Your Health
Students studying in the UK for more than 6 months are entitled
to register with a GP (doctor) for free health care from the
NHS (National Health Service). To register with a GP, use the
NHS Direct "Find a Local Health
Service" search using your UK postcode. You should
register with a GP within first couple of weeks in the UK.
Health Insurance
Students who are in the UK for less
than 6 months are not eligible for free NHS treatment. If you
need to see a doctor you may be charged, so you should ensure that
you have adequate health insurance.
Students from the European Economic
Area should apply for an EHIC (European Health
Insurance Card) before leaving their home country.
Accident and Emergency
If you require immediate medical
assistance, you should attend Accident and Emergency (A&E) ward
at the nearest hospital. Emergency treatment is provided free
of charge to everybody, but as cases are dealt with according to
priority, you may have to wait over an hour before receiving
treatment.
In an emergency, dial 999 and
ask for an ambulance.
Walk-In Centres
NHS Walk-In Centres are very useful if
you need medical attention but cannot make an appointment with a
GP. These centres are staffed by highly trained nurses who
may examine and advise you on your illness or injury.
The closest Walk-In Centre to Regent's
College is 1
Frith Street, Soho, W1D 3HZ.
NHS Direct
Health care advice is also
available over the telephone, 24 hours a day, from NHS
Direct. This service also has access to translators, if you
have difficulty explaining your problems in English. Call
0845 46 47
Chemists
Pharmacies (Drug Stores) are known as
Chemists in the UK, and can be found quite easily.
Pharmacists are highly qualified and can advise on which medicine
is the best for you. Some medicines are only available
with a GP prescription, and will cost approximately £7.
Page last updated 6/18/2010