Healthcare in the UK for international students: how to access NHS services
Published on 07 Aug 2026
Listen to this page
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is the opinion of the author and it was correct at the time of writing
Listen to this page
Starting university in a new country comes with a lot to think about, Understanding healthcare in the UK for international students will help you feel more confident.
One of the first things you should do after arriving is register with a general practitioner (GP). Your GP is your main point of contact for non-emergency healthcare and can help with much more than treating coughs and colds.
This guide explains how the National Health Service works, what NHS services international students can access, how to register with a GP and where to go when you need medical advice.
How does the NHS work for international students?
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK's publicly funded healthcare system. It provides a wide range of services, including GP appointments, hospital treatment, emergency care, mental health support, and maternity services.
If you're studying in the UK on an eligible student visa, you'll usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when you apply for your visa. This means you can normally access most NHS services during your stay without paying for each appointment.
Although many NHS services are free, some services in England have standard charges.
These include:
- Prescription medicines
- Routine dental treatment
- Eye tests and glasses (unless you're entitled to free NHS eye care)
- Some travel vaccinations
You can check the latest NHS prescription charges and healthcare costs before your appointment, as these charges can change.
GP appointments and emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department are free for people who are eligible to use the NHS.
What's different about healthcare in the UK for international students?
In the UK, your GP is usually your first point of contact for any non-emergency health concern.
Your GP will assess your symptoms and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist or another NHS service. This helps make sure you receive the right treatment and that your healthcare is coordinated in one place.
How to register with a GP as an international student
Don't wait until you're ill to register.
As soon as you've moved into your accommodation, register with a GP practice close to your term-time address. Many practices let students register online, so completing your GP registration early can help you access NHS care more quickly when you need it.
Registering early means you'll already be on the practice's patient list if you need:
- An appointment
- A prescription
- Ongoing care for a medical condition
- A referral to a specialist
- Vaccinations or routine health checks
You can use the NHS website to find a GP practice near your accommodation and learn how to register with a GP surgery. You do not usually need an NHS number, proof of address or identification to register, although a practice may ask for these details if available.
What healthcare can a GP provide?
Your GP is much more than a doctor who treats coughs and colds. They are your main healthcare provider while you're living in the UK and can help with a wide range of physical and mental health concerns.
Your GP can:
- Diagnose illnesses and injuries
- Prescribe medicines
- Manage long-term conditions such as asthma or diabetes
- Provide mental health support
- Discuss contraception and sexual health
- Arrange blood tests, scans and other investigations
- Monitor ongoing health conditions
- Provide some vaccinations
- Refer you to hospital specialists
- Issue medical certificates (sometimes called fit notes) if illness affects your work or studies
If you're not sure which NHS service you need, your GP can also advise you where to go.
Understanding prescriptions
If your GP decides you need medication, they'll issue a prescription. Most prescriptions are now sent electronically to a pharmacy you've chosen, so you won't usually need to collect a paper copy.
You'll collect your medicine from the pharmacy rather than the GP surgery.
In England, you'll normally pay a standard NHS prescription charge for each item prescribed. For example, if you're prescribed two different medicines, you'll usually pay two prescription charges.
Some people qualify for free prescriptions, including children, people over State Pension age, those with certain medical conditions and some people receiving financial support.
If you take regular medication, ask your GP or pharmacist whether an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) could save you money.
You can check the current NHS prescription charge before collecting your medication.
When should international students use a pharmacy?
Many international students don't realise how much support pharmacists can provide.
You don't always need to book a GP appointment. A pharmacist can give advice about common conditions such as:
- Coughs and colds
- Sore throats
- Headaches
- Hay fever and allergies
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Minor skin conditions
- Insect bites
Many pharmacies in England also offer Pharmacy First, which allows trained pharmacists to assess and treat some common conditions without you needing to see a GP.
If the pharmacist thinks you need further treatment, they'll tell you where to go next.
You can find a pharmacy near you.
Looking after your mental health
Moving to a new country is a big change. Alongside the excitement of starting university, it's normal to experience homesickness, culture shock, loneliness or stress while adjusting to a new environment. Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.
Your GP can support you with a wide range of mental health concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Panic attacks
- Sleep problems
- Low mood
- Eating disorders
They can listen to your concerns, suggest self-help resources, discuss treatment options, prescribe medication where appropriate or refer you to specialist NHS mental health services.
UEL also offers a range of wellbeing and counselling services to support students throughout their studies. If you're finding university life difficult, reach out early! Support is available. You can also find advice and information about NHS mental health services.
Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. It's okay to ask for help.
Dental care
If you have tooth pain or another dental problem, you'll usually need to register with an NHS dentist. Routine NHS dental treatment isn't free for everyone in England, and standard charges usually apply. Many choose to use private dentists instead.
If you have a dental emergency outside normal opening hours, contact your dentist or use NHS 111 for advice.
Learn more about NHS dental services.
Eye care
If you need an eye test, glasses or contact lenses, you'll usually need to visit an optician.
Routine eye tests aren't free for everyone, although some people are entitled to free NHS eye care.
Learn more about NHS eye care services.
Check your vaccinations
When you register with your GP, they'll ask about your vaccination history and let you know whether you're eligible for any routine NHS vaccinations.
If you have a copy of your vaccination record, bring it with you to the UK.
Recent blogs
How to make friends at university if you don't know anyone- Student life
- International
Your first week at university: what actually happens?- Student life
- East London
- International
Blog category
- Student life
- International
