# How does the NHS work for international students?

> Having paid the health surcharge, you get broadly NHS-resident care — register with a GP to use it.

International students who have paid the immigration health surcharge can use the National Health Service (NHS) on broadly the same basis as a UK resident for the length of their visa, including GP and hospital care. To use it routinely you must register with a local GP (doctor) after you arrive. Some services still carry charges — most prescriptions in England, and dental and optical care for most adults. In a medical emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. Confirm current details on the NHS website.

## Quick facts
- **Covered:** Broadly NHS-resident care (GP, hospital)
- **First step:** Register with a local GP
- **Still costs:** Most prescriptions (England), dental, optical
- **Emergency:** 999 or A&E

## Key takeaways
- Paying the health surcharge gives broadly NHS-resident care for your visa's length.
- Register with a local GP after you arrive to use the NHS routinely.
- Some services cost extra: most prescriptions (England), dental and optical care.
- In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E (accident and emergency).

## What you're entitled to
Because you pay the immigration health surcharge as part of your visa, you can use the NHS on broadly the same basis as someone ordinarily resident in the UK, for the length of your visa — covering GP appointments and hospital treatment. The essential first step is to register with a local GP surgery soon after you arrive (many universities have an on-campus practice), as the GP is your gateway to most NHS care. Registration is free and usually needs ID and proof of address.

## What still costs and emergencies
Not everything is free at the point of use: in England, most prescriptions carry a standard charge, and dental treatment and eye tests and glasses are generally not free for most adults (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ on some charges). Keep this in mind when budgeting. In a medical emergency — such as a serious injury or someone unconscious — call 999 or go to A&E (accident and emergency); for urgent but non-emergency advice you can call 111. Study UK Now's settling-in guidance covers registering with a GP and using the NHS.

## Frequently asked questions
### How does the NHS work for international students?
Having paid the immigration health surcharge, you can use the NHS on broadly the same basis as a UK resident for the length of your visa, including GP and hospital care. Register with a local GP after you arrive to use it routinely. Some services still cost extra — most prescriptions in England, and dental and optical care. In an emergency, call 999.

### Do international students pay for a doctor in the UK?
GP appointments and most hospital treatment are free at the point of use once you have paid the health surcharge and registered with a GP. However, in England most prescriptions carry a standard charge, and dental and optical care are generally not free for adults. Register with a GP early so you can be seen routinely when needed.

## Sources
- [NHS — how to register with a GP surgery](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/) — NHS
- [GOV.UK — Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application](https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application) — GOV.UK

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Verified: 2026-06-17