Understanding organ donation
Who can donate their organs?
Last reviewed: August 2026
Almost anyone can be considered for organ and tissue donation. There is no age limit, and very few medical conditions rule donation out. Doctors assess what can be donated at the time of death.
Am I too old to donate my organs?
No. People of all ages, including the elderly, can be considered for organ and tissue donation. Whatever your age, doctors will assess the suitability of your organs and tissues following your death.
Can I donate if I have a medical condition, like asthma or cancer?
Usually, yes. Very few medical conditions prevent donation altogether. Doctors will look at your full medical history and assess each organ and tissue.
For example, a person with severe asthma may not be able to donate their lungs, but may be able to donate their heart, liver, kidneys and eye tissue. People with cancers such as breast or prostate cancer can donate eye tissue, but not heart valves or skin.
If your organs aren't suitable, you may still be able to donate tissues — eye tissue to restore sight, heart valves that can save the lives of babies and young children, and skin to treat people with severe burns.
I wear glasses. Can I still donate my eyes?
Yes. Eye tissue — the cornea and the sclerae (the white outer layer of the eye) — are transplanted to restore sight and repair eyes, whether or not you wore glasses.
Around 300 people need a corneal transplant each year in New Zealand. Nearly half of those transplants treat keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, blurring vision.
I've lived in the UK. Can I still donate?
Yes. Living in or visiting the UK does not prevent organ or tissue donation.
If I'm a donor, will doctors still try to save my life?
Yes, always. Doctors and nurses will fight, first and foremost, to save your life. Donation is only considered after they are absolutely certain there is no chance you will recover.
When is donation actually possible?
Organ donation is only possible when a person dies in an intensive care unit while on a ventilator, usually from non-survivable brain damage. Fewer than 2% of deaths happen this way.
Tissue donation is different. People who die at home, in hospital or in a hospice can be considered for the donation of eyes, heart valves and skin for up to 48 hours after death.
Do I need a driver licence to be a donor?
No. The most important step is making sure your whānau or the people who would be at your bedside if you were critically ill know your wishes. If donation is ever possible, they will always be asked.
Learn about the driver licence tick.
