Contact lens subsidy

You must have an active agreement with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora before supplying lenses or submitting claims. Claims cannot be processed for lenses issued before an agreement is in place.

The subsidy applies to lenses supplied for medical need, including replacements for damaged or lost lenses.

Only one legal identity, payee number, and bank account can be linked to each agreement.

Payment is made within 20 working days of receiving a valid claim.

What the contact lens subsidy covers

Replacement lenses (damaged or lost) - we will covers two‑thirds of the replacement cost (claim code: S2).

All other eligible lenses - we will cover the full supply cost, based on the supplier’s invoice (claim code: S1).

Disposable lenses

Disposable lenses are funded if they are:

• clinically appropriate
• as cost‑effective as permanent lenses.

Fees

Current fees are GST-inclusive. If no lenses are fitted and only an eye examination is provided, the client pays.

How to make a claim

Before you claim

Apply for an agreement using the Contact Lens Benefit Application Form.

Contact Lens Benefit Application Form - DOC, 394 KBexternal link

Email a signed copy to adminsupport@health.govt.nz or post to:

Health New Zealand Sector Operations
Private Bag 1942
Dunedin 9054

Submitting claims

Send your completed Schedule B claim form to:

Sector Operations
PO Box 1026
Wellington 6140

Attach a copy of the supplier’s invoice for each claim, or your claim may not be processed.

You may also send a bulk supply invoice and state how many lenses you are claiming for.

Getting more claim forms

To get more forms you will need to provide us your payee number. You can:

• phone: 0800 855 066
• email: customerservice@health.govt.nz 

If there are issues with payment

If you have not been paid, contact the Sector Operations Contact Centre on 0800 855 066 (option 3).

Claims older than 6 months require special approval from us to process.

Common error messages include:

• 0513 – invalid provider number
• 0520 – invalid service for contract

If you need support

You can contact the Sector Operations Contact Centre for help with agreements, claims, or payment issues:

• phone: 0800 855 066 (option 2)
• email: customerservice@health.govt.nz 

Hours:

• Monday, 8am to 5pm
• Tuesday, 8am to 5pm
• Wednesday, 9:30am to 5pm
• Thursday, 8am to 5pm
• Friday, 8am to 5pm.