochlear devices.* Applying online is simple. For full details, follow the five steps in the brochure below
Contact the Cochlear Engagement Team for support with:
✓ Cochlear implant funding options available to you
✓ Booking an appointment with your nearest Cochlear Implant clinic
✓ Free information sessions and events for Cochlear implant candidates and loved ones
✓ Free support services available to Cochlear implant candidates
✓ The steps from initial cochlear implant assessment to surgery
✓ Cochlear implant candidacy requirements
Phone: 1800 875 212
SMS: 0447 243 454
Email: hearinghelp@cochlear.com
More information
Disclaimer
* Gem products are provided by Latitude Financial Services Limited and subject to their terms and conditions. Cochlear is not the credit provider and is not advertising credit services. By submitting your application to Cochlear, you consent to Cochlear passing on your personal information in your application to Latitude Financial Services Limited.
Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.
In Australia, Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderately severe to profound hearing loss.
In Australia, Baha® bone conduction implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.
In Australia, the Cochlear™ Osia® System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 10 years and above with up to 55 decibels sensorineural hearing loss. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.
For Cochlear™ Nucleus®, Osia® and Baha® systems: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. For information on funding and reimbursement please contact your health care professional.
Any testimonial featured on this website is intended for an Australian audience only.
This webpage contains general information and should not be used in place of your own enquires about funding options available to you. Cochlear accepts no liability for use or reliance placed on this information. We recommend you contact your health insurer and/or healthcare professional to confirm your coverage.
References
- Southern Cochlear Implant Programme [Internet]. Southern Cochlear Implant Programme; (2023), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://scip.co.nz/.
- Cochlear implants [Internet]. Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People, [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/support-and-services/equipment-and-aids/cochlear-implants/.
- 2019 – 2020 Annual Report [Internet]. The Hearing House (2020), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.hearinghouse.co.nz/_files/ugd/6f9a29_0e4165a351e147a9b8f0f6521f551ddb.pdf.
- Southern Cochlear Implant Programme Costs [Internet]. Southern Cochlear Implant Programme; (2022), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://scip.co.nz/patient-information/costs/.
- Treatment we can help pay for [Internet]. ACC New Zealand; (2023), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.acc.co.nz/im-injured/what-we-cover/treatment-we-pay-for/?smooth-scroll=content-after-navs.
- Deaf or hearing loss equipment for children [Internet]. Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People, [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/support-and-services/equipment-and-aids/deaf-or-hearing-loss-equipment-for-children/.
- Hearing aid funding and subsidy [Internet]. Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People, [cited 13 March 2024]. Available from: https://www.enable.co.nz/about-us/what-we-do/subsidy-funding-services/hearing-aid-funding-and-subsidy.
- Eligibility criteria for cochlear implant internal device (sound processor) October 2023 [Internet]. Auckland: Southern Cross Medical Care Society. Available from: https://prod.southerncross.co.nz/society/-/media/southern-cross-health-society/health-insurance/eligibility-criteria/otolaryngology/cochlear-implant-internal-device.pdf