As a student, living and studying in a new country can initially involve changes to your normal routine and way of life. The differences in climate, food, customs and the emotional stress of being away from family and friends can all affect your health. We therefore advise all students to register with a General Practitioner (GP) within 2 weeks of arriving in the UK.
All international students, providing they are studying on a course that lasts for 6 months or more, are entitled to free treatment under the National Health Service. The National Health Service covers consultation with General Practitioners (family doctors) and hospital treatment for medical conditions that arise while you are in the UK. Please note you are not covered for free medical treatment until you have registered as a student with the College and when consulting with a doctor will be charged a fee for any medication that may be prescribed.
European Union students should ensure that they have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before traveling to the UK. This form entitles the student to receive free or subsidized medical treatment in any of the EEA countries regardless of the length of time of their studies.
Normally students are required to register with a doctor in the area that they are living. A list of doctors in the Liverpool can be found on the following link: http://www.nhs.uk/
When registering with a doctor you may be asked to show evidence of your status as a student, your passport, and proof of your UK address.
Students are eligible for dental treatment under the National Health Service (NHS) but you must first be registered with a doctor. However, charges are made for all dental treatment whether it is private treatment or treatment under the NHS. In addition, many dentists do not undertake NHS work. We therefore advise all students to have their teeth checked before coming to the UK.
Opticians operate from High Street shops. All opticians charge for eye tests and spectacles and contact lenses vary in price. It is therefore advisable to shop around in order to find the best price.
