Healthcare as a student in the U.K.
GP (Doctor)
If you are in homestay, ask your host to help you make a GP (General Practitioner = a doctor) appointment.
If you are in residence or private accommodation, ask Reception to help you find a local GP.
NHS 111 (Urgent Advice)
For urgent but not serious medical problems, contact NHS 111 first:
Call 111 (free, 24 hours a day)
Visit 111.nhs.uk
They will assess your situation and tell you what to do.
Urgent Treatment Centre
The Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Royal South Hants Hospital can help with urgent but non-emergency problems. You do not need to be registered with a GP to use it.
It is a walk-in service, or you can call 111 to book a time.
Opening times
Mon–Fri: 07:30–22:00
Weekends/public holidays: 08:00–22:00
They can help with:
sprains, falls and some broken bones
cuts, burns and grazes
common minor illnesses
They also have X-ray facilities for adults.
Emergencies
Call 999 or 112 if someone is seriously ill or badly injured, for example:
unconscious
not breathing
severe chest pain
heavy bleeding
serious accident
Ask for an ambulance. The call is free.
Minor Problems
Do not go to A&E for minor illnesses like:
colds
sore throats
mild fever
minor stomach problems
A pharmacy can often help without an appointment.
If you have a minor accident at school, go to Reception. Staff can give first aid.
Dentists
Reception can help you find a local dentist for emergency treatment. NHS 111 can also advise, or you can call 023 8033 8336. Please note that you will need to pay for dental appointments and treatments.
Opticians
If you need an eye test or glasses, Reception can help you find an optician.
Emergency telephone numbers in the UK
Emergency
999 or 112
Police (non-emergency)
101
NHS advice
111
Am I Entitled to NHS Treatment? Healthcare & Insurance
NHS and Payment
The NHS is the UK public healthcare system. Some treatment is free, but some services may cost money.
Standard Visitor Visa
If you study in the UK for less than 6 months on a Standard Visitor visa, you cannot usually get full NHS treatment free of charge. A&E (Accident & Emergency) treatment and GP appointments are free but other hospital treatment may be charged.
You should have private medical insurance. Lewis School can arrange this. See our Insurance page for details.
Short-term Study Visa
If you are studying on a Short-term Study visa, you must pay the immigration health surcharge as part of your visa application. This means you can usually use NHS services during your stay, although some services such as prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests may still have a charge. Private medical insurance is not usually essential, but it may still be helpful.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
If you have a valid EHIC or GHIC, you may be able to get necessary treatment.
Check the latest guidance here:
www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide
Important note
Emergency treatment in an NHS Accident & Emergency (A&E) department is free for everyone. However, follow-up hospital treatment may be charged.
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