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Summary

All attached documents in this webpage are being reviewed following the recent mandate change announcement.

  • Most people who get COVID-19 recover fully, but some may go on to develop longer term symptoms or “long COVID”. There is currently no additional COVID funding for investigation and treatment of long COVID. It will be funded in the same way as other medical conditions and emergencies.
  • Once the acute phase of the COVID-19 infection is over, any longer-term symptoms which continue or develop should be managed in the same way as other long-term conditions.
  • Normal co-payments for general practice appointments will apply, as well as part charges for emergency ambulance callouts, and prescription co-payments at community pharmacies. Specialist level treatment will be funded by the regional divisions of Te Whatu Ora, or self-funded if accessed privately.
  • The Ministry of Health has developed long COVID rehabilitation guidance and service delivery which is available here.

Background and context

Long COVID is one of the names given to the symptoms experienced by people after a COVID-19 infection.

Globally, the condition is also known as post-COVID syndrome, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID syndrome, chronic COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (see Long COVID on the National Institute for Health Innovation website).

Most people with COVID-19 recover within 2–6 weeks. For some, a full recovery will take up to 12 weeks. A smaller group of people report a diverse range of symptoms for weeks or months after the expected recovery period.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the clinical definition of long COVID is ongoing symptoms that continue 12 weeks or more after infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Long COVID funding arrangements

There is currently no additional funding for the investigation and treatment of long COVID – it will be funded in the same way as other long term medical conditions and emergencies.  

Normal co-payments for general practice appointments will apply, as well as part charges for emergency ambulance callouts. Specialist level treatment will be funded by Te Whatu Ora, or self-funded if accessed privately. 

Rehabilitation guidance and service delivery

The Ministry of Health’s Expert Advisory Group has established the long COVID programme to disseminate emerging models of care, clinical practice, patient self-management and digital enablement to support patients with long COVID in New Zealand. Guidelines for clinical rehabilitation for people with long COVID have been published.