Have you thought about your medical needs while studying overseas? There's some important things to consider and to sort before you leave for Birmingham.
Health insurance
If you’re enrolling on a course which lasts for less than six months you must make sure that you have medical and health insurance before arriving in the UK to cover any expenses which may arise.
Although the NHS service is free, there are supplementary charges associated with eye tests, dental care and prescriptions.
It is also worth considering private medical insurance in the unlikely event that you become seriously ill. This could cover the costs of you returning home, or if a member of your family travels to the UK to help in the event of an emergency.
Health care
Healthcare is provided under the NHS by doctors (General Practitioners or GPs), located in surgeries close to where you are living. It is important that you register with a doctor soon after you arrive in the UK.
You can search for GPs in your local area on the NHS website. Our student support teams can also put you in touch with a local GP surgery.
Pharmacies are also able to provide treatments and advice for minor illnesses, such as coughs and colds, rashes, stomach upsets, bites and stings and hay fever, and can often be found on your local high street.
Accessing urgent healthcare
NHS 111: If you have an urgent medical problem, but it is not life-threatening, you can contact the NHS by telephoning 111 for help and advice. You can ask for a translator if you need one. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
999: Call 999 in a medical emergency. This means that someone is seriously ill/injured and their life is at risk. You can call 999 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Accident & Emergency (A&E): As well as calling 999, you can visit A&E in a medical emergency. A&E departments are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Medical staff in A&E are highly trained in emergency medicine.
Mental health
You can get advice and treatment for your mental health through the NHS website, your GP surgery and by calling NHS 111. The University also has a dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Team, consisting of counsellors, mental health advisers and wellbeing advisers, who are here to support you. You can find out more about this support here.
Sexual health
The NHS also offers sexual health services. Sexual health services are free and available to everyone regardless of your sex, age, ethnic origin or sexual orientation. You can find your nearest sexual health service here.
Meningitis
Meningitis outbreaks occur all over the world and the Chief Medical Officer for Health in England has recommended that all new students are vaccinated against Group C Meningitis.
You should contact your own doctor about this or speak to our own Healthcare Services team when you arrive at Birmingham City University.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate
Students from certain countries applying for a UK visa which is longer than six months will be required to obtain a certificate showing they are free from infectious pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). See which countries this applies to.