International Students Guide to the NHS

Moving to the UK for uni? Big win. You’re not just getting a world-class education, you’re also stepping into a whole new lifestyle (and yes, figuring out things like meal deals and British weather).

But between lectures, socials, and exploring your new city, there’s one bit of life admin you don’t want to ignore: sorting your healthcare. Registering with a GP might not be the most exciting task on your list, but it’s one of the most important.

The UK’s healthcare system - aka the National Health Service (NHS) - works a bit differently to what you might be used to. So, knowing how it all fits together will save you time, stress, and confusion when you actually need it.

This guide breaks it all down: what the NHS is, who can use it, how to register with a GP, and where to go depending on what kind of help you need.

Jump to:

• What is the NHS and its purpose?

• Are international students covered by the NHS?

• International students NHS registration

• How to access NHS services

• What are the alternative private options?

What is the NHS and its purpose?

The National Health Service (NHS) is the healthcare system in the UK that’s funded by the public, designed to give free medical services for UK citizens and eligible visitors. The NHS covers a wide range of healthcare services, including GP services for all non-emergency health concerns, as well as emergency care for serious or life-threatening conditions.

The NHS also covers hospital stays and treatment - including scans, surgeries, and aftercare such as physiotherapy. One thing that might surprise you: unlike many other countries, you’ll also have free pregnancy care too.

Are international students covered by the NHS?

You might be wondering - are international students actually covered by the NHS? The good news is, yes. International students can access NHS services during their stay in the UK and receive the same healthcare as UK residents. This applies as long as you’re studying for more than 6 months, have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, and hold a valid student visa.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee you’ll pay as part of your visa application. It gives you access to NHS services throughout your stay, and you’ll need to pay it upfront for the full length of your visa.

It covers most NHS services, but it’s worth knowing you’ll still need to pay for things like prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests - just like UK residents do.

International students NHS registration

Once you arrive in the UK, you’ll need to register with a local GP (doctor) to access routine healthcare. You can use the NHS website to find a GP near your accommodation that’s accepting new patients. You’ll need to fill out a registration form and then wait for confirmation you’re now a registered patient.

After registering with a GP, you will receive an NHS number - a unique 10‑digit identifier used across the healthcare system. This may come in the post, by email or you can request it from your GP practice.

It’s important to keep a note of it as it helps healthcare providers access medical records, book appointments and ensure continuity of care to make everything smoother.

How to access NHS services

Booking a GP appointment

You can book appointments online through your GP’s website, by phone, through the NHS App and in person at the GP reception. GPs can provide not only medical advice but also prescriptions and sick notes for university.

If you struggle to get a GP appointment, you can go into the walk-in-centre without an appointment (although wait times can vary), or if you want to see a doctor outside of your GP hours, you can head here as they’re typically open from 10am-8pm. Alternatively, pop in and see a pharmacist to see if there’s some initial advice they can help you with.

Emergency services

In an emergency, dial 999 for an ambulance or you can head straight to Accident and Emergency (A&E) if you need to be treated asap. Dial 999 if you’re experiencing:

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing

• major injuries

• severe bleeding

• severe allergic reactions

• stroke symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty).

If you need out of hours support but it isn't an emergency, you can dial 111 or check your symptoms online for more advice on what to do next.

What are the alternative private options?

While the NHS covers most needs, some students choose private healthcare because wait times are shorter and you can get access to private specialists. This can include GP clinics and private hospitals for scans and operations, specialist consultations, cancer care, mental health services, and physiotherapy.

You can pay for the cost of care through private medical insurance policies from companies such as Bupa and Aviva. You can also “pay as you go” for one off treatment you may need and it can be more affordable than taking out insurance policies.