Doctors and nurses

Registering with a doctor in Oxford

You need to register with your college doctor (or chosen GP/private medical practice) in Oxford as you are deemed to be a resident of the city during your studies. Should you have a long-term health condition, it is possible for your college doctor to liaise with other health practitioners who know you and your medical history well. At any practice it is normally possible for you to choose to consult either a male or a female doctor. Like all doctor-patient relationships, those between college doctors, college nurses and students are confidential. If you are not entitled to free NHS treatment you may register with your college doctor as a private patient.

You can choose to register with another local GP if you prefer (if they will take on new patients). You can also choose to register with a local private medical practice for treatment if you are registered for NHS treatment but want more than the NHS is able to provide, or if you are not entitled to NHS treatment. The University does not endorse any one local medical practice over another. If you are not entitled to free NHS treatment you are advised to take out appropriate private healthcare insurance for the length of your stay in the UK.

Students from the UK or Ireland, or those with indefinite leave to remain or those who have been granted pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are eligible for free treatment under the National Health Service (NHS). If you are in full-time education and under the age of 18 you may also be exempt from most NHS charges. You may also be entitled to help with charges on the grounds of low income. Students who require a visa (those not from the UK or Ireland, or those who do not hold indefinite leave to remain or pre-settled or settled status) and are studying full time for more than 6 months will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of a visa application to access the NHS services free of charge. Further information is on the UKCISA website.

If you are unsure whether you are entitled to treatment under the NHS, check with the Department of Health, Room 4W04b Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UE. Tel: 0113 2545819 or email: [email protected].

College nurses

For minor sickness and ailments you are able to consult and obtain treatment from your college nurse. Most colleges either provide sickbays or have special arrangements for students who are confined to bed in their rooms.

College support