Moving to a new country means learning how many different systems work, including healthcare.
The UK healthcare system may be very different from the system in your home country. Understanding how to access healthcare can help you stay healthy, get support when you need it and feel more confident during your time at university.
This guide provides an overview of the National Health Service (NHS) and other health services available to international students.
What Is the NHS?
The National Health Service (NHS) is the publicly funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom.
Most international students studying in the UK for more than six months will have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This gives access to many NHS services in the same way as UK residents.
The NHS provides access to:
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency care
- Mental health services
- Community healthcare services
Some services may still involve charges, such as certain prescriptions, dental treatments and optical services.
Registering With a GP
A General Practitioner (GP) is usually your first point of contact for non-emergency health concerns.
You should register with a GP as soon as possible after arriving in the UK.
A GP can help with:
- General illnesses
- Long-term health conditions
- Mental health concerns
- Referrals to specialist services
- Prescriptions
- Vaccinations
You do not need to wait until you become ill before registering.
When Should I Contact a GP?
You should contact a GP if you:
- Feel unwell and symptoms are not improving
- Have concerns about your physical health
- Need ongoing treatment or medication
- Have concerns about your mental health
- Need advice about a health issue
- Need referrals to specialist services
GP appointments are usually free through the NHS.
What Is NHS 111?
NHS 111 is a free service available 24 hours a day.
You can contact NHS 111:
- By dialling 111
- Through the NHS website
NHS 111 can help if:
- You need medical advice
- You are unsure where to go for treatment
- You need urgent care that is not an emergency
They can advise you on the most appropriate service to use.
What Is an Emergency?
You should call 999 if there is a serious emergency.
Examples include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Serious accidents
- Severe bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Suspected stroke
- Immediate risk to life
Emergency services are available 24 hours a day.
Do not be afraid to call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured.
What Is A&E?
Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments provide treatment for serious illnesses and injuries that require urgent attention.
A&E should be used for emergencies rather than routine health concerns.
Using the right service helps ensure emergency departments remain available for those who need them most.
Mental Health Support
Mental health is just as important as physical health.
If you are struggling with:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Homesickness
- Low mood
- Loneliness
- Depression
- Emotional difficulties
Support is available.
You can:
- Contact your GP
- Access University wellbeing services
- Contact NHS 111 if you need urgent mental health support
- Seek support through Report + Support where appropriate
Seeking support early can often prevent difficulties from escalating.
Prescriptions and Medication
If a doctor prescribes medication, you may need to collect it from a pharmacy.
In England, prescriptions usually involve a charge unless you qualify for an exemption.
If you take regular medication:
- Bring information about your medication with you
- Register with a GP early
- Do not wait until you run out of medication
Some medications available in other countries may be prescribed differently in the UK.
Dental Care
Dental treatment is separate from GP services.
You should register with a dentist if possible.
Dental care is not always free and charges may apply.
Do not wait until you have severe dental pain before seeking dental care.
Eye Care and Opticians
Opticians provide:
- Eye tests
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Advice about eye health
Eye tests and glasses may involve charges.
Sexual Health Services
The NHS provides confidential sexual health services.
These services may offer:
- Sexual health advice
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Contraception
- Pregnancy advice
- Sexual Wellbeing Support
These services are confidential and available regardless of gender, sexuality or relationship status.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations help protect both individuals and communities.
You may be offered vaccines for:
- COVID-19
- Flu
- Meningitis
- MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
- Other recommended vaccinations
Your GP can advise you about vaccinations available to you.
Understanding Confidentiality
Many international students worry about privacy.
Healthcare professionals in the UK are required to maintain confidentiality.
This means that information about your health will generally not be shared without your permission unless there is a serious risk of harm to you or others.
Seeking healthcare should not affect your academic standing or visa status.
Looking After Your Wellbeing
Moving to a new country can be exciting but also challenging.
Looking after your health may include:
- Eating well
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying physically active
- Building social connections
- Seeking support when needed
- Taking time to adjust
It is normal to experience periods of homesickness or adjustment.
University Support
The University of Wolverhampton offers a range of support services that can work alongside NHS services, including:
- Student Life Services
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
- Safeguarding Support
- Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion Support
- Chaplaincy and Pastoral Support
You do not need to navigate healthcare systems alone.
Remember
Healthcare in the UK may be different from what you are used to, and it can take time to understand how the system works.
Registering with a GP, knowing when to use NHS 111, understanding emergency services and seeking support early can help you stay healthy and make the most of your time at university.
If you are ever unsure where to go for help, ask. Support is available, and people will be happy to help you find the right service.