International Student
or Worker
How to access health
services in the UK
Eligibility
A student with a Student Visa or a worker with a Worker Visa, both valid for more than 6 months, is automatically eligible to use the NHS once they have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the visa application. Some workers pay a reduced or nil charge for the IHS.
This gives access to:
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GP (doctor) services
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NHS hospital treatment
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A&E (emergency) services
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Sexual health and contraception
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Treatment for infectious diseases
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Mental health services
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COVID‑19 vaccination and treatment
Register with a GP (General Practitioner)
This is the key step to accessing routine NHS care.
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Find a local GP practice near your UK address (universities or employers often recommend one).
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Complete the GP registration form (GMS1) online or in person.
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Provide proof of identity (passport) and proof of address (tenancy agreement, university accommodation letter).
GP registration is free, and GP practices cannot refuse registration based on nationality or immigration status.
Obtain an NHS Number
After GP registration, you will be issued an NHS number. This is required for appointments, prescriptions, and referrals.
If you have never been registered with the NHS before, the number will be created automatically.
Access the NHS
Once registered, the student/worker can:
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Book GP appointments – some GPs will have electronic booking systems while others with have a telephone procedure
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Be prescribed medicines and other treatments. Some GP practices will have pharmacies attached to them. Others may have arrangements with a nearby pharmacy for the prescription to be sent electronically or manually. Other GPs may hand you the prescription to take to a pharmacy of your choice
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Receive referrals to specialists – ask to be referred to an oncologist or hospital which has experience of dealing with ALK-positive patients. The Charity can advise about this.
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Access hospital treatment
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Use emergency services
In Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland prescriptions are free but there is a charge in England.
Hospital Treatment
ALK-positive patients will be cared for at a hospital which will prescribe cancer drugs. There is no charge for these drugs.It may take some time before the first hospital appointment is made.
If possible, bring a 3-month supply of cancer medications when you enter the country. Bring scan and blood test results and any other documentation and take them to your first appointment.
However, the oncologist may want to have scans and blood taken before prescribing medication.
Understand what is NOT free
Even with IHS, some services require payment:
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Dental treatment (unless exempt)
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Optical services (eye tests, glasses)
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Some vaccinations (e.g., travel vaccines)
If the course or work is under 6 months
Students or workers of less than 6 months are not eligible for NHS treatment and must obtain private health insurance.
Support Group
ALK-positive patients may find it useful to join the Charity’s private Facebook Support Group where they can exchange experiences with and ask questions of other patients.
The Charity’s website contains much useful information, including details of subsidised regional lunches and the free annual weekend conference.
Note
This guidance is intended to help ALK-positive students and workers with appropriate visas to access treatment on the NHS. It does not give guidance on obtaining visas.