Am I eligible for Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People funding?
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People funds cochlear implant services for people with severe to profound hearing loss where hearing aids prove ineffective for acquiring or maintaining spoken language.
For those who meet eligibility criteria, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People funds bilateral implants for children (up to 19 years) and one implant for adults. Funding is prioritised based on a national Clinical Priority Access Criteria (or CPAC) tool. There may be a wait time.
Only patients who live in New Zealand permanently and are eligible for publicly-funded health and disability services may qualify.
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People funded services includes:
- Initial assessment
- The device (an implanted electrode and a sound processor which is worn externally)
- Surgery
- Audiology
- Rehabilitation for adults or habilitation for children
- Processor replacement when the current processor becomes unserviceable
For funded patients, the cost of travel to the SCIP for an audiology assessment, surgery and follow-up appointments may be covered through the Ministry of Health’s National Travel Assistance Scheme.
Private patients
Patients who do not meet Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People eligibility criteria for full funding may elect to fund a cochlear implant(s) themselves.
We work with the four main implant manufacturers and can discuss with you the cochlear implant system best suited to your needs. While private patients may elect the manufacturer of their choice, in some cases clinical circumstances will dictate the recommended implant system.
Our consultation fees – private patients
Cochlear Implant Candidacy assessment $750
(Audiology, Rehabilitation)
“Meet-and-greet” pre-op discussion No charge
Post-implant follow-up – one-off fee $5400 per implant*
(Audiology, Habilitation/Rehabilitation)
Spare parts, batteries, and repairs At cost
* A 40% discount on consultation fees is offered for simultaneous recipients on the second ear.
Prices provided here are accurate, but may change at any time. For confirmation of implant prices and fees, please request a formal quote valid for 30 days.