Healthcare in the UK

The LSET International Student Support department is always dedicated to provide students with complete support to study in the UK and live without any problems.

Healthcare

Health Advice Before You Enter the Country

It can’t be guaranteed that you will gain access to the same medication in the UK as prescribed to you in your native country. To receive medication in the UK, you will first need to be checked by a doctor (General Practitioner). We recommend you bring your current prescription to the country. The majority of the people have to pay to get prescriptions in the UK. Free prescriptions are available if you are under 19 years of age and studying full-time. However, for short-term courses, you are advised to bring sufficient supplies of your medication with you.

Pre-existing Medical Condition

If you have been diagnosed with any existing medical conditions, we highly recommend asking your doctor to give a letter explaining the condition and any medication that you are receiving. This letter should be given to a general practitioner in the UK to ensure consistency and care in your treatment in the country.

It would be best if you inform your doctor in the native country that you will be visiting the UK to study. Get consultancy from him/her to discuss your medication and access healthcare during your time in your native country. If you want to address mental health issues, General Practitioners can also help you in the UK.

Vaccinations COVID-19

The British government has stated that individuals don’t need to be COVID-19 vaccinated to enter the UK. In fact, every international student above the age of 18 is eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. The immigration status or nationality doesn’t matter to become eligible for this scheme. The students who have been studying in the UK for less than six months are also eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Individuals under 18 are not currently administered the COVID-19 vaccine. You must be 18 or above to receive a shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. You can register with a General Practitioner to gain access to the vaccine.

If you have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine abroad, then it is possible to get the second dose of the same vaccine in the UK (it must be available in the UK). However, if the same vaccine is not available in the UK, then you should contact a General Practitioner to make sure that you receive the appropriate vaccine for the second dose.

Meningitis

The London School of Emerging Technology expects all students below the age of 25 years to be vaccinated against Meningitis. The students should be given a Meningitis booster vaccine if they were below the age of 10 years when they received their first Meningitis C vaccine.

MMR

The MMR vaccine is very effective against mumps, measles, rubella. We highly recommend getting two doses of MMR vaccines before entering the country. It might not be a requirement, but we recommend you bring every copy of your vaccine certificate that you have received.

Availability of Healthcare Based on Immigration

The UK has one of the best healthcare infrastructures in the world. The National Health Service (NHS) is a publicly funded healthcare system in the UK that provides world-class medical facilities in the UK. You might get full access to the National Health Service or might need private health insurance depending on your immigration status.

Students Who Have Entered the UK Before 31st December 2020

If you are a student who had entered the UK before 31st December 2020, the availability of healthcare services will depend on whether you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national. It is also dependant on the duration of the course (Less than six months or longer).

EU/EEA/ Swiss Nationals Studying a Course of Longer than Six Months

If you are an international student who entered the UK before 31st December 2020 and your course has a duration of six months or longer, it is highly recommended to sign up for the EU Settlement Scheme. This new scheme provides the opportunity to EU/EEA/Swiss nationals the right to study, live, and work in the UK. They are also entitled to receive the full benefits of the National Health Service (NHS).

EU/EEA/ Swiss Nationals Studying a Course of Shorter than Six Months

If you have entered the UK before 31st December 2020 and your course has a duration of fewer than six months, we would also recommend you sign up for the EU Settlement Scheme. This scheme would provide you with plenty of benefits along with access to the National Health Service (NHS).

Non-EU/EEA/ Swiss Nationals Studying a Course of Longer than Six Months

It really doesn’t matter when you have entered the country. It is mandatory to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for a successful Student Visa application. Paying this fee would give you access to the National Health Service (NHS) services and give you Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). It will also be possible to register with the General Practitioner as a permanent patient.

Non-EU/EEA/ Swiss Nationals Studying a Course of Shorter than Six Months

If you are enrolling on a course with a duration of fewer than six months, then it is highly recommended to get private health insurance during your stay in the UK. This insurance should be attained before you enter the country as a student visa holder. The healthcare facilities that will be determined will completely depend on your private health insurance policy. You might need to rely on a private clinic as your General Practitioner.

Students Who Have Entered the UK After 31st December 2020

If you entered the UK after 31st December 2020, then access to healthcare facilities will depend on the duration of your course (below six months or more than six months). Every non-UK student is required to apply for the common Student Visa. The differences and separation between EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and non-EEA/EU/Swiss nationals have ended indefinitely.

Accessing Healthcare Services in the UK

In the UK, you will be given healthcare services by the National Health Service (NHS). We highly recommend you register with a General Practitioner while enrolling on the London School of Emerging Technology. We want every international student to look after themselves while living in the UK. Everyone should be aware of the steps to obtain medical treatment in the UK.

Vaccinations COVID-19

The National Health Service or NHS is a publicly funded healthcare system that provides several services free of cost. However, you have to pay for several services.

The services provided by the NHS are free of cost;

Accidental or emergency services (won’t be providing follow-up treatment or admission)
Planning for family
Sexually transmitted diseases

The National Health Service (NHS) will give you access to almost comprehensive healthcare coverage. The majority of the services are going to be free. However, dental care and eye care won’t be covered in this.