Do I have to pay for medical treatment?

The rules about doctors and dentists are complicated - this page is a basic summary/generalisation.

• Anyone can get FREE medical treatment for EMERGENCY treatment and some other types of special conditions.
• European union citizens can usually get free medical treatment
• If your course is 6 months or longer you will probably receive free treatment.
• If your course is less than 6 months you may NOT receive free medical treatment are in the UK for less than 6 months

Most British people have to pay for a dentist, so you will probably have to pay for dentistry. 

For more details see this excellent page by UKCISA 

Registering with a doctor or dentist

We strongly recommend that you register with a GP within the first couple of weeks of arriving in the UK, even if you do not feel ill.

This is to make it easier to see the Doctor when you need to, as GPs are often unable to give appointments to people not registered at their Surgery, except in a real emergency.

To register at the Doctor’s Surgery or Health Centre, you will need:

• your passport;

• evidence that you are a student (for example, your enrolment letter or student card); and

• proof of your UK address (for example, accommodation contract or tenancy agreement).

For more details see these UKCISA pages.