Health
care
Britain is usually cold and wet between
November and February. Keep warm by wearing layers of
clothes, woollen jumpers and a thick jacket or coat.
Wear strong shoes or boots which keep the rain out,
gloves and a warm hat. An umbrella is essential. If
you become ill, and if your course of study is for six
months or more; you can get free health care from the
National Health Service (NHS).
If you are from a country with a reciprocal
agreement with the UK, you will be covered even if
your course is less than six months but only if the
need for your treatment arose while you were visiting
the UK. If your course is less than six months and you
are not covered by a reciprocal agreement you are not
eligible for free health care and are advised to take
out health insurance.
See UKCISA for more information.
If you are entitled to free treatment
on the NHS, you can register as a patient with an NHS
doctor. There is also a walk-in clinic near to the college.
Otherwise you should register with any doctor close
to where you live. The same applies for dentists. Under
the NHS, dental treatment is not free but is cheaper.
Local main post offices should be able to give you a
list of NHS dentists.
If you intend to study full-time in the UK for 6 months or more you can get most health care free of charge from the NHS, as can your spouse and any children under 16 (or up to 19 if still in full-time education). This applies from the first day of your stay in the UK. If you are studying for less than 6 months then, although you will still be eligible to receive emergency hospital treatment, you may face charges for any other kind of medical care and are advised to take out medical insurance.
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