How international students access healthcare in London
The NHS is the system in the UK that residents use to access both physical and mental healthcare services. The NHS stands for the National Health Service. Most healthcare services are free at the point of use, but some procedures may require additional payment. International students, however, aged 5-17 and visiting London for a holiday are considered short-term visitors. They are, therefore, not eligible to register with a General Practitioner (GP) under the National Health Service (NHS).
International students can access the following NHS services during their stay.
Emergency Services
Dial 999 for an ambulance or go to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department in case of serious or life-threatening emergencies. Emergency treatment in A&E departments is free for everyone.
A&E departments are open 24 hours a day and you can walk in at any time without an appointment.
If you are not sure if you need to go to the A&E then the NHS 111 can check your symptoms and guide you on what to do.
For more info see 111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-symptoms
NHS 111 can direct you to the best place to get help if you cannot contact your GP during the day or when your GP is closed. If you need help in another language then you can call 111 and ask for an interpreter
For more info see www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/
Urgent Treatment Centres
Visit an NHS Urgent Treatment Centre for non-life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention. Issues like minor injuries, cuts, bruises, and rashes can be handled in these centres. No appointments are needed and you don't have to be registered.
GP Services
Visitors can contact a local GP practice and ask to be seen as a temporary patient if medical advice is needed for non-emergency issues. This allows access to primary care services for up to 3 months. It's at the GP practice's discretion to accept temporary patients.
Here are the addresses of the nearest NHS services if international students need to visit a doctor.
University College London
Address: University College Hospital, 255 Euston Road, London, Greater London, NW1 2BU.
Telephone: 0845 155 5000
Nearest tube stations: Euston, Euston Square and Warren Street
Soho NHS Walk-In Centre
Address: 1 Frith Street, London, W1D 3HZ.
Telephone: 020 7534 6500
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 to 20:00; Saturday, Sunday.
Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road
Parkway Dental Care
Address: 86 Parkway, London, NW1 7AN
Telephone: 020 7485 9875
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 13:00; 14:00 to 16:00
Nearest tube stations: Camden Town, Camden Overground.
In terms of healthcare costs, while some NHS services are free, others may incur treatment charges, especially for visitors. Prescriptions in England, for example, have a standard charge per item, though certain exemptions apply based on age, income, or medical condition. We also advise international visitors to have comprehensive travel health insurance to cover any potential healthcare costs during their stay. This ensures access to necessary treatments without unexpected expenses.
There also other things to consider as international visitors to the UK.
European visitors should bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which covers immediate and clinically necessary treatment during their visit.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) applies to individuals staying in the UK for more than 6 months. Short-term visitors are not required to pay the IHS.
While short-term international students aren’t eligible to register with the NHS for routine care they can, however, access emergency and urgent services.
At SKOLA we don’t provide insurance. Families should source their own insurance providers which they think are reliable and responsible. It is highly advised to have appropriate travel health insurance to cover any healthcare needs during their visit.
For more information about healthcare services to manage the health of international students please visit www.nhs.uk
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