Do I have to pay for medical care?
What is the National Health Service (NHS)?
The NHS is the UK’s state health service and provides medical treatment through three main routes:
1. General Practitioners (GPs - Doctor) Surgery, Clinic or Health Centre. When you arrive, you should register with a GP’s (doctor) surgery in the area in which you live. Your GP is usually the first point of contact for medical treatment. Most illnesses and other problems can be treated by a GP, but if you need to see a specialist, the GP will refer you to the appropriate hospital department.
2. Hospitals. If your GP refers you to a hospital for treatment, you will usually be sent an appointment to see a specialist doctor at a hospital. You may be seen as an in-patient (where you stay at the hospital for treatment) or as an out-patient (where you visit the hospital each time you require treatment).
3. Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments. Some (but not all) hospitals have A&E departments. These departments are open 24 hours a day and deal with patients needing emergency treatment. The nearest A&E department to the University is at Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham. If you have an accident or urgent medical problem you can go to the A&E department – you do not need to make an appointment, but you may have to wait for more than an hour before being seen by a doctor.
Dealing with medical emergencies
If you need immediate medical assistance (for example, because of an accident) telephone 999. The call is free.
Am I entitled to free NHS treatment?
The following NHS treatment is free to anyone:
Treatment in an emergency (but not follow-up treatment)
Treatment of certain communicable diseases
Compulsory psychiatric treatment
Family planning services
EEA national students and any accompanying family members should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in their country of residence. This form entitles the holder and his or her family to full NHS treatment
Non-EEA nationals and any accompanying family members, will not be entitled to free NHS hospital treatment, except in emergencies. GP’s may agree to treat you for free, but this will usually be limited to urgent treatment that cannot be delayed until you return home. You will have to pay for any other treatment as a private patient. It is therefore very important that you take out medical insurance for the duration of your visit to the UK. If you do not have insurance, private treatment could prove very expensive.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
The UK has reciprocal health care agreements with the following countries:
Nationals of countries in the European Economic Area
Nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Yugoslavia ie Serbia & Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
Residents of Anguilla, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Channel Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Isle of Man, Montserrat, St Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Reciprocal health care agreements will usually cover hospital treatment although you should check with your home country health authority for full details.
Please note that this list can change, please visit the Department of Health website for up to date information.
I am entitled to NHS treatment, what does the NHS provide free of charge?
If you are entitled to NHS treatment, you will be able to use a GP (doctor) and other GP services (eg visiting a clinic) for free. You will also be able to get treatment in a hospital (both emergency and non-emergency).
You may need to pay for some GP services (eg certain vaccinations), dental and optical treatment, medicines prescribed by your GP or prescription medicines. Some groups can get free prescriptions (see UKCISA guide below). If you cannot get free NHS prescriptions and you will be receiving prescriptions on a regular basis, you could reduce your costs by purchasing a prepayment certificate. This is a certificate that allows you to make unlimited number of NHS prescriptions. If you think you will have to pay for more than 5 prescription items in 4 months or 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a prepayment certificate (PPC). You can get a prepayment certificate application form from most Post Offices or apply for a prepayment certificate online.
You may also be able to claim for help towards health costs on the grounds of low income. Ask your GP surgery for a HC1 form (also available at ISAS and the ARC). Health benefits are not classed as ‘public funds’. Your immigration status will not be affected if you claim and receive any help with health costs.
