The National Health Service (NHS) provides medical care for UK residents and visitors through a wide range of services. Some NHS services are free, some you have to pay for and some you can only use if you meet certain conditions.
The following NHS care is free for everyone:
Your entitlement to any other free NHS treatment depends on certain conditions, such as the length and purpose of your residence. Check below to see if you are eligible.
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The NHS provides treatment for UK residents through a wide range of health care services. Students from overseas should consult the UKCISA information on keeping healthy which provides a detailed guide to your entitlement to NHS treatment. The Department of Health website also publishes a detailed guide to NHS services for overseas visitors and a list of countries with a reciprocal health care agreement. The following is only a summary of the conditions which apply to european and international students.
If you are an international student on a course of study for six months or more you will qualify for NHS treatment from the beginning of your stay on the same basis as anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK. If you are staying in the UK for less than six months you are only entitled to basic emergency services unless your course is substantially funded by the UK Government. All non-UK European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and their family should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before coming to the UK which entitles the holder and their family to treatment by the NHS. If you are from a country which has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK you should seek advice from the health authority in your own country before you travel to find out what treatment may be covered.
If you are not entitled to free NHS treatment, or only eligible for limited treatment, we would advise you to take out adequate medical insurance to cover the costs if you fall ill, and to cover the additional costs which may result from your illness.
For further information about health insurance, visit our section on health costs.
If your permanent residence is outside the local area you are strongly advised to register with an NHS doctor (also known as a General Practitioner or GP) close to your accommodation as soon as possible after your arrival. Do not wait until you need a doctor or you may have difficulty getting medical advice or attention when you need it most.
Use the NHS in England website to help you find a doctor.
Students in University residences can register with one of the local doctors practices listed below.
David Bomberg House residents can register at:
Borough Medical Centre
1-5 Newington Causeway
London SE1 6ED
Tel: 020 7407 4248
Princess Street Group Practice
2 Princess Street
London SE1 6JP
Tel: 020 7928 0253
McLaren House residents can register at:
Lambeth Walk Group Practice
5 Lambeth Walk
London
SE11 6SP
Tel: 020 7735 441
Princess Street Group Practice
2 Princess Street
London SE1 6JP
Tel: 020 7928 0253
New Kent Road residents can register at:
Princess Street Group Practice
2 Princess Street
London SE1 6JP
Tel: 020 7928 0253
Dante Road residents can register at:
Lambeth Walk Group Practice
5 Lambeth Walk
London
SE11 6SP
Tel: 020 7735 441
Hurley Street Practice
Kennington Lane
London SE11 4HJ
Tel: 020 7735 7918
Under the NHS, consultations with doctors are free, but if you you need any medication you will be given a prescription which authorises a pharmacist to give you a particular medicine. A standard charge of £6.65 will be made for each item on your prescription, unless you meet certain conditions. To find out if you are exempt from health charges or entitled to help towards them, visit our section on health costs.
It is far better to register with a dentist before you need dental treatment. Regular checks by a dentist can help prevent or lessen the need for treatment. Some dentists will only accept private patients and will charge for treatment on a full-cost basis. Those who work within the NHS will charge according to prices laid down by the NHS. You will need to register with a doctor in order to qualify for NHS dental treatment. There is a charge for all dental treatment, whether it is carried out by a private or NHS dentist. To find out if you are exempt from health charges or entitled to help towards them, visit our section on health costs.
Use the NHS in England website to help you find a dentist. Details displayed in your search results will tell you whether or not a dental practice provides NHS treatment.
You do not have to register with an optician to get a sight test. Most opticians operate through high street shops where you can have your sight tested by a qualified optician and buy glasses or contact lenses. It pays to shop around as the cost for frames and lenses can vary considerably. You will normally have to pay for a sight test, glasses and lenses unless you meet certain conditions. To find out if you are exempt from health charges or entitled to help towards them, visit our section on health costs.
Use the NHS in England website to help you find an optician.
Most pharmacists (also called chemists) operate through high street shops. They dispense prescriptions and are a good source of advice on healthy living and minor ailments. They can recommend and sell appropriate medicines.
Use the NHS in England website to help you find a pharmacy.
Your doctor will normally be your first point of contact for medical advice and treatment. However, if you need emergency treatment, call 999 free on any telephone and ask for an ambulance. If you are not seriously injured, you are expected to make your own way to a hospital Accident and Emergency Department.
Treatment for accidents and emergencies is free for everyone.
Use the NHS in England website to help you find a hospital.
If you are feeling ill, NHS Direct can be a helpful source of advice and information.
NHS Direct operates a 24-hour nurse advice and health information telephone service. It provides confidential information on:
Contact details:
Tel: 0845 4647
Website: NHS Direct Online
Use the NHS in England website to help you find a hospital.
