Healthcare

Healthcare in the UK

Access to the UK National Health Service (NHS) is free for all residents. This includes international students with Student visas who are here for more than six months.

Some NHS services are not free, including dental treatment and eye care. There is usually a charge for prescriptions – currently £9.90 per item.

To access NHS healthcare, you need to register with a GP (doctor) when you arrive in the UK.

Your GP should be the first point of contact for any medical treatment. They can issue prescriptions for medicines, carry out minor treatments and refer you to a hospital or specialist, if needed. 

Most hospitals (but not all) have an Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department. These are open 24 hours and you can turn up without an appointment. You should only use A&E departments for emergency treatment for a serious illness or injury. If you have a medical emergency but cannot travel to A&E, call 999 for an ambulance. 

For non-emergencies, call 111. This is a 24 hour medical helpline that will signpost you the appropriate service. 

If you’re an international student on a short course, your eligibility for free NHS healthcare will depend on your nationality and visa type. If you are not eligible, take out travel insurance, as private treatment can be very expensive. 

Visit the UKCISA website to find out more about healthcare in the UK.