If you're undergoing any medical treatment, have had any serious illnesses in the past or are registered disabled, please bring with you all your current prescriptions and a report from your doctor.  The documents should give details of your condition, all treatment and/or medication you require and any assistance or support you will need while you undertake your studies. This will help ensure the smooth continuation of your treatment when you arrive in the UK.

As an international student you, and any members of your family who have come to the UK with you, may be entitled to free or subsidised treatment in the UK under the National Health Service (NHS).  Generally your course needs to be of six months or more in duration to qualify.  If you are in the UK for less than six months, you may only receive free emergency treatment on the NHS.  However, if you are a national or resident of Austraila or are studying a full-time course in Scotland, you will receive this benefit regardless of the length of your studies.

It is highly recommended that you take out medical insurance before you leave home or as soon as possible after you arrive in the UK.

For a list of UK reciprocal health agreements go to the Department of Health website.

To receive any kind of treatment through the NHS, you must be registered with a doctor (sometimes called a GP or General Practitioner). It is best to arrange this as soon as possible after you arrive in the UK, once you have a permanent address, as it may delay your treatment if you need to see a doctor and are not registered.

If your school, college or university has a health centre, you may be able to register with a doctor there or they may be able to recommend a local doctor or GP. You will need to take proof of your student status, your passport and evidence of your address with you when you register. You will then be sent an NHS medical card with an individual identity code, which you can also use to register with a dentist. A consultation with your doctor is free, but you must pay for any medicines prescribed unless you are under 19 years of age and in full-time education (under 25 years in Wales).  A prescription costs £6 per item.  If you have a condition such as asthma that requires frequent repeat prescriptions, you may be able to save money by buying a prepayment certificate. Your doctor or student advisers will be able to provide you with details.

If you are eligible for NHS treatment, you can receive your dental treatment at a reduced rate. Once you have registered with a doctor and received your medical card you can register with a dentist. Some dentists only accept private patients, so make sure that the practice accepts NHS patients before you register.

Remedies for minor illnesses such as headaches and colds are available from high street chemists, most supermarkets and some other shops, such as newsagents.  They are available without a prescription from your doctor. If you are not sure what medication to take, rather than visiting your doctor, you can get advice from a qualified pharmacist at any chemist.

You can also contact NHS Direct, a 24-hour phone line, staffed by nurses, which offers quick access to health care advice. NHS Direct nurses will give you advice and support on self treatment, or if you need further help they'll put you in touch with the right service. If it is a serious condition or an emergency, the nurse will give you speedy advice on what you need to do, and will call an ambulance if needed.  You can find information and advice about the most common illnesses, and a range of treatments for them, on the NHS Direct website or by phoning NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (calls are charged at a local rate from the UK only).

If you have a disability of any kind, contact your institution before you arrive in the UK. Most institutions will make special arrangements for you that take your disability into account, anything from giving you printouts of lecture notes to allowing you extra time on examinations if writing is physically difficult for you.  The arrangements will differ according to your needs.