Student Health services
Find out more about the types of services we offer at Student Health:
As well as the services offered by Student Health, other services are available to help you when you are feeling unwell. Our guide can help you find the right place to seek health care:
How to book an appointment
Before you book:
- If it is a Medical Emergency, dial 111 for an ambulance
- If you need advice about symptoms, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116 (inside New Zealand)
To make an appointment at Student Health, please contact our reception team on 0800 479 821, or book online using the Manage My Health patient portal.
We provide urgent and routine appointments. During busy times there may be a wait for routine appointments (see "Wait times" section below).
Need an interpreter?
We have access to interpreter services to assist with your appointment. Please advise reception when booking your appointment if you require this service.
Wait times
We have urgent appointments available each day for doctor, nursing and mental health support. The following wait times are for routine, non-urgent appointments only.
Term time (February through to November)
| Appointment type | Wait time |
|---|---|
| Routine doctor appointments | 3–12 working days (urgent appointments available each day) |
| Routine nurse appointments | 0–3 working days (urgent appointments available each day) |
| Mental health support | Same day |
Make the most of your appointment at Student Health
The first step is to make your appointment with the right person. You might not need to see a doctor. A nurse or mental health clinician may be more appropriate. Check out our website or ask at reception for more information.
It's okay to us to see a specific person, male or female, whoever makes you feel most comfortable. This is a good idea if you are having ongoing treatment.
Medical appointments are usually 15 minutes. If you have several things to talk about, you may need a longer appointment. Let reception know and they will help you out.
If you're taking regular medication, book your appointment at least a week before you will run out.
Come in a little early for your appointment to allow time to check in at reception. If you are late, you may not be able to be seen.
Prepare for your visit. Write down your main concerns or questions. Make a list of your medicines and supplements. It's okay to have a friend with you or to ask for a translator say if you don't understand anything.
Say if you are having problems with your medicines or treatment or can't afford them. Is there anything else you can tell your doctor or nurse about your health? Ask questions. What happens next? Are there any other options? What can I do to help with my health?
Thank you for watching and we hope you found this helpful!
Respiratory illness and mask-wearing at Student Health
Effective from 28 April 2026
The advice for anyone who thinks they might have Covid or another respiratory illness is to:
- Stay away from work/lectures if infectious (producing secretions)
- Rest until asymptomatic
- Wear a mask if you need to go out
- If your symptoms are not improving call Healthline or book an appointment with your GP
Student Health requests that if you have symptoms of a cold or flu, that you wear a mask while in the Student Health facility for the protection of others.
Patient portal
Student Health uses the patient portal Manage My Health (MMH). The patient portal enables you to book routine appointments at Student Health with a doctor or nurse and access lab results (once reviewed), clinical notes (from 01/02/2021), a list of recorded allergies, your documented immunisation history, and other health indicators.
Certain appointments are not available to book online at this time (including: Vaccinations, Mental Health Support, Counselling, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry).
If you require an appointment sooner than those available on the patient portal, please call Student Health on 0800 479 821.
Appointments made through the portal are only available for a 15-minute consultation. If you require a longer appointment, e.g. for concussion, cervical screening, sexual health, travel, a driver's license, medicals or multiple issues requiring a longer assessment, please phone reception to make an appointment.
If you have completed a Student Health enrolment form, you will be invited to enrol with MMH.
- Visit the Manage My Health website
- Get the ManageMyHealth app for iOS
- Get the ManageMyHealth app for Android
You will be responsible for the security of your information and the notifying Student Health of any inaccuracies on your health record.
If you have any concerns or questions or your information is incorrect, please email us student-health@otago.ac.nz or let your clinician know at your next appointment.