After arriving in the UK, you should register with a local doctor (known as a 'GP' or General Practitioner) as soon as possible. Students have a choice of several different GP surgeries within Lincoln city centre, however many students choose to register with our on-campus .
When registering with a GP surgery, you will need to take the following documents with you:
- Personal Identification (passport)
- Immigration documents
- Proof of address with your name and term-time address on it (a household bill or tenancy agreement)
- Medical card (if you have one)
- List of current medications
GP surgeries with online registration may ask you to produce these documents before they can complete your registration.
After registering, you may be asked to see a doctor or nurse practitioner straight away. This is an initial health check and a chance for you to meet your GP or Nurse Practitioner. This is a good time to discuss any medical conditions you have or any current medication you are taking.
Further information regarding accessing health care services as an international student can be found by visiting the (UKCISA) website.
The Immigration Health Surcharge
Individuals who hold a visa may be required to pay the in order to be eligible to access healthcare in the UK. This is done as part of the visa application form. If you are unsure if you are eligible for healthcare in the UK, we recommend you contact the University’s .
Dental Care (Teeth)
Once you have registered with a GP you can also register with an NHS dentist. Further information regarding accessing dental care as an international student can be found by visiting the (UKCISA) website.
Optical Care (Eyes)
In the UK, eye care is provided by opticians. To purchase spectacles or contact lenses you will need a British prescription, which you get from the optician following a sight test. Sight tests can be arranged by contacting the optician directly. The cost of frames, lenses and contact lenses varies. Visit the UKCISA website for information about provided in the UK.
Health Care Mobile App
You may find it helpful to download the ‘’ health app to your mobile. This app has developed by medical doctors, together with students. You can find answers to questions about:
- Emergencies – learning the truth about life-threatening illnesses and how to give basic first aid
- General ill health – how to deal with sleep problems, feeling stressed, and constant fatigue
- Mental health – finding out what to do when feeling low or anxious, self-harming or worried about drinking too much alcohol
- Common ailments – headaches, finding out how to treat spots, and managing common aches and pains
- Navigating health services – what to do next and when to see a pharmacist, nurse or doctor.