Arrange a healthcare provider
Your next steps
- View previous steps
- Meet your visa requirements
- Collect your ID card
- Get your student status letter
- View your academic timetable
- Start your course orientation
- Get to know your campus and city
- Get to know your student support areas
- Arrange a healthcare provider
- Get to know your Student Union
- View further steps
Get healthcare while you study
It’s important to have access to healthcare while you’re studying. Here’s everything you need to know, from registering with a GP to getting help in an emergency.
Registering with a GP
If you're a student at Coventry University London, it's important to register with a GP (doctor) as soon as you arrive. We recommend Holborn Medical Centre because they work closely with us and offer NHS care that’s tailored for students.
You can only be registered with one GP at a time.
How to register
- Fill in the online student registration form for Holborn Medical Centre: https://www.holbornmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/
- When registered, you’ll be able to book appointments
Where to find a different GP?
If you live outside the Holborn area or prefer another GP, use the NHS GP Finder to find a local service.
You’ll usually need:
- Valid photo ID
- Your National Insurance number
- International students may also be asked for their visa details
NHS 111: Non-emergency medical help (24/7)
If you’re not sure where to go or need medical advice quickly, use 111 online or call 111.
NHS 111 can help with things like:
- Symptoms of illness or injury
- Dental problems
- Mental health support
- Help with prescriptions or medicines
- Ongoing conditions or health concerns
Call 111 if you:
- Need advice outside of GP hours
- Need help for a child under 5
- Have a complex health condition
- Have a care plan in place
- Need support with end-of-life care
You can find out more at nhs.uk/111
Emergency help: 999 and A&E (24/7)
Only visit Accident & Emergency (A&E) for life-threatening problems such as:
- Chest pain or breathing difficulties
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Severe burns or injuries
- Loss of consciousness
- Mental health crises including suicidal thoughts
In an emergency, call 999 for an ambulance, police, or fire services.
If you are unwell but it is not an emergency, call 111 for medical advice.
Healthcare FAQ for international students
Can I use the NHS while I study in the UK?
Yes. If your course is six months or longer, you can use the NHS (National Health Service). This includes GP (doctor) appointments, hospital treatment and emergency care.
Do I need to pay to use the NHS?
When you applied for your visa, you may have paid a health surcharge. If so, you can use most NHS services without paying again. This does not cover:
- Dental care
- Eye tests
- Prescriptions (medications)
Can my family use the NHS too?
Yes. If dependents like children or a partner live with you in the UK, they can also use NHS services.
Do I need to register with a doctor (GP)?
Yes. If you’re living away from home during your studies, it’s important to register with a local GP near your term-time address or one recommended by your university. GPs are your main point of contact for most medical needs.
What is a GP?
A GP (General Practitioner) is a local doctor who treats common illnesses and supports your overall health and wellbeing, including mental health. They can also refer you to specialists or hospitals if needed. Many GP surgeries also offer services like vaccinations, contraception, and general health advice.
How do I find and register with a GP?
Use the NHS Find a GP tool to locate GP practices near your address. To register, you’ll need your course details and National Insurance number.
What is a walk-in or urgent care centre?
Walk-in centres treat minor injuries or illnesses. You don’t need to register or make an appointment. These centres are useful if you can’t see your GP or need quick medical attention for non-emergencies.
What is a pharmacy?
Pharmacies (also called chemists) are places where you can buy medicines for common health problems like coughs, colds, or headaches. Pharmacists can also give advice and help you choose the right treatment. Some medicines are available without a prescription.
What is a prescription?
Prescriptions are written by a GP for specific medicines. You collect the medicine at a pharmacy. In England, each prescription currently costs £9.90 (2025). GPs will only prescribe medicine if they think it’s needed.
How can I find out more about UK healthcare as an international student?
Visit the UKCISA website for more information on registering with a doctor and how to use NHS services as an international student in the UK.
What should I take to health appointments?
Bring your e Visa or proof of student status when visiting NHS services to help avoid being charged incorrectly.
Vaccinations explained
Vaccinations protect you from serious illnesses like polio, measles, and meningitis. Thanks to the UK’s national immunisation programme, many dangerous diseases are now rare, but they still exist in other parts of the world. It’s important to make sure you are fully protected.
Routine vaccinations
Please check that you are up to date with all the routine vaccinations recommended by the UK Government’s Department of Health. If you’re not sure, speak to your GP or doctor about catching up.
Information for international students
If you’re coming to study from outside the UK, you must have all the vaccinations recommended by the UK Government. Speak to your doctor about any extra vaccines you may need before travelling. Also check with your local embassy for any legal vaccination requirements.
Important vaccines to know about
MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
There have been outbreaks of measles and mumps at UK universities in recent years, especially among students who haven’t had the vaccine.
The MMR vaccine protects you from all three illnesses in one injection. Most people have had two doses as children, but it’s a good idea to check with your GP before starting university.
If you or someone you know catches measles, follow the NHS advice on measles.
To be fully protected, you should have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. If you haven’t had both doses, your GP can help you get vaccinated.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
Getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine gives you the best protection. We encourage all students and staff to get vaccinated as soon as possible, following advice from the World Health Organisation and UK Government.
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine
Meningitis and septicaemia are rare but serious illnesses. The MenACWY vaccine protects you from these diseases.
Students starting university are at higher risk because they live in halls and meet lots of new people.
It’s important to have had the MenACWY vaccine. If you haven’t had it yet, you can still get it from your GP, but only until your 25th birthday.
Find out how we manage contagious (also known as communicable) diseases.
Useful links
These websites can help you find out more about vaccines and how to get health care while you’re studying in the UK.
- NHS advice on COVID-19 vaccines: Find out why the COVID-19 vaccine is important, who should have it and how to get it.
- Meningitis Research Foundation: Learn about meningitis, how to protect yourself and what to do if you get sick.
- NHS guide to vaccinations: Everything you need to know about vaccines you might need while living in the UK.
Last updated: 22 August 2025
