Rising costs mean one in six Kiwis can't afford a visit to the doctor, according to the Labour Party.
New research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal reveals 25 per cent of adults are unable to get the healthcare they need, and 16.5 per cent miss out on visit to the GP because of the cost.
Retiree Bruce Campbell say the prices in Whanganui are "shocking".
"When I go to the doctor I would be in his surgery for five minutes and they charged me $40."
Mr Campbell says he knows elderly patients who are finding it more and more difficult to get their regular check-up.