Moving to the UK for university can be an exciting adventure, full of new social opportunities and interesting challenges; hence, it’s best to come prepared. Once you arrive in the UK, it’s essential to register with your local GP and this article will give you a step-by-step guide to making sure you know what to do.
As an international student, registering with a GP (General Practitioner) in the UK is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need once you have found a GP you want to register with:
- Personal Information: Provide your full name, date of birth, address and contact details (phone number).
- ID Documentation: Submit a valid form of identification, such as your passport or national ID card.
- Proof of Address: A utility bill, tenancy agreement, or bank statement confirming your UK address.
- Medical History: Some GPs may ask for a summary of your previous medical history (you can request this from your home country’s healthcare provider).
- Health Check: Many GP surgeries require new patients to undergo a brief health check, which could include basic screenings (e.g., blood pressure, weight, etc.).
Steps needed in your decision making process
Check your eligibility
Understanding whether you’re eligible for NHS (National Health Service) services before you arrive in the UK is essential. There are some key points to note:
- You have applied for a student visa for upwards of six months.
- You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 (as of 2024) for a minimum of a year.
It’s crucial to pay the IHS fee as this will allow you to use NHS services free of charge from the day your visa starts until it expires. Should your visa be longer or shorter than six months, you can calculate how much you’ll need to pay before you apply.
Ensure you have the correct documents
The correct paperwork is crucial when registering with a UK GP, especially as an overseas student. Everything in order will make registering a much smoother and quicker experience. The key documents you’ll need to have with you:
- Your passport or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) is essential for identity verification.
- Proof of address in the UK helps verify that you live in the UK. Your tenancy agreement, utility bill, or even a letter from your university stating your student status will work.
- The IHS number you received when applying for your visa.
Find your local GP surgery
The NHS is divided by locality so patients can find a GP nearby. Finding your local GP surgery is easy: Use the NHS Find A GP tool. Enter your postcode and it’ll show a list of nearby surgeries and whether the GP is currently accepting new patients.
Contact the GP surgery
Once you’ve chosen your GP surgery, the next step is to contact them. Many GPs are used to registering international students, so there’s no need to worry. You can call or email your GP and give the following information when you get in contact:
- Let them know that you are an international student.
- If you have any medical concerns or medications you’re currently taking.
Student tip: be persistent but polite when you get in contact. GP surgeries tend to be extremely busy, so you may need to attempt to contact them a couple of times and it’s okay to follow up if you don’t hear anything back from the GP.
Submit the registration form and documents
Many GP surgeries will allow you to complete and submit the necessary forms online, although a few may require you to drop them off in person. Along with the documents mentioned in step two, you must submit a PRF1(Patient Registration Form), which can be found on the NHS website. Here, you’ll fill in your personal details and medical history.
You’ll receive your NHS number once all your documents have been processed. This is an important detail that you will need for future appointments.
Book your first appointment
Some GPs will require you to book an initial appointment after registration. In this appointment, you’ll be able to:
- Review your medical history with your GP, including current medications, allergies and conditions.
- Discuss any vaccinations you may need.
- Connect with your GP and ensure they have all the correct details.
You are now ready to access NHS healthcare
With registration completed, you are now ready to access NHS healthcare. An easy way to book appointments, order prescriptions and access your medical records is through the NHS app. You can now receive the following services whilst studying in the UK as an international student:
- Free consultations for illnesses, injuries, or health concerns.
- Prescriptions and repeat prescriptions.
- Vaccinations
- Referrals to specialists or hospitals if needed.
- Mental health support through your GP or local services.
- Sexual health services, including contraception advice and testing.
A summary of key steps
Registering with a GP is an essential step for any international student in the UK. It gives you access to life-saving healthcare if needed and provides peace of mind so you can focus on what matters—your studies and enjoying student life. Here’s a final breakdown of the process for registering with a GP:
- Check your eligibility.
- Gather your documents.
- Find your local GP surgery.
- Contact the GP surgery.
- Submit your registration form and documents.
- Book your first appointment.
