.

Healthcare and emergencies in the UK

Many international students at Aston will benefit from a full range of welfare and support services. In the UK we have a state health service referred to as the NHS (National Health Service) which provides treatment for UK residents through a variety of health care services such as medical, dental and optical treatments.

For those of you who attended the health presentation, you can find the slides here:

Health Presentation Slideshow (ppx)

Medical emergencies

If you need immediate medical assistance (for example because of an accident) you should telephone 999, which is a free phone number. Your call will be put through to an operator who will ask which emergency service you require (Fire, Police, Ambulance).


NHS logo

General healthcare

If your course is for six months or more you can get free NHS treatment, including free doctor's examination and hospital treatment, from the beginning of your stay. You can register with the Halcyon Health Centre once you are enrolled. Your spouse or children who are with you in the UK for the duration of your course will also be entitled to NHS treatment.

If your course is for less than six months you cannot receive any NHS funding, unless your are a national of a country that has a special reciprocal health agreement with the UK (see below), and you should take out medical insurance for the duration of your visit.

You can still access services at the Health Centre both on campus and at the main Halcyon Health Centre as temporary residents, but you can only receive treatment that is needed promptly for conditions that arose after your arrival in the UK. This includes sexual health and contraceptive services but excludes referral to hospital for further care unless in an emergency. If your spouse or children require treatment while in the UK, decisions will be made at the Health Centre on a case-by-case basis. 

If your course is for less than six months and you are a national of a country that has a special reciprocal health agreement with the UK, you are also entitled to free NHS hospital treatment that is needed promptly for a condition that arose after your arrival in the UK (not a pre-existing condition).

Please visit the Department of Health website for full details.

Dental treatment

All students suffering with dental problems will initially be seen by the campus dental practice for an NHS examination costing £17. Fees for further treatment will be discussed at your appointment.

How do I know which service I need?
You need to choose carefully which service you use in each situation, to make sure that you get the help you need while using the resources wisely. You will find the NHS South Birmingham website and the UKCISA guide useful in making the right decision.

In a life-threatening situation (eg serious accident) or if you are experiencing chest pains, you should usually call 999 to call an ambulance.
Aston health care
Aston health care
Which services can I access through Aston?
On-campus facilities at Aston University include a Dental Surgery and an Eye Clinic, both of which are run in the
Vision Sciences Building (see the campus map). The Halcyon Medical Centre is nearby in Boots the chemist on the High Street, with a satellite clinic also operating on-campus in room G17. For more information, visiting the University webpages for health and wellbeing.

Further information

Keeping healthy while in the UK

NHS Direct

Get health advice and find the right service

NHS guidance on sexual health

Cost of medication

Whittall Street Clinic

Nearest sexual health clinic to campus

Aston University health and wellbeing


Last updated 6 February 2012 RAP

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