Before you arrive

Pre-arrival healthcare checklist for international students

• read our health services in the UK page to find out:
  • what services you can use
  • how to get help
  • what to do in an emergency
  • other useful information
• find out whether you need to pay an immigration surcharge to access healthcare
  • most international students will do this as part of applying for their visa. The UKCISA website has information about eligibility and medical costs.
• if you are an EEA national, apply for a Global Health Insurance card (GHIC). 
• bring a full record of past immunisations, in English
• if you can, before you leave, get yourself immunised against:
  • measles
  • mumps
  • rubella (MMR)
  • meningitis ACWY

You can get some catch-up immunisations including HPV. We have more information in our immunisations page.

If you have a physical or mental medical condition

• bring a summary of your medical records with you, translated into English if possible
• read about the range of support we can offer to give you confidential support throughout your studies

If you are on regular medication

• find out whether you can get your medicine in the UK. If you cannot get your medicine in the UK, bring enough for the duration of your stay
• if your medication is available in the UK, bring enough with you to last at least two months. You may not be able to see a doctor straight away
• bring a letter of explanation from your doctor for any medication you bring with you