The National Health Service (NHS) is a state-run health service providing free healthcare to eligible UK residents. It does not provide free dental or optical care. Most people have to pay a standard charge for medicine that a doctor prescribes.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for NHS care if:
- you are a UK student
- you are an EU/EEA student
- you are a non EU/EEA student enrolled on a course of study for six months or more
- you are a non EU/EAA student from a country with a reciprocal arrangement with the UK
Visit the Department of Health website for more details about NHS eligibility.
Find a doctor
If you are new to London, it is important to register with a doctor also known as General Practitioner (GP) as soon as possible. This will ensure you have easy access to medical care when you need it. GP will be your first point of contact for most physical and mental health concerns.
You would usually register with a GP near your home address. However, the University has identified two GP practices located near the Central London and Harrow campuses, which you may find convenient to register with while studying.
When you register, it’s helpful to have your NHS number. You can use the NHS website to find your NHS number: Find your NHS number - NHS.
Proof of ID
- Current passport
- EEA member state identity card
- Current UK or EEA photo card driving licence
Proof of address
- Bank, building society or Credit Union statement issued within the last three months.
- Students can use their accommodation contracts as proof of address.
Gower Street Practice
20 Gower Street
London WC1E 6DP
T: 020 7467 6800
W: gowerstreetpractice.org.uk
How to register
Students can complete the registration online Register with a GP surgery.
Alternatively, you can download and complete the forms below and hand them into the practice. You can also email them - [email protected].
Kenton Bridge Medical Centre
Dr Raja
155-175 Kenton Road
Kenton
Harrow
Middlesex
HA3 0YX
T: 020 8907 6989
W: https://kbmc.org.uk
How to register
- Complete the online registration form Register with the surgery – Kenton Bridge Medical Centre. Use your new student accommodation address when filling out the address section.
- Visit Dr Raja, Kenton Bridge Medical Centre reception during opening hours to collect a paper registration form.
If you are residing at Unite Olympic way, you can register with the below Practice.
Dr Raja Kenton Bridge Medical Centre
155-175 Kenton Road
Kenton
Harrow
Middlesex
HA3 0YX
Website: https://kbmc.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8907 6989
How to Register with the surgery
- Complete the online registration form Register with the surgery – Kenton Bridge Medical Centre. Use your new student accommodation address when filling out the address section.
- Visit Dr Raja, Kenton Bridge Medical Centre reception during opening hours to collect a paper registration form
Alexander Fleming, Hoxton
Gower Street Practice
20 Gower Street
London WC1E 6DP
Telephone: 020 7467 6800
Website: gowerstreetpractice.org.uk
How to register with the surgery:
Students can complete the registration online Register with a GP surgery.
Alternatively, you can download and complete the forms below and hand them into the practice. You can also email them - [email protected].
Find a local GP Service
Alternatively, you can use the NHS Find GP Services tool to find the nearest practice to you.
How does it work?
You will need to contact the GP of your choice to see if they are accepting new patients. You can complete registration online or visit the surgery to register. You will be asked to take some documents (e.g. proof of residency, the course you are enrolled on, your student ID or your passport). You may be requested to fill in a form about your health history.
What are the benefits?
Registration entitles you to:
- free consultation with your GP
- free hospital treatment in Accident and Emergency (A&E), Minor Injuries & Walk-in Units
- free hospital treatment with a specialist or consultant, if recommended by your GP
- free contraception and sexual health services
- free maternity services
Getting an appointment with a hospital specialist can take many weeks, even if your GP has referred you. Many people in the UK choose to take out private medical insurance so they can be seen more quickly, but this can be expensive.
Medications and prescriptions
If you have a long-standing health problem, or require regular prescription medicine, please ensure you have a summary of your medical condition and needs from your previous doctor. For students who are joining the University from abroad, you need to be aware that some medicines are different in the UK, or may not be regularly prescribed for certain conditions. Register with a doctor as soon as possible after your arrival for help and advice.
If you need help with prescription costs, visit the NHS website.
Vaccinations
An important part of staying safe when moving into halls or starting university is making sure you are vaccinated against the infections most commonly seen among students.
Your GP can advise you on which vaccinations you have already received and whether any boosters or updates are recommended.
Find out about Preventing infectious illnesses during your studies, including what symptoms to look out for and where to get help and advice.
Travelling and health
If you are travelling within the UK, you remain entitled to NHS treatment wherever you are. Ensure to take your NHS card or number with you. In an emergency, you can access medical assistance by calling 999 for an ambulance, contacting NHS 111 for urgent medical advice or attending the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department at the hospital.
If you are travelling outside the UK, you may be eligible for the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This allows you to receive necessary healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and certain other countries under the same conditions as local residents. Treatment may be free, or you may need to pay the same amount that residents of that country would pay. For further information and to apply, please visit Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC) - NHS.
The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Please ensure you take out private travel and medical health insurance for the duration of your trip before travelling.
You can check Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK for the country you're visiting.
Emergencies
If there's an emergency on campus, call 0203 506 4558 from your mobile to reach a first-aider.
If you're off campus, the emergency number in the UK is 999.
For more information on campus and off-campus emergencies, see our Emergencies page.