The National Health Service
The National Health Service (NHS) is the world's largest publicly funded health service. The NHS provides health treatment for UK residents, some of which is free and some of which may incur a charge.
Overseas students on full-time courses lasting six months or longer are eligible to use the National Health Service on the same terms as UK residents. Others are advised to maintain private insurance (see below). To learn more about the NHS and to confirm whether you are entitled for NHS services see the Quick guide to national health service|, UKCISA's Keeping Healthy info sheet|, or go directly to the NHS website|.
Registering with a doctor
Doctors in the UK are often referred to as 'GPs' which stands for General Practitioners and doctor's offices are often referred to as surgeries.
As soon as you arrive in London, you should register with a doctor in the area in which you live. Do not wait until you are unwell! After you register, you will receive a personal NHS number on a card, which you should keep safe as you may need to present it when you visit your doctor or dentist. It is strongly recommended that all students look over All you need to know about registration with an NHS GP| and follow the directions provided.
Every doctors surgery can have a different procedure for making an appointment and operate under different opening times. Ask at your surgery for more information. Although you may be entitled to free health care, you may have to pay for your prescription medicines. Some individuals are exempt.| See the NHS website| for details and prescription costs.
St Philips Medical Centre
The St Philips Medical Centre| is an NHS medical centre located on the LSE campus. Students who live within the St Philips Medical Centre catchment area are able to register at the centre. They also provide medical care to anyone who becomes ill or needs medical advice while on the LSE campus. Visit their website to learn more.
Emergency and urgent care services
If you need emergency assistance, you should dial 999. This is a free call. To ensure that seriously ill and injured patients are treated as quickly as possible, a 999 call should only be made in a genuine emergency.
You could also visit the accident and emergency department |of your local hospital, commonly called A&E. Please note that A&E departments are generally for life-threatening emergencies. Less severe injuries can be treated in minor injuries services and NHS walk-in centres, which treat patients without an appointment. Visit NHS Emergency and urgent care services| for more information.
Pharmacies
In addition to dispensing medicines, pharmacies can offer advice on common health problems. Pharmacists are trained experts in the use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines and can speak to you about routine questions about the medicines you are taking, when you should be taking medicines, or any side effects you might be concerned about. Typically you do not need an appointment to speak with a pharmacist. Simply stop by and ask if a pharmacist is available to chat. Some pharmacies have separate consultation areas for your privacy.
Dental treatment
Although some dentists will accept NHS patients, many do not. Visit the NHS website |to find lists of NHS dentists. You should register with a dentist as soon as possible to avoid delays if you should need care. NHS dentists provide dental treatment that is clinically necessary to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You may need to make a contribution towards the cost of your dental treatment. If you are not covered by the NHS, or the dentist does not take NHS patients, you will have to pay for the full cost of your treatment.
Sardinia House Dental Practice is an independent dental practice which offers preferential rates to LSE staff and students. They are located on the 4th floor of Sardinia House and can be contacted on 02079557444.
Opticians
The NHS website| offers an overview of NHS eye care services and allows you to search for services near you. UKCISA also offers advice to international students regarding optical treatment|. Many opticians operate from high street shops and there is normally a charge for an eye test on the NHS.
Inoculations and injections
If you are required to have any vaccinations, including meningitis, or evidence of a recent check-up or chest x-ray, you should arrange to have these when applying for your visa. In exceptional circumstances, some people may be asked to undergo a straightforward medical on their arrival in the UK.
The School's Medical Centre offers advice on the vaccinations you should have before coming to university. See Vaccination advice for students|.
Students with children
LSE's Advice for pregnant students or those with children| offers information about early medical support and much more.
Private health insurance
You may decide to take out private health insurance during your stay in the UK. There are many companies who provide a range of private services. LSE is unable to make recommendations about the best private health insurance provider for your needs.