''We hope you won’t have any health issues while you’re in the UK. But if you do then you can find out below about your options.''
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides free or subsidised medical and dental care, as well as mental healthcare and other services. There are also a number of private healthcare providers in the UK who charge for their services.
As an international student in the UK, you may be entitled to some treatment on the NHS. The following NHS treatment is free for everyone:
As an international student in the UK, you may be entitled to some treatment on the NHS. The following NHS treatment is free for everyone:
- some emergency treatment (but not follow-up treatment)
- family planning services
- diagnosis and treatment of certain communicable diseases
- compulsory psychiatric treatment
To qualify for any other NHS treatment, you must meet certain conditions, which depend on your nationality and immigration status. If you are not entitled to NHS treatment you should take out health insurance before you leave home. In fact, health insurance can be useful for you even if you are entitled to NHS services.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs has produced an excellent information sheet which summarises healthcare for international students in more detail. This covers:
- Registering with a doctor
- Health and dental care
- Medical insurance and fees
- And much more
You can find out more on the UKCISA website.
Planning your trip to the UK
- Before you can travel to the UK, you may be asked for health certificates detailing your vaccinations. If you are coming from a tuberculosis (TB) high-risk area, a chest x-ray report may also be required. Ask the British Embassy or High Commission in your country what inoculations you need. To find your nearest office visit the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) website. Don’t forget to bring copies of these certificates with you when you travel to the UK – you may need to show them when you pass through immigration control.
- If you are undergoing medical treatment, have pre-existing serious health issues, or if you are registered as disabled, we recommend that you talk to your school, college or university before you enroll to find out what support they offer. You may also need to bring your prescriptions and a doctor’s report (translated into English) with you. This is to ensure you get the help you need in the UK. Your documents should give details of your condition, all treatment and medication you require, plus any assistance you will need while you study in the UK.
- When you are travelling to the UK, check with your airline or transport provider what medications you are allowed to take on board with you and what you can bring through customs.
Dealing with medical emergencies
If you need urgent medical assistance (for example, because of an accident), telephone 999. The call is free including from mobile phones. An operator will ask you which emergency service you need (Fire, Police or Ambulance). For urgent medical assistance ask for the ambulance service. Be ready to tell the emergency services what has happened and exactly where you are, especially the street name.
Once you are connected to the Emergency Medical Dispatcher, she or he will ask you questions about the condition of the patient and may offer advice on what to do until the ambulance arrives. If the person is badly injured and needs to go to hospital, an ambulance will be dispatched to take the person to a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
If you need urgent treatment, but you are well enough to travel, you can also make your own way by bus or taxi to an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, or ask a friend to take you.
Note: You should only use A&E Departments for emergency treatment for serious illness or injury.
Looking after yourself
The NHS Direct website is a fantastic resource. On it you can read lots of advice about illnesses, symptoms and treatments.
Remedies for minor illnesses such as headaches and colds are available from high street chemists without a doctor’s prescription. Ask the pharmacist for advice before you buy.
Finally, don’t forget the basic rules of staying healthy! Such as…
Once you are connected to the Emergency Medical Dispatcher, she or he will ask you questions about the condition of the patient and may offer advice on what to do until the ambulance arrives. If the person is badly injured and needs to go to hospital, an ambulance will be dispatched to take the person to a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
If you need urgent treatment, but you are well enough to travel, you can also make your own way by bus or taxi to an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, or ask a friend to take you.
Note: You should only use A&E Departments for emergency treatment for serious illness or injury.
Looking after yourself
The NHS Direct website is a fantastic resource. On it you can read lots of advice about illnesses, symptoms and treatments.
Remedies for minor illnesses such as headaches and colds are available from high street chemists without a doctor’s prescription. Ask the pharmacist for advice before you buy.
Finally, don’t forget the basic rules of staying healthy! Such as…
- Eat lots of nutritious foods
- Get lots of sleep
- Make time for relaxation and exercise
- If you are going to drink alcohol, drink in moderation
- Avoid all recreational drugs
- Stay warm and dry by wearing suitable clothes
