Overseas Visitors

A guide to The National Health Service (NHS)

The National Health Service (NHS) might seem very complicated if you have not used the system before. The NHS is a public funded system which provides health care for residents in the United Kingdom (UK).

1. Who is entitled to free health care treatment from the NHS?

You are entitled to free necessary treatment from the NHS if you are either:

    • a full time student from any country on a course for more than 6 months
    • studying on a course of any duration which is substantially funded by the UK Government
    • from a country which is part of the European Union (EU) *
    • from a country which is not from the European Union (EU) that has a bilateral agreement
    • the husband or wife of any of the above and living here whilst your wife or husband is a student
    • a dependent of any of the above:  A dependent is any child under 16 or under 19 if in full time education

More information and a list of countries with bilateral arrangements can be found at the Department of Health website.

* If you are a student from another country in the European Union, here for less than 6 months, you will require a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which must be obtained from your home country.

2. Will I need health care insurance?

If you are not covered by any of the above it is advisable to ensure you have adequate health care insurance as payment will be necessary if you receive any health care in this country.

The following services are free of charge for everyone:

    • Emergency treatment in any Accident and Emergency department.
    • Emergency treatment in any NHS Walk-in Centre providing Accident and Emergency type services.
    • Treatment  for certain infectious diseases.
    • Compulsory psychiatric treatment.
    • Family planning services (sexual health).

3. How do I register for health care?

To  access health care you will need to register with a General Practitioner (G.P.) doctor. Most G.P.s work in a health centre. G.P.s are general doctors who have specialised in family health.  He or she is therefore qualified to see anyone from small babies to the elderly. 

Information about other health centres can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/pages/servicesearch.aspx

Once you have registered with a G.P. / health centre you will be sent an NHS card.  This is proof that you are registered for NHS treatment.  If you have not received the card within two months of registering, contact the health centre who will advise what you should do.  The card will be sent to the address you provided so it is essential that you notify the health centre if your address changes.  When you receive the card, keep it safe and take it with you if you visit the health centre, dentist or hospital.

4. Will I have to pay to register?

    • Registration is free
    • You can only be registered with one G.P. / Health Centre at any time.

If you are exempt from NHS Charges and require hospital care you will need to provide your passport, visa, NHS card and proof of attendance at university.

5. Health care for family or friends visiting from abroad.

Family or friends visiting from abroad should take adequate health care insurance if they are not eligible for a European Health Insurance Card. Halcyon Medical will usually register and see visitors as temporary residents if they require urgent necessary care.

6. What if I have a diagnosed condition or awaiting diagnosis? 

If you have a pre existing condition, are already under the care of a ‘specialised’ team either receiving treatment or waiting for an appointment, it is still advisable to register with a GP.  On arrival, once registered, make an appointment to discuss with one of the G.P.’s who will then be in a better position to help while you are here in Birmingham and to communicate with the relevant doctors.

If you require more specialised or hospital services you will need to be referred by a G.P.

Please click the following links for 'How the NHS works infographics' for Migrants.