Healthcare in the UK
The UK has a National Health Service (NHS). NHS services are free at the point of use for eligible residents and international students who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application.
International students' access to NHS services
If you join us on a Student Route visa for a full-time course or part-time postgraduate course for more than 6 months, you will be subject to the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year, payable with your visa application. This helps cover your NHS costs while you're in the UK, so you can access NHS services whenever you need them.
If you have any dependants living permanently with you for the duration of your course, they must also pay the surcharge when they apply for their visa. You'll all need to pay any additional statutory NHS charges, like any prescriptions.
EU, EEA and Swiss Citizens
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who was resident in the UK before 30 December 2020 and have been granted Settled or Pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) or have an EUSS application pending, you can access free healthcare through the NHS as long as you continue to be ordinarily resident in the UK. The NHS may ask for evidence of your status. Further information about access to the NHS can be found on the gov.uk website.
If you are studying in the UK for less than six months and are citizen of the EU or Norway, you can access medical treatment if you hold a valid EU issued EHIC card. Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland will need to pay for medical care.
IHS Reimbursement for EU and Swiss Citizens
If you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for a Student Route visa started on or after 1 January 2021, are a full-time student and do not work in the UK, you may be entitled to apply for an IHS reimbursement after 1 January 2022. You must also have an EHIC card issued in an EU country or Switzerland.
If you arrive in the UK from 1 January 2022, you’ll have a year to apply from the start date of your visa.
You should apply for your reimbursement as soon as possible after arriving in the UK. This will help you to have all the relevant documents you need to make an application. It also means we can give you important information about using your EHIC to get medical treatment.
You’ll get an IHS reimbursement that covers the period that your EHIC is valid in the UK. In order to be eligible for a full reimbursement, you should ensure that you hold a valid EHIC for the duration of your stay.
If you wish to work in the UK you should not apply for the reimbursement.
Travelling to and from the UK and study of less than 6 months
We recommend that you buy comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to the UK. This should provide health cover and protection for any trips you make during your studies, including your journey to the UK, visits home, and travel to other countries during holidays.
If your course lasts less than six months, it is particularly important that you arrange medical insurance from a reputable provider before you leave your home country. While some NHS services, including emergency treatment, may be available to you, you may not be eligible for other NHS treatment. If you require treatment that is not covered, you will need to have appropriate insurance or pay for the treatment yourself. Patients who are not entitled to free NHS care may be charged up to 150% of the standard NHS cost for treatment.
Private healthcare
You can choose to take private medical cover if you prefer. We can't recommend any specific medical insurance providers, but all should be able to provide insurance that covers:
- The cost of bringing a relative to the UK to visit you after a medical emergency or if you get sick
- The cost of returning to your home country for treatment if this is necessary
- The cost of returning to your home country if a family member is sick
- Lost tuition fees if you're unable to complete your course
Healthcare in Portsmouth
Studying in a different country can be an exciting experience, but it is important to look after both your physical and mental wellbeing while you are here. Taking care of your health can have a significant impact on your overall experience of living and studying in the UK.
One of the first things you should do when you arrive is register with a GP (doctor). Do not wait until you become unwell. Being registered in advance means you can access healthcare more quickly if you need medical support during your studies.
Vaccinations
It's important that you keep up with your recommended vaccinations, both for yourself and the protection of others.
We recommend that you check with your doctor in your home country to check that you are up to date with your vaccinations.
If you are not sure if you need further vaccinations speak to your GP surgery when you register with them.
You can find out more information on the Vaccination page on MyPort.
Getting help from the NHS
Health advice - NHS 111
Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for health advice.
It's a free service that allows you to speak to NHS staff who can give you health advice or help find which service is best for you.
Illnesses and minor injuries
If you're in Portsmouth
The Urgent Treatment Centre and Minor Injury Unit at St Mary's Hospital, east of the University campus can help with minor illnesses and injuries
They can offer treatment, advice and information for incidents like minor head and eye wounds, treating sprains, strains and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet.
If you're in London
The A&E and Urgent Care Centre at Whipps Cross Hospital can help with minor illnesses and injuries.
They can offer treatment, advice and information for incidents like minor head and eye wounds, treating sprains, strains and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet.
Calling an ambulance
If you're in Portsmouth
If you or someone else has a serious or life-threatening injury or condition on campus, call 999.
If you are on campus in Portsmouth when calling 999 please also call Campus Security who will be able to offer assistance and arrange access for the ambulance crew. Call the Security Lodge through extension 3333 or +44 (0)23 9284 3333. You'll be asked:
- The location, including the area or room in the building
- The phone number you're calling from
- What's happened?
The Security Lodge will dispatch caretakers and security to assist and arrange access for the ambulance crew.
If you're in London
If you or someone else has a serious or life-threatening injury or condition on campus, call 999. You'll be asked:
- The location, including the area or room in the building
- The phone number you're calling from
- What's happened?
Life threatening emergencies
If you're in Portsmouth
If you need urgent medical treatment for a life threatening emergency, the local hospital in Portsmouth is Queen Alexandra Hospital ("QA Hospital") in the north of the city.
The Emergency Department at QA Hospital treats those with life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.
If you're in London
If you need urgent medical treatment for a life threatening emergency, the local hospital in Walthamstow is Whipps Cross Hospital.
The Emergency Department at Whipps Cross Hospital treats those with life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.