Portals and video appointments: New Zealand.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · India · Philippines.

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Portals and video appointments: New Zealand

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/portals-and-video-appointments

Online health services can save a trip, as long as they are set up safely and before you need them. This sheet sums up the session, with details for where you live in the box below.

Setting up a portal

Get the sign-up link from your provider, not from a search or a message.
Use a strong password you use nowhere else and turn on two-step sign-in.
Ask about family or carer access instead of sharing your login.
Sign out fully on shared or public computers.

Using it

Results can appear before a clinician has discussed them; call the clinic if one worries you.
Portal messages are not for emergencies.
If you can’t find something, ask the clinic’s front desk or help line.

Video appointments

Test the link, camera and sound before the day.
Find a private place and charge your device.
Have your questions and medicines list ready.
Ask for an interpreter, captions or a phone call if you need one.

Avoiding scams

Be wary of urgency, threats, free offers and payment by gift card.
Never share passwords, sign-in codes or bank details.
Hang up and call back on a number you already have.

In New Zealand

My Health Record. Health New Zealand’s My Health Record lets people aged 16 or over see some of their health information online, such as immunisation records and National Health Index (NHI) details, even if they aren’t enrolled with a GP. You sign up with a My Health Account using your own email address and a New Zealand or Australian identity document, the name of your GP practice, or both.
Identity levels. A new account starts at a basic level that shows only COVID-19 and NHI information. To see more, such as your wider immunisation history, you confirm your identity to upgrade it. The help line is 0800 222 478.
GP patient portals. Many healthcare providers offer their own patient portal. My Health Record is meant to sit alongside these, not replace them, and it shows records held on central systems whether or not you have a portal.
Hospital video appointments. Some hospital services offer phone or video appointments; ask your clinician if one suits you. You may be asked to confirm your identity, and you need an in-person visit for an examination or tests. Health New Zealand says it doesn’t record online appointments, and you should tell your clinician if you want to record one.
Online GP Care and Healthline. Health New Zealand’s Online GP Care offers video appointments with registered health professionals 24/7 to anyone in New Zealand, with no enrolment needed and subsidies for some people; it isn’t for emergencies. Healthline is free on 0800 611 116, any time, and can arrange an interpreter.

Official places to check:

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora: www.healthnz.govt.nz/websites-and-apps/my-health-record
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora: www.healthnz.govt.nz/online-phone-healthcare/online-hospital-appointments-telehealth
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora: www.healthnz.govt.nz/online-phone-healthcare/online-gp-care
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora: www.healthnz.govt.nz/online-phone-healthcare/healthline

More free official help in New Zealand: moraph.org/commons/help/health-access/nz

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 20 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/portals-and-video-appointments