Medical Care

Medical Emergency

In the unlikely event there is a life threatening emergency or serious illness out of hours take them to the Emergency Department at Wellington Regional Hospital, Kenepuru, or Palmerston North, or call 111 then contact the homestay coordinator or International Director as soon as practical. They will contact the natural parents to inform them of the situation, ask for additional medical history, and get their consent for any treatment.

Healthline - for when you need advice

If you are unsure of whether they need to go to the clinic, or if your student is reluctant to go but you have concerns, you can call Healthline 24/7 on 0800 611 116 or visit www.healthy.org.nz. This is a good option to check on medications or if you have any other concerns. Translators are available. This is a free service and there is a call back option available so you don't have to wait on the phone. 

Online GP care - for when you can't wait

International students can have an Online GP appointment to manage health issues or medications where a physical assessment isn't necessary. Students can book an appointment or join a queue for non-urgent care. 

Online consultations with registered healthcare professionals are available 24/7. Cost ranges from $79 to $250 depending on the provider. Students will need to pay at the time of booking with their own credit card and they can bring their receipt to the International Department to get a reimbursement from their insurance provider. There are options to book in some languages (such as Chinese or Thai).

Urgent Care - when they need to be seen

In the event that your student needs in-person medical attention take them to Team Medical at Coastlands Mall. You will only be able to have a ‘walk in’ appointment and there may be a considerable wait. 

They will need to take their passport and visa and they will need to pay upfront, which costs $130-$350 depending on the time. Have them bring their receipt to Margot to claim for insurance reimbursement.

Your student may not need you to wait with them (unless they are seriously unwell). If you can not wait with them please write a brief letter with their symptoms and your contact number and the homestay coordinator's contact number for the doctor, and also let the International Department know they are at the Urgent Care alone. 

In-school health services

Kapiti College has in-house health services for students, such as counselling, nurse appointments, and physiotherapy. Our team of counsellors are onsite daily. Kapiti Youth Support runs a nurse clinic for students every Monday morning. They also provide a Wellington Alcohol and Drug counsellor who visits on request. Kapiti College has a visiting physiotherapist who provides a clinic one morning a week. 

Booking links to the physio, the KYS Nurse and the counsellors are available on the student portal. 

Routine Illness and Absences

For routine illnesses and minor ailments can be treated at home with rest. 

School absences due to illness must be reported. Text 022 507 6950 and give the student's full name, form class and the reason for absence ie. 'sick' or 'appointment'. You can also tell a staff member from the International Department. 

Please do not administer any of your own over the counter medications to a student in your care without parental consent or advice from a medical professional. Never give a student your own prescription medicine.