It is very important for all students to be registered with a local doctor's practice, so that you can see a doctor - often called a "General Practitioner" or "GP" - when you need to. Please register as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are unwell.
If you are a student from outside the UK, you may need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the Immigration Health Surcharge or IHS) as part of your immigration application.
There is some treatment that is free for everyone and some exemptions - see the Health and Healthcare article on the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website for more information.
Step 1: Find a GP Practice
First you should locate a GP surgery that is close to where you are living.
You can do this by entering your post code on the Health and Social Care Trust GP Service Finder webpage. These will be listed in order of the closest to your home.
You can learn more about each practice and their registration process on their website. Click into a GP practice listed to find further information.
Step 2: Visit the Doctor's Surgery to Register In Person
It is often helpful to take two forms of identification (one which includes a photograph, such as your passport, BRP card or driving license, and another which shows your term-time address, such as your accommodation tenancy agreement).
You will be asked to complete a registration form at the surgery. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that you need support with, please alert the practice staff when submitting your form.
It may take several weeks for the registration process to be completed and for you to receive your Health Care ID number.
