National Health Service (NHS) in UK

When traveling abroad, you always have to be ready for extreme or unfamiliar conditions. You might have an upset stomach or other digestive problems in the first few days as your body gets adapted to the climate and the food. It is even common to catch a cold. You may also have trouble adapting to the altitude if you are going to a mountainous area. Even the most seasoned travelers and the fittest athletes have to deal with these problems when they leave their country. These discomforts can, however, be controlled. Here are a few tips to help you adjust.

• Take it easy for the first few days or a week. Your body will need to rest if it is to adapt to local conditions.
• Get enough sleep.
• Wash your hands often and avoid rubbing your eyes in order not to come in contact and be infected with various viruses.
• Medication for headaches, colds, upset stomach, minor injuries, and other ailments is readily available in the United States. It is not always advisable to bring medication from home into the United States since some restrictions apply. The pharmacist at any drugstore can assist you in finding medication for your needs.
• Contact your international student adviser to find the location of the nearest medical clinic. Most universities maintain a health clinic on campus.

 

NHS National Health Service (NHS)

As an international student you may be entitled to free or subsidized treatment in the UK under the National Health Service (NHS). To avail this service, your course needs to be of six months or more in duration. If you are in the UK for less than six months, you may only receive free emergency treatment on the NHS.

Before you travel, students should seek advice from the health authorities in your home country about what treatment will be covered. If you are not entitled to NHS treatment, it is highly recommended that you take out medical insurance before you leave home or as soon as possible after you arrive in the UK.

You can also contact NHS Direct, a 24-hour phone line, staffed by nurses, which offers quick access to health care advice. You can find information and advice about the most common illnesses, and a range of treatments for them, on the NHS Direct website or by phoning NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (calls are charged at a local rate from the UK only).