When you first arrive in the UK, it is important that you make arrangements for your health care. All international students (and their dependants) on courses lasting over 6 months are entitled to receive health care under the National Health Service (NHS). If you study for less than 6 months, and you come from an EU country or another country which has an agreement on healthcare with the UK, you will not have to pay for healthcare.
If you study for less than 6 months and do not come from a country which has an agreement on healthcare with the UK, you will have to pay for a private consultation and for any medication you require. You must take out medical insurance to cover these charges.
Registration with a doctor
You should register at a doctor's surgery as soon as possible after arriving in Leeds. Do not wait until you are ill! You should choose a surgery near the College or near where you live. The Student Advice Team has a list of local family doctors (known as GPs), and will give you information about registering. It is important that you indicate if you want to see either a male or female doctor, as some surgeries may only have one doctor.
Using the NHS (National Health Service)
Provided that you meet the requirements, you will have access to the same benefits under the NHS as British citizens. This includes free consultations with your doctor and free hospital treatment, if required. For prescribed medicines, dental treatment and eye tests, small charges are payable.
If you come to the UK with a long-term medical condition or disability, you may be required to pay towards the treatment of those conditions. It would also be useful to bring any relevant information and medical records with you.
Emergencies
- In the event of an accident or medical emergency, you have the following options:
- Telephone your doctor
- Go to the Accident and Emergency Department at the Leeds General Infirmary
- Telephone 999 for an ambulance (the call is free)
Staying healthy
Maintaining a healthy diet is important. Leeds is a culturally diverse city and therefore makes available the majority of food products from around the world. It is also important to prepare yourself for the British weather conditions. Please remember also to take care of your sexual health.
Insurance
Even if you are eligible for free NHS treatment, you should take out health insurance which covers the cost of repatriation in case you need to be flown home due to serious illness or death. It may also be helpful to have travel insurance. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance before you leave your home country. In addition, you will need to protect your money and belongings from theft or loss during your stay here; you can purchase this insurance in the UK.