Health care and registering with a GP
Prioritising your health (both physically and mentally) while you study in a different country is one of the most important factors you need to keep in mind. This could greatly impact your experience while living in the UK.
The number one thing you should do to safeguard your health is to register for a GP when you arrive in the UK. Do not wait until you become unwell to do this.
You should also familiarise yourself with the Student Health Team at the university, who can offer confidential support and information on a variety of health-related issues.
It is important that you inform the University’s Nurse Health Advisers if you have any pre-existing health problems or take regular medication that you will need during your stay (for example epilepsy or diabetes). This will help us support you during your studies. You can declare your medical or mental health conditions on the application form, or you can contact the health team via email (Studenthealth@chi.ac.uk) and they will advise you what to do.
For more information on the Student Health team and what they can help with, click here .
You should read this document carefully to understand how to register with a GP and access different health services.
Student Health and wellbeing information leaflet
Our Be Prepared Webinar recording on Healthcare in the UK and How to Register with the GP is available here.
Introduction to UK healthcare
The UK health system can seem complicated and very different to the health services provided in your own country.
Most international students use the state funded National Health Service (NHS). The NHS includes community and hospital services. Your visa status will determine how much you will need to pay for the NHS in the UK.
If you are a Student Route visa holder and you have paid the immigration health surcharge as part of your visa application, you are entitled to NHS care while studying in the UK. If you are a visitor or if your visa is shorter than 6 months, you will need to get a private medical insurance for the duration of your stay.
Free services for all UK residents
- Emergency services
- Urgent Care Centre
- GP Services
- 111 Service
- Sexual Health Services
- Mental Health Service
Visit the UK government website for information on free services: NHS entitlements: migrant health guide.
Who can help?
- For emergency situations such as: Loss of breathing/severe chest pain/heavy bleeding/suspected broken bones: call 999 (Accident and Emergency Service at the local hospital)
- Urgent but not life-threatening conditions such as: Suspected broken bones; minor head injuries; ear and throat infections, vomiting and diarrhoea; emergency contraception visit the Accident and Emergency Service at the local hospital.
- For symptoms that do not go away such as: back pain; skin rashes, acne and eczema and low mood visit your GP.
- Need advice fast about non urgent health concerns: Get help by phoning 111 or access on line. This is a 24 hour service. NHS111
- Want advice on how to make yourself feel better? Feeling unwell with conditions such as a nasty cough, skin rash, sore throat, flu ask your local pharmacist. See: What to expect from your pharmacy. Visit the NHS website to find your local pharmacy
- For many common ailments and illnesses self-care is all that is needed to help you feel well again. There are some over the counter products you can buy that can help you resolve minor ailment and illnesses. for general advice re self care for different ailments.
- Mental Health and wellbeing, low mood and anxiety are normal feelings that most people experience. Proactive steps can be taken to help maintain a positive sense of wellbeing If your feelings become too difficult to manage alone, there are specialist University services you can access. Click here for more information.
- Dental Services Dental services in the UK are not free. To access regular dental care you need to register with a dentist. You can find a dentist in the area you live here. In addition, please see this website: What’s available.
- Eye Care /Opticians Eye care is provided by private practitioners in the UK called Opticians. Most eye tests, spectacle lens prescriptions and frames have to be paid for. Find a local optician.
- Sexual Health Services, Contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing, advice and guidance are available at free confidential clinics . You can also talk to our Nurse Health advisers.
What is a GP?
A GP is a ‘General Practitioner’, this is a type of doctor who provides medical services to the people in their local community. GPs usually work in local doctors’ surgeries/ practices and will see patients in short appointments during weekdays (Monday to Friday).
Why register for a GP?
You may become unwell while living in the UK, being registered with a GP will make treatment more straight forward.
Existing health problems are known to be made worse by the effects of adjusting to unfamiliar food, a different climate, and the emotional strains of being away from home.
If you have paid or are going to pay the NHS surcharge as part of your application, you are entitled to access to the National Health Service (NHS). It would be a waste of money NOT to use the healthcare system.
A GP can support you with:
- Routine appointments for ongoing medical problems or acute illness – including mental health concerns.
- Issuing repeat prescriptions (medication)
- Doctor’s certificates or notes required by your university course /employer
- Referrals to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment
- Contraceptive (birth control) services and advice
- Holiday vaccinations and health advice
How to choose your GP
The University nurse health advisers’ Student Health Booklet includes details of all our local GP practices. You can also find links to the GP registration forms in this booklet. You can access the most up to date Student Health booklet via the Student Health team at the University.
Our accommodation booking process will prompt you to complete the GP registration process at the beginning of your studies. It is a good idea to do it as soon as possible.
The online GP registration form you need to complete depends on your UK address.
Check which halls of residence you’re going to live in and choose the closest GP practice to your halls of residence.
If you live off-campus (not in university halls), check your closest GP location via this website and access the registration form via the relevant GP’s website.
How you pay for health care and the importance of medical/travel insurance
For students staying less than 6 months:
If your course lasts less than six months, you should take out medical insurance from a reputable company before leaving your country. Although you can access the above free services and emergencies will be dealt with, other NHS treatment will not be available to you unless you have insurance or can pay for the treatment yourself. Without insurance you will be asked to pay 150% of the going rate.
For students staying 6 months and over:
If you are applying for a visa to study in the UK for more than 6 months you will pay a health surcharge fee as part of your visa application. The fee is currently £776 per year. By paying this fee you will have access to the National Health Service (NHS). In addition to this, we advise you to arrange a private medical/travel insurance from a reputable company, preferably before leaving home as the NHS does not cover situations such as being transported home for medical care, or if you want your family member to stay in the UK to look after you.
EU Visitors (short-term visits):
Visitors to the UK from an EU country who fall ill or have a medical emergency during a temporary stay in England can use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by their home country to access healthcare. An EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and we always advise that visitors should have both when travelling to the UK. An EHIC will not cover any private medical healthcare, being flown back home, or lost or stolen property.
Tip: Find out which GP is the closest to your Accommodation and visit their website to see how to apply as a student. This is usually online, but some practices require a physical registration form.
Email studenthealth@chi.ac.uk for more information.
https://wellbeing.chi.ac.uk/studentsupportservices/studenthealth/