If you can't find what you're looking for, submit a suggestion for a FAQ!
Feedback about our service can also be submitted:
- in person, via the feedback form found in our waiting rooms
- by email at student-health@otago.ac.nz
- over the phone on 0800 479 821
- via our online feedback form.
Question topics
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment:
- In person at Student Health reception
- By phone 0800 479 821 (freephone within New Zealand)
- Online via Manage My Health
What if I need more than a 15-minute appointment?
Please ask the receptionist at the time of booking. There is an additional charge for a 30-minute appointment.
What hours are you open?
Our semester hours are:
Monday 8:30am–8:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am–8:30pm
Wednesday 10:45am–8:30pm
Thursday 8:30am–8:30pm
Friday 8:30am–5pm
We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
During non-semester time (mid-November to mid-February), we close at 5pm.
Monday–Thursday, 5:00pm–8:30pm: Pre-booked routine appointments only. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept walk-in patients during these hours.
Refer to our out-of-hours care options if you require medical assistance
When can I see a nurse instead of a doctor?
Our nurses can manage a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Reception can help you determine if a nurse appointment would be appropriate.
See the full list of what a nurse can help with (PDF)
Do I need an appointment for repeat prescriptions?
To obtain a repeat prescription for a medication you will need to make an appointment with one of the doctors at Student Health.
Some students who are on long-term, regular medications may be able to get future repeat prescriptions without seeing a doctor. An initial GP appointment needs to be made to see if you are eligible for this option. If you are interested please discuss this with your GP at your next appointment.
Please note, we DO NOT offer a telephone or email requests service for repeat prescriptions
Nurses at Student Health are able to provide prescriptions for a number of medications; our reception team can assist in booking the most appropriate appointment.
How do I pay for my appointment?
We accept cash, EFTPOS, credit card, and online banking.
What if it is my first visit?
At your first visit to Student Health, you will be required to complete a questionnaire about your medical history and an enrolment form to ensure we have all the correct details for you.
Or you could download the enrolment forms to complete and bring with you to your first appointment.
If you have a community services card (CSC), you will need to bring that with you to your first appointment to be loaded into our system. Once it is in our system it will remain active until it expires at which point you will need to advise us of your new card number.
We encourage you to apply for a CSC as this will give you access to cheaper medical care. Find out about Community Services Card eligibility:
Community Services Card page on the Work and Income website
How to apply for a community services card?
To apply for a community services care please download this form:
Community Services Card application form (PDF)
Who can use Student Health?
All students based in Dunedin who pay the University of Otago student fee can use Student Health Services. If you have any questions regarding the student fee please contact the Student Services office.
Tel +64 3 479 5752
What if I am a University of Otago student based outside of Dunedin?
Students based outside of Dunedin do not pay the local Student Services Fee and so are unable to attend Student Health.
Your individual departments can provide you with the options available to you for health care while you are studying outside Dunedin.
If you are in Dunedin for semester breaks, we may be able to see you; however, you will be charged a higher consultation fee as you have not paid the student services fee.
What if I am a University staff member?
If you are a University of Otago staff member and a student working at the University under 18.75 hours per week and have paid the student services fee, then you are eligible to attend Student Health.
Can my family use the service?
As our resources are limited, we can only provide primary health care services to students enrolled at the University who have paid their student services fee.
I have left University – can I still use Student Health?
When you leave University, you will need to find a new medical practice.
HealthPoint lists medical practices in your area.
When do I need a medical certificate during semester?
You should first go to your tutor, lecturer or course coordinator to seek an extension or exemption from academic requirements, and check if a medical certificate is required.
If any of the above insist on a medical certificate for your illnesses or if you are not comfortable in informing any of the above about your illness, then make an appointment at Student Health for a medical certificate. This is different to the special consideration process. There is a charge for all certificates.
What is the process for special consideration in final exams?
For all special consideration applications, you will need to complete an application on eVision and fill out a Health Declaration form. Please note you are only required to fill out Part A. Part B will be completed by a panel of clinicians.
Your completed Health Declaration form needs to be handed into Student Health. There is a charge for all special consideration applications. This is to cover the extra time involved in processing and assessing the applications.
Where possible we encourage you to contact Student Health on the day of your illness as it is very difficult to retrospectively provide support for impairment.
The final decision on your application outcome is made by the exams office. All enquiries regarding your application or appeal should be directed to the exams office.
For everything you need to know, including forms, refer to:
How is my health information stored and who can access it?
Your health records are stored securely in our patient management system (Medtech). In accordance with the Health (Retention of Health Information) Regulations 1996, the Public Records Act 2005, and the University of Otago Disposal Authority, we retain health information for at least 10 years after your last contact with us.
When we no longer need to keep your information, it will be securely deleted, destroyed, or de-identified.
Only Student Health staff involved in your healthcare can access your health record. University staff outside Student Health cannot access your information without your written consent.
To receive our services, you will be required to complete an enrolment form, which includes consent for us to share relevant health information with other healthcare providers involved in your care, such as hospital specialists or emergency departments.
How do I transfer my health records to/from another medical practice?
We do not automatically obtain your Health Records from a previous provider.
Your Student Health clinician may ask you to complete a transfer of records form so we can obtain a full copy of your records from your previous health provider.
Alternatively, if you want your records available to Student Health, you can arrange the transfer yourself by completing this form:
Authority to release health records form (PDF)
When you leave Student Health and sign up with a new medical practice they will request permission to get your records from Student Health.
If you are returning to your previous medical practice please advise them that you have been seen at University of Otago, Student Health.
How do I access my own health records?
To obtain a copy of your own health records, you will need to sign and complete this form:
Authority to release health records form (PDF)
Please note this could take up to 10 working days.
To send completed transfer/access forms to Student Health, please use one of the following options:
- In person at Student Health reception
- Via email to student-health@otago.ac.nz
Where can I get good information about my symptoms, or looking after myself?
Healthline
Healthline is a free 24/7 telehealth service staffed by nurses and paramedics. They will gather information about your symptoms/concerns and give advice on if you need to be seen, and when/by whom.
You can call free on 0800 611 116.
Healthify
Healthify is a website providing free information and resources on a wide range of symptoms and conditions and how to manage these. You can browse the website for free, using zero data.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies may be able to provide appropriate advice on your symptoms and offer over the counter treatment options.
I’m worried I have scabies – what should I do?
You can find out more about scabies – what it is, how you get it and how to treat it – on the healthify website.
Pharmacists are able to provide treatment for scabies without you needing to see a doctor or a nurse.
How can I get the Emergency Contraceptive Pill?
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill is available from Student Health, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa clinics, many pharmacies and after-hours care clinics.
Find more information about Emergency contraception
Where can I find medical assistance when Student Health is fully booked or closed?
National Healthline
Free phone 0800 611 116 (inside New Zealand)
Healthline website
Healthline is a free 24-hour telephone health advice service funded by the Ministry of Health.
Healthline registered nurses assess a person's condition and health needs and recommend the best course of action and a time frame in which to take action.
They can also provide general health information and location of services.
Online GP consultations
These are available through Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand with registered healthcare professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can find out on the website if you are entitled to subsidies.
Find out more about online GP consultations
Dunedin Urgent Doctors and Accident Centre
18 Filleul Street
Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 2900
Visit the Dunedin Urgent Doctors and Accident Centre website
Dunedin Urgent Doctors and Accident Centre on Google Maps
This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Higher consultation charges apply.
Emergencies
Call 111 or proceed straight to the emergency department of the Dunedin Public Hospital.
Dunedin Public Hospital on Google Maps
Mental Health Emergencies
Tel +64 3 474 0999
For urgent mental health care please contact the Emergency Psychiatric Service at the Dunedin Public Hospital. This service is available 24 hours a day.
Telephone or Text 1737
Free call or text anytime for support from a trained counsellor