Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the UK can access healthcare through the NHS, but they must first register with a General Practitioner (GP) at a local doctor's surgery or medical centre. This can be done online or in person, and the student will need to provide basic personal details, as well as proof of enrolment, their passport, and any visa or immigration documents. Once registered with a GP, international students can access NHS services, including A&E, hospital treatment, sexual health services, and Covid-19 tests and treatment. It is recommended that students register with a GP as soon as possible and familiarise themselves with the services covered by the NHS, as well as any additional costs or requirements, such as dental or eye care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registration requirements | Name, date of birth, address, telephone number, photographic ID (passport, driving license, etc.), proof of student status, proof of address, visa, and immigration documents. |
| Registration process | Visit a local doctor's surgery, clinic, or medical center during consulting hours. Some GP surgeries offer online registration. |
| Registration timing | As soon as you arrive in the UK. |
| NHS services available to international students | A&E services, NHS hospital treatment, GP services, sexual health, family planning, contraceptive services, diagnosis and treatment of certain infectious diseases, treatment of any conditions caused by domestic or sexual violence, some palliative care services, psychiatric treatment, Covid-19 tests and treatment, vaccination against Covid-19, dental care, eye care, and prescriptions. |
| NHS services not available to international students | Eye care, dental treatment, and prescriptions for medication. |
| NHS number | Received once registered with a GP. Used to prove eligibility for NHS services in the UK. |
| National Insurance number | Used for administration around national insurance fees, benefits, employment, and taxes. |
| Interpreter services | Available for those who do not speak English. |
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What You'll Learn
Register with a GP
To register with a GP as an international student, you must first ensure that you are eligible for NHS healthcare services. Most international students are eligible if they are studying in the UK for more than 6 months, but some conditions may apply depending on your specific circumstances. For example, international students who submitted their visa applications after April 6, 2015, might need to pay the Immigration Health Charge (IHC) to access NHS healthcare services.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you can register with a GP by following these steps:
- Use the NHS 'Find a GP' service to search for a local GP Surgery or Health Centre. You can also ask your university for a list of local GPs in your area or check reviews of local GPs online.
- Fill out the GP registration form, which is usually available on the NHS app or the GP's website. You may be required to provide additional documentation to prove that you are a student in the UK, including a letter from your university confirming your enrolment, your passport, visa, proof of address, and any immigration documents.
- Some GP surgeries may require you to schedule a registration appointment, during which they may discuss your medical history and any specific healthcare needs.
- After your registration is approved, you will receive an NHS number, which you should keep safe as it will be used for all your healthcare interactions in the UK.
It is important to register with a GP as soon as possible so that you can access medical care when you need it. Your GP will be your first point of contact for most health issues and will decide if you need to see a specialist doctor or go to the hospital.
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Required documents
To register with a General Practitioner (GP) as an international student in the UK, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A letter from your university proving your enrolment in the institution.
- Your passport.
- Any further immigration or visa documents.
- Proof of address.
- Student status letter.
You will also need to fill out a registration form, which will include personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, and telephone number, as well as your medical history. Some GP surgeries may also require you to schedule a registration appointment, during which they will discuss your medical history and any specific healthcare needs.
It is advisable to register with a GP as soon as you arrive in the UK, even if you are well. You can use the NHS search tool to find your nearest GP service. If you are having difficulties registering with a GP, you can contact your university's international student services office or student engagement team for assistance.
Please note that, as an international student, you must pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) as part of your student visa application to be eligible for free NHS healthcare in the UK. This cost cannot be avoided, even if you choose to take out private medical insurance.
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NHS services covered
International students in the UK are eligible to use NHS services if they are full-time students studying in the UK for more than six months. To access these services, students must pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of their intended stay. If their visa duration includes a period of six months or less, they will be charged £235 for that portion of their stay. This payment is mandatory and must be made when applying for a student visa, even if the student intends to take out private medical insurance upon arrival in the UK.
Once the IHS is paid, international students can access a range of NHS services free of charge. These services include:
- A&E (Accident and Emergency) services
- NHS hospital treatment
- GP services
- Sexual health, family planning, and contraceptive services
- Diagnosis and treatment of certain infectious diseases
- Treatment for any conditions caused by domestic or sexual violence
- Some palliative care services
- Psychiatric treatment or treatment ordered by a court
- COVID-19 tests, treatment, and vaccination
It is important to note that while these services are available to international students, there may be variations in the specific services and costs across England, Wales, and Scotland. For example, eye tests on the NHS typically cost a minimum of £20-£25 in England, but they are free in Scotland. Additionally, certain groups may be eligible for free eye tests.
To access NHS services, international students must register with a general practitioner (GP) at a local doctor's surgery or medical centre. They will receive an NHS number upon registration, which proves their eligibility for NHS services. It is recommended to register with a GP as soon as possible and provide necessary documentation, such as a letter from their university, passport, and visa documents.
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NHS services requiring payment
To use the NHS as an international student in the UK, you must pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) as part of your student visa application. This costs £470 per year of your intended stay. If your visa duration includes a period of six months or less, you will be required to pay £235 for that part of your stay. This cost must be paid upfront and cannot be avoided, even if you have private medical insurance.
Once you have paid the IHS, you are eligible for a wide range of NHS services, including appointments with a doctor, hospital treatment, and dental care. You can also access mental health services, family planning and sexual health services, and emergency treatment. However, it's important to note that certain NHS services will still incur additional charges.
For example, you will usually have to pay for eye tests, which typically cost around £20-£25 in England, although they are free in Scotland. If you require glasses or contact lenses, you will need to pay for the prescription, frames, and lenses. Similarly, prescriptions for medication and dental treatment also come with charges.
While international students are eligible for NHS treatment, it is recommended that you consider taking out additional health insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances. When registering with a GP, ensure that you ask to be added to the list of NHS patients. This will allow you to access NHS services during your time in the UK.
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NHS 111 and out-of-hours services
As an international student in the UK, you can access NHS services by registering with a general practitioner (GP) at a local doctor's surgery or medical centre. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and photographic ID (such as a passport or driver's license). You may also need a letter from your university confirming your enrolment and any visa or immigration documents.
Once registered with a GP, you will receive an NHS number, which proves your eligibility for NHS services. This includes access to NHS 111, an urgent care service providing advice and support outside of standard GP hours.
NHS 111 is a free service that can be accessed online or by calling 111 from a landline or mobile phone. It is available 24 hours a day and provides urgent health advice and support when you cannot reach your GP during standard hours. If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties, you can access NHS 111 via text relay by calling 18001 111, or you can use the British Sign Language interpreter service. If you do not speak English, NHS 111 can provide an interpreter; simply state the language you prefer at the beginning of your call.
NHS 111 will assess your symptoms and direct you to the best place to get help. This could include self-care advice, a call back from a nurse, an emergency supply of prescribed medication, or guidance to a local service, such as an emergency dentist.
In addition to NHS 111, you can also access out-of-hours medical assistance by calling your local out-of-hours service number, typically provided by your GP surgery. This service provides advice and support when your GP surgery is closed, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
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Frequently asked questions
International students must register with a local General Practitioner (GP) at a doctor's surgery or medical centre to access NHS services. You will need to provide personal details and documents such as a passport, visa, proof of address, and student status letter.
International students with NHS registration can access a wide range of services, including GP appointments, vaccinations, prescriptions, sexual health services, mental health services, and hospital treatment.
International students applying for a Student visa for six months or longer must pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application, which allows them to access free NHS services like UK residents. However, there are additional costs for certain services like eye care, dental treatment, and prescriptions.
Students can use the NHS search tool to find their nearest GP service or register with a health centre attached to their university. University health centres often have links to specialists and are experienced in student health needs.
Students can telephone NHS 111 or visit the NHS website for medical support when their GP surgery is closed. NHS 111 can provide an interpreter for those who do not speak English.
