X-Ray Cost in New Zealand
What you actually pay under ACC, the public health system, and at private radiology clinics. Last reviewed April 2026.
Quick Overview
New Zealand has two major coverage streams for imaging. The public health system (Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand) provides free X-rays at public hospitals when referred by a GP. ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) fully funds any X-ray needed for an accident-related injury — most private radiology clinics process ACC directly, leaving the patient with $0 to pay. Non-ACC self-pay at private clinics runs NZD 150–300 per view.
🏥 Public Hospital
- With GP or hospital doctor's referral
- Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) facilities
- Wait times vary — can be long for non-urgent
- Residents and eligible visitors
🏥 ACC (Accidents)
- Covers all New Zealanders + visitors injured in NZ
- Direct billing at most private radiology groups
- Covers all residents and visitors for accidents
- Patient pays nothing at private clinic
🏥 Private Self-pay
- Non-ACC imaging at private radiology
- Full-spine study NZD 300
- Same-day or walk-in access
- Private health insurance often covers
Typical NZ X-Ray Prices
Sample self-pay prices from published price lists at NZ private radiology clinics (April 2026). Most accident-related views are ACC-funded at $0.
| X-Ray Service | Price (NZD) | ACC funding |
|---|---|---|
| Chest (AP + lateral) | $159.50 | $0 if ACC-covered |
| Ankle | $159.50 | $0 if ACC-covered |
| Knee | $149.50 | $0 if ACC-covered |
| Shoulder | $156.00 | $0 if ACC-covered |
| Cervical spine | $167.00 | $0 if ACC-covered |
| Lumbar spine | $159.50 | $0 if ACC-covered |
| Thoracic spine | $159.50 | $0 if ACC-covered |
| Full spine | $300.00 | Not covered by ACC |
| Abdomen (1 view) | $149.50 | $0 if ACC-covered |
| Abdomen (2 views) | $167.00 | $0 if ACC-covered |
| Bone age assessment | $233.50 | Not ACC |
Sample source: River Radiology (NZ) published price list, April 2026. Other private groups (Auckland X-Ray, Coastal Radiology, Taranaki Radiology) price similarly.
How NZ Coverage Works
The two main streams
- Public (Te Whatu Ora): tax-funded hospitals, free with referral
- ACC: no-fault accident insurance for all NZ residents and visitors
- Private insurance (Southern Cross, nib, AIA): optional supplementary
- Self-pay: walk-in at private radiology clinics
Funding
- Public: general taxation (no earmarked health tax)
- ACC: levies on earnings, petrol, and motor vehicle registration
- Private insurance: member premiums
- No mandatory health insurance for residents
How to get an X-ray
- Accident-related: doctor writes ACC45 form; go to any radiology clinic
- Non-accident: GP referral → public hospital (free) or private (self-pay)
- Walk-in radiology: common for ACC cases at private clinics
- Bring ACC45 (if applicable), GP referral, photo ID
Where to Get an X-Ray
🏥 Public / Hospitals
- Auckland City Hospital
- Wellington Regional Hospital
- Christchurch Hospital
- Dunedin Hospital
- Waikato Hospital
- Regional Te Whatu Ora facilities
🏥 Major Private Radiology Groups
- Auckland X-Ray — Auckland region
- Pacific Radiology — nationwide
- TRG Imaging — Auckland
- River Radiology — regional
- Coastal Radiology — New Plymouth region
- Marlborough Medical Imaging
💡 Practical tips
- Accident injury? ACC45 form means $0 at most private clinics
- Public hospital wait times variable — ask your GP
- Private insurance (Southern Cross) often covers non-ACC imaging
- Digital imaging via patient portal or CD
Guide by Patient Type
🇳🇿 NZ residents
- Accident: ACC covers fully — use any private radiology
- Non-accident: GP → public hospital (free) or private self-pay
- Private insurance speeds access for non-ACC needs
- Community Services Card reduces GP fees
💼 Expats / work visa holders
- 2-year+ visas: eligible for public care on same terms as residents
- ACC covers accidents regardless of visa status
- Private insurance recommended for non-ACC imaging speed
- Employer plans vary — check coverage details
✈️ Tourists / short-term visitors
- ACC covers accidents / injuries in NZ for visitors — $0 at radiology
- Non-accident care: self-pay at private (NZD 150–300)
- Emergency care at public hospitals available
- Travel health insurance recommended for non-accident illness
Practical Details
📋 What to bring
- NZ ID or passport
- ACC45 form if accident-related
- GP referral (for non-accident)
- Prior imaging on CD/USB
- Card for self-pay
⏰ Typical wait times
- Emergency: immediate
- ACC walk-in: same day
- Private self-pay: same day or next
- Public non-urgent: days to weeks
💡 How to save money
- ACC45 = $0 patient cost for accident imaging
- Use public hospital for routine non-urgent
- Private insurance speeds non-ACC care
- Compare private radiology price lists — many published online
FAQ
Is an X-ray free in New Zealand?
Yes, in two cases: (1) public hospital imaging with a GP referral for residents and eligible visitors; (2) any accident-related X-ray covered by ACC — at most private clinics, this means $0 patient payment regardless of residency.
What is ACC?
Accident Compensation Corporation — NZ's no-fault accident insurance scheme. Covers all NZ residents and visitors for accident-related medical costs, including imaging, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. Funded by earnings, petrol, and motor vehicle levies.
How much is a private chest X-ray?
Around NZD 149.50 for a single-view chest X-ray at private radiology clinics, or NZD 159.50 for two views. Full-spine studies NZD 300. Published price lists available at most clinic websites.
Do tourists pay for X-rays?
Accident-related imaging: ACC covers visitors in NZ — $0. Non-accident care: tourists self-pay at private clinics (NZD 150–300) or at public hospitals (non-resident fees apply).
Does Southern Cross cover X-rays?
Most Southern Cross plans cover outpatient diagnostic imaging with an excess. Specifics vary by plan — check your schedule. Direct billing at many radiology clinics.
What is an ACC45?
The ACC claim form a GP or A&E doctor completes after an injury. It provides the reference number private radiology clinics need to bill ACC directly. Without it, you pay up front and claim back from ACC later.
Compare X-Ray Costs Across Countries
Sources
- ACC — Radiologists' Costs Schedule and claimant guidance
- River Radiology — published X-ray price list (April 2026)
- Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) — public hospital imaging policy
- Southern Cross / nib — private insurance product guides
Last reviewed: April 2026. Private prices vary by clinic; always check the current price list.