Health services
Information about accessing medical care in the UK, including who is eligible for free NHS treatment.
The National Health Service (NHS)
The NHS is the national healthcare system in the United Kingdom which is publicly funded. In order to access NHS healthcare in the UK, you should register with a doctor (also known as a General Practitioner or GP).
When you register with a doctor you will be given an NHS Number if you do not already have one.
Who is eligible for free treatment under the NHS?
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 available on the UKCISA website.
Accessing non-emergency healthcare
Your GP will be your first point of contact for most health concerns. They can offer advice and treatment, and can direct you to specialist services if needed. There are some things a GP cannot help with, such as dental care. And sometimes it may be quicker to seek advice from an alternative healthcare professional, like a pharmacist.