Wellbeing information for international students

The National Health Service (NHS) 

In the United Kingdom, the NHS is the system that offers residents physical and mental healthcare services. Most healthcare services are free at the point of use, but some procedures and requests may need additional payment.

Can international students in the UK use the NHS?

If you are a full-time international student studying in the UK for longer than six months, you are eligible to use NHS services. If you are studying in the UK for less than six months, you are not eligible to use the NHS services. If this is the case for you, it is advised that you take out private healthcare insurance cover during your stay.

As an international student, you will be required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) which costs £470 per year of your intended stay to use the NHS. This cost must be paid as part of your student visa application. Once you have paid this, you are eligible to use the following services free of charge:

• Emergency Department/A&E
• GP services
• NHS hospital treatment
• Sexual health, family planning and contraceptive services
• Psychiatric/mental health treatment or treatment that has been ordered by a court
• Covid-19 tests and treatment, as well as vaccinations against Covid-19
• Diagnosis and treatment of certain infectious diseases
• Treatment of any conditions caused by domestic violence or sexual abuse
• Some palliative care services.

What is a GP?

A GP is a local family doctor. You need to register with a GP as soon as you can when you arrive in England so you can see the GP when you are sick. There is no charge to register with a GP in England. Once you are registered, there is also no charge to see your GP.

A GP is a qualified medical doctor who is highly trained in a lot of health needs, medical skills and treatments but there are also lots of other healthcare professionals who can help you. When you contact your GP practice, a member of staff such as a receptionist may ask you to identify your query in order to support you to identify the best-placed healthcare professional or service you will need to see to help you. This is to help patients get the right service for their specific needs and to also assist the practice manage limited staff time as effectively as possible. 

Find a GP to register with

Other types of care and treatment

Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) 

This is for patients requiring emergency care for serious and life-threatening conditions, such as:

• Loss of consciousness
• Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
• Severe allergic reactions
• Severe burns or scalds
• Stroke
• Major trauma such as road traffic accidents.

The nearest one to you is at Royal Surrey County Hospital. People who attend the Emergency Department are seen and treated in order of clinical priority and not in the order they arrive; this means an attendance with a minor injury or ailment may result in a long wait as treatment is given first to those who need specialist support.

If you are really ill or worried about someone else who is unresponsive, never hesitate to dial 999. On campus it is better to dial 3333 if you need an ambulance. Or if it is safe for you to do so, go to A&E.

NHS Hospital Treatment 

If you need to be seen in hospital or outpatient service by a specialist team, your GP will refer you to the relevant service after seeing you.

How to choose the right NHS service

If you've never used the NHS before, it can be difficult to know where to get help if you’re unwell or injured. Click on the play button to watch the video and hear tips on where to get the right NHS service for advice and treatment.

More guidance on the different NHS services