Healthcare in the UK is provided by the National Health Service (NHS). NHS health services are usually accessed through your local doctor or General Practitioner (GP).
NHS eligibility
Any resident in the UK is eligible for free NHS General Practice (GP) healthcare and Accident and Emergency (A&E) healthcare.
If you are an international student and have paid the Health Surcharge as part of your visa application, you will be covered for free NHS healthcare. If you have not paid this surcharge, you will need to take out private health insurance. To find out more about being an international student and healthcare in the UK, visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Getting registered
Registering with a local doctor or General Practitioner (GP) practice will make sure that you are able to access healthcare when you need to. They are usually the first health service you should contact when you are experiencing a problem and can provide support for mental or physical health.
Please do not wait until you are unwell to register with a GP.
If you are based on our York campus and live in York, you can register online for our York Student Health Centre.
Find a doctor
You can find a GP using the NHS's Find a GP services search. Enter your term time postcode to find a practice near your accommodation.
If you are based on our York campus and live in York, you can register online for the Student Health Centre. If you choose to register, you can still visit your normal doctor at your home address, but you may have to be registered as a temporary resident.
How to register
You will usually need to complete a registration form, which you can complete in advance. There will usually be a receptionist at your local practice who will be able to explain what you need to do. If you are from the UK, it is helpful if you are able to provide your NHS number. More information is provided here.
International students will need to:
- show their offer letter or enrolment letter to prove they are a student, or
- obtain a proof of enrolment letter.
You will also need to pay a surcharge upfront to be able to access NHS services. You can find out how much surcharge you will need to pay on the government website calculator.
Making an appointment
Each GP practice has its own system for making appointments. You may be able to book:
- online
- via the NHS app
- by phone, or
- in person.
Make sure you know how to book an appointment with your GP practice. The practice should have details of what to do on their website or you can ask the receptionist.
NHS app
You can use the NHS app to:
- check your symptoms and get instant advice
- book appointments
- order repeat prescriptions
- view your GP medical record and more.
Download the NHS app on Google Play
Download the NHS app on the Apple App Store
NHS 111 (England and Wales)
If you think you need medical help right now, 111 online can tell you what to do next. You can also phone for advice:
- Call for free on 111
- Other ways to contact 111 if you have a hearing problem or need help in other languages.
If you are living in Scotland, call NHS 24 on 08454 242 424.
Other healthcare services
The NHS provides a range of different services including dentists, sexual health clinics and pharmacies. You can also contact NHS 111 for advice on the best service to meet your needs.