The on campus health services provider is UC Health Centre. You are not automatically enrolled in the UC Health Centre.

Please note that enrolling at UC Health Centre means you will be removed from your current GP’s register as you can only be enrolled at one practice at a time. We strongly recommend that you apply for a WINZ issued Community Services Card to help with medical costs.

Cost of consultation

Registered with UC Health Centre without Community Services Card: $15

Registered with UC Health Centre with Community Services Care: Free

Not registered with UC Health Centre without Community Services Card: $40

Not registered with UC Health Centre with Community Services Care: $25

To register with UC Health Centre:

1. Download the UC Health Centre Enrolment Form.
2. Complete pages 1-2 in black pen, scan and email completed form as a PDF to admin-healthcentre@canterbury.ac.nz.

Note: E-signatures are not acceptable – you must physically sign both pages.

UC International Students

If your Medical Insurance is with a UC approved Insurance Provider, the cost of your appointment can be billed directly to your insurance company.

If your medical insurance is not with a UC approved Insurance Provider, you will be required to pay upfront at UC Health Centre and claim the costs back through your insurance company.

If you are unsure, check with the UC Health Centre Practice Manager.

UC International College (UCIC) International Students

UCIC students are required to pay for all medical costs and claim the costs back through their insurer.

Riccarton Clinic and After Hours is located next to the Church Corner Mall and is open 8am-8pm every day. It is an accredited Urgent Care Clinic and they are able to deal with urgent medical and injury cases. Enrolled and un-enrolled patients as well as visitors to New Zealand can access their drop-in service.

WeCare Now is a drop-in clinic located in Bush Inn Centre for minor ailments and injuries. Patients enrolled with WeCare Medical Centres pay $20 per condition. Non-enrolled patients pay $38 per condition (including ACC and Under 14).

Besides the UC Health Centre counselling service, there are several mental health service providers outside UC campus:

Petersgate Counselling Centre is a charitable trust that provides affordable professional counselling services to the community. It is located on Yaldhurst Road not far from Growers Direct Market.

Phone and online support

Lifeline 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354) or text HELP (4357)

A free 24/7 helpline & text service for confidential support from health professionals and trained volunteers

Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865

A free 24/7 helpline operated by highly trained and experienced telephone counsellors who have undergone advanced training.

1737 – free call or text 1737

A free 24/7 helpline where you talk (or text with) a trained counsellor or talk to a peer support worker.

Whether you want to know more information about sexual health, or you want to know what your contraception options are, there is support for you.

UC Health Centre

UC Health Centre provides confidential assistance with all aspects of sexual and reproductive health.

Call (03) 369 4444 (24 hours a day) for any clinical matters, including urgent problems. When UC Health Centre is closed, your call will be diverted to their answering service which has clinical staff available to assist you.

Family Planning Clinic (Christchurch)

Family Planning Clinic (Christchurch) provides a range of services including sexual and reproductive health information, and clinical services.

Call (03) 379 0514 to make an appointment.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

Emergency contraception does not protect against STIs. You will need to have a consultation with a nurse or doctor to find out if you need an STI test.

There are two types of emergency contraception available in New Zealand:

• Emergency contraceptive pills (also known as the morning after pill or ECP) may stop a pregnancy before it starts by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovaries.

  
  

  It is important to note that ECP may only work up to 72 and 120 hours after engaging in unprotected sex, depending on the types of ECP you take. The effectiveness of ECP decreases after the first 24 hours.

  
  
• The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can be inserted up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex and provides long lasting and effective long-term protection.

Please note we are not medical professionals and cannot give medical advice on which option might be best for your situation. Considering that both options are time sensitive, please talk to your GP, Pharmacist or the Family Planning Clinic about your options as soon as possible.