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Health information for international students

When you applied for the ‘student visa’, it is likely that you, and any dependants, would have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). IHS entitles you to use the National Health Service (NHS).

If you or your dependant(s) are accessing healthcare, you may need to take your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or share code with you. You can find more information on this via the Royal Berkshire website.

If you have not paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) because you have a visa to study, work, or join family in the UK for less than six months, and you did not apply in the UK, you are still allowed to use NHS services and emergency services. However, you will be charged for using them, therefore you may want to purchase insurance.

What’s included in the IHS medical provision?

  • Registration at a GP
  • Appointments with doctors
  • Hospital treatment
  • Accident and Emergency (diagnosis and treatment)

What’s not included?

  • Over-the-counter medication and prescriptions from doctors (some people are eligible for free prescriptions. Check your eligibility for prescriptions).
  • Some vaccinations
  • Eye tests
  • Dentistry (apart from emergency medical help)
  • Some specific treatments such as IVF/assisted conception
  • Doctors (GP) and hospital

Your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) or Doctors (general practitioner - GP)

The nearest A&E is the Royal Berkshire Hospital which is a short walk from the University.

You can find information about GP practices in the area.

EHIC and GHIC

EHIC is a European Health Insurance Card
GHIC is a Global Health Insurance Card

EHIC and GHICs allow the cardholder to receive free or discounted medical care, the same as the citizens in the country they are visiting.

You will need to check whether you can apply for the EHIC or GHIC. If students already have EHIC/GHIC card. 

 

For all the latest information on medial and general health in the UK including registering for a doctor/dentist and emergency help, please visit the Medical and General Health section of Essentials.