The NHS (National Heath Service) is the national institution of public health in the UK. All individuals have the right to receive free medical assistance in the case of:

For those students registered in a study program for longer than six months, you have the right to NHS services, just like British citizens. Registration with your local NHS is conducted by the university upon arrival, which may be followed by a medical examination visit, usually provided by the University. Once this has been completed, you are then allowed to receive free treatments within the network of the NHS (hospitals and general practice doctors.)

If you will be residing in the UK for less than six months, you do not have the right to inscribe with the NHS (except for the three cases listed above). You must pay for any visits to general practice doctors and hospitals. Hence it is strongly advised to get medical insurance for the whole period of your stay in the UK.

Note There are certain medical services that must always be paid for, which include purchase of medication prescribed by the doctor; the dentist; and the optician.

If you are an EEA resident, you are entitled to medical treatment that becomes necessary, at reduced cost or sometimes free, when temporarily visiting the UK. This is done by using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) available from your home country.