A Canterbury based healthcare provider has launched one of New Zealand’s most affordable online medical services, giving people across the country access to care for common conditions without needing to attend a clinic in person.

CareNow Online, delivered by WeCare is now live nationwide and offers online consultations from $35 for casual patients.

People enrolled with WeCare can access the service for as little as $25.

The service is nurse led with oversight from senior doctors and is built on WeCare’s established CareNow model, which has already delivered tens of thousands of in person consultations.

Managing Director Dr Brian Ko said the focus is on making healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyday needs.

“We’ve designed CareNow Online to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for people across New Zealand. At $35 for casual patients, it removes cost as a barrier while still being delivered by an experienced clinical team,” he said.

CareNow Online launches with a defined set of 9 common conditions that are well suited to online assessment. These include urinary tract infections, acne, cold sores, emergency contraception, period delay, head lice, gastro symptoms, allergies and hay fever, and chlamydia contact treatment.

Medical Director Dr John Ko said the service is designed to avoid unnecessary clinic visits when a face to face appointment is not required.

“Not every health concern needs a face to face appointment. CareNow Online focuses on conditions that can be safely managed online, allowing people to get timely care without coming into a clinic when they don’t need to,” he said.

Consultations are completed online, with prescriptions organised electronically and sent directly to a patient’s chosen pharmacy. Some participating pharmacies also offer medication delivery, allowing people to receive treatment without leaving home.

The service is positioned as a practical option for managing everyday health needs, such as dealing with hay fever during a lunch break or seeking treatment while unwell without sitting in a waiting room.

WeCare said CareNow Online is a natural extension of its in person service and will continue to expand, with additional conditions expected to be added in early 2026.

Although developed by a Canterbury based healthcare network, CareNow Online is available nationwide, offering an alternative for people who find it difficult to access timely appointments or attend clinics in person.