General practitioner (GP) services
Full-time domestic students
All full-time domestic students in Christchurch who pay the Student Services Fee ($358.90 in 2026) are eligible for the discounted GP scheme at The Christchurch Doctors clinic. The Student Services Fee charge is compulsory.
Subsidy and fees
- UOC contributes $33 per GP consultation
- Students with a Community Services Card (CSC): No charge
- Students without a CSC: $27 surcharge applies
- Nurse enrolment consult: $40 one-off fee if you enrol/register with the practice (not subsidised; casual patients do not require this session)
Services not subsidised
These services are available at The Christchurch Doctors but not covered by UOC:
- ACC consultations
- Nurse consultations
- House calls and after hours
- Travel medicine and vaccinations
- Driving medicals
- Immigration medicals
- Insurance medicals
- Well person checks
- Depo Provera injections
- IUD insertions
- Wart removal
Note: The 24-hour surgery is not subsidised.
Using a different GP clinic
Students may choose another GP clinic to attend while they are studying in Christchurch, particularly if they grew up or have previously lived here. Two options exist:
- Option 1: The GP invoices UOC directly for the $33 subsidy (the clinic must be set up as a supplier to the University)
- Option 2: You pay the full fee on the day, obtain a GST receipt, and email it to for reimbursement
Email katrina.notton@otago.ac.nz
Part-time domestic students
Part-time domestic students in Christchurch are not eligible for the GP scheme subsidy. However, they may attend The Christchurch Doctors as casual patients.
International students
International students are not eligible for the GP Scheme subsidy. However, they may attend The Christchurch Doctors as casual patients and request a receipt for insurance claims.
The Christchurch Doctors
How to access the clinic
When booking, state that you are a University of Otago, Christchurch student.
Bring your student ID to your first appointment.
Clinic details:
The Christchurch Doctors
148 Hereford Street
Tel +64 3 366 3391
If your name Is not on the eligibility list at the clinic, ask the clinic to contact:
Alice Le Petit, Operations Manager
Tel +64 21 279 0917
Email alice.lepetit@otago.ac.nz
Rural and regional students
RMIP (ALM5 Rural Medical Immersion Programme)
- UOC contributes $33 per consultation, as per the standard scheme, provided the Student Services Fee has been paid and allocated to UOC
- Students can apply to RMIP for payment towards the balance, if the cost of living rurally is causing hardship
Nelson, Blenheim, and Timaru students
- UOC covers treatment costs using the same principles as Christchurch-based students, provided the Student Services Fee has been paid and allocated to UOC
- Refer to your Nelson/Marlborough or Timaru TI Handbook for suggested medical practices
Counselling services
Counselling support is available for students who need assistance with wellbeing or learning.
How to access counselling services
- Referral can be arranged through your GP or via Sheila Mark, the UOC Student Care Coordinator
Email fom-c.studentcarehub@otago.ac.nz - Students may choose:
- A counsellor/psychologist of their choice, or
- The on-site psychologist, Justine Wilson
Note: Most counsellor appointments will have a minimum cancellation notice period. Late cancellations incur the full appointment cost.
Other counselling services options for medical students
Medical Protection Society (MPS) offers free membership to medical students and free access to counselling with a psychologist.
VIsit the Medical Protection Society website
Dental Services
UOC students are eligible for a special rate when visiting the Cambridge Terrace Lumino Dentist.
- $99 new patient exam + X-rays
- 10% discount on selected treatments
Valid student ID required.
Flu Vaccinations
Free flu vaccinations are available to all Christchurch-based students through Te Whatu Ora.
A vaccination programme runs in April and May, with times and venues advertised on campus and via email.
Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sport
Students receive a 20% discount on memberships at Christchurch City Council recreation and sport centres if you present your student ID at sign up.