Is There a Government Subsidy for Chemo Hats in New Zealand? Your Guide to the Ministry of Health Grant

Navigating Hair Loss: How to Claim the NZ Ministry of Health Headwear Subsidy (Step-by-Step)

Discovering you need chemotherapy or are facing medical hair loss like alopecia brings a whirlwind of emotions. Amidst the medical appointments and treatment plans, the last thing you should have to worry about is the financial strain of finding comfortable, high-quality headwear.

A question we hear from so many women across New Zealand is: "Is there a government subsidy or funding to help pay for chemo hats and headwear?"

The answer is a reassuring yes. Manatū Hauora (The Ministry of Health) provides direct financial support to help cover these exact costs, and at Kaus Hats, we make it simple to claim.

Understanding the Funding: What Are You Entitled To?

The government offers a grant known as the Wigs and Hairpieces Service Payment. Despite the name, this subsidy isn't just for wigs—it fully covers everyday medical headwear, including soft bamboo hats, sleep caps, turbans, and headscarves designed for sensitive scalps like hats from Kaus Hats.

The funding amount depends on your age and whether your hair loss is temporary or permanent:

Category	Grant Amount (incl. GST)	How Often You Can Claim
Adults (18+) with Temporary Hair Loss (e.g., from Chemotherapy)	$408.89	Every 1 year
Adults (18+) with Permanent Hair Loss (e.g., Alopecia)	$2,330.66	Every 9 years
Children (Under 18) (Temporary or Permanent)	$1,226.66	Every 3 years (or until turning 18)

Good to know: You do not have to spend your entire allowance all at once. You can use a portion of it now for your initial hats, and save the rest of your balance for later in the year if you need a refresh.

How to Claim Your Subsidy with Kaus Hats: A Step-by-Step Guide

We believe this process should be completely stress-free. We’ve set up a "no-payment upfront" checkout system so you can select your favourite comfort pieces without having to pay out of pocket while your paperwork is being sorted.

Here is exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Secure Your Medical Certificate

During one of your appointments, ask your GP, oncologist, or breast care nurse for a Medical Certificate for Hair Loss. This must include your name, your unique National Health Index (NHI) number, and a clear statement confirming your hair loss is related to your medical treatment or condition.

Step 2: Download the Claim Form

Download and fill out the official Ministry of Health Hair Loss Subsidy Claim Form (you can download a copy directly from our website or the Ministry of Health page). Make sure to sign and date it.

Step 3: Choose Your Headwear Online

Browse the Kaus Hats store and add your favourite bamboo beanies, turbans, or caps to your shopping cart.

• Important Note: When filling out your claim form, please ensure the total subsidy amount you request includes the cost of shipping so everything is fully covered.

Step 4: Select the "MOH Payment" Option at Checkout

When you proceed to checkout, you don't need to enter a credit card. Simply select the Bank Deposit & MOH Payment option. This safely reserves your chosen hats in our system without requiring an upfront payment.

Step 5: Send Us Your Documents

Take a clear photo or scan of your Medical Certificate and your signed MOH Claim Form, and email them directly to us at kerrin@kaushats.co.nz.

What Happens Next?

Once we receive your email, we take care of the heavy lifting. We submit the claim directly to the Ministry of Health on your behalf - you do not need to pay a cent! Easy Peasy! As soon as the paperwork is processed, we package your hats with love and dispatch them straight to your doorstep.

If you are placing a subsequent order later in the year using your remaining balance, the process is even easier—you just fill out the same claim form, tick "subsequent order," and send it over. No new medical certificate required!

Have questions about your remaining balance or need help choosing the softest fabric for a sensitive scalp? Reach out to us anytime at kerrin@kaushats.co.nz—we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.