Being healthy is most paramount in making the best of your study in UK. There are a number of facilities available to this end.

National Health Services (NHS)
Opticians and Dentists
Dependants
Seasonal Affective Disorder

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3.1 National Health Service (NHS)

UK has a public system of health care, the National Health Service (NHS), where consultations with doctors and hospital treatment are free at the point of need. However, there are waiting lists for free consultations with specialists and for non-emergency hospital treatment.

All full-time students on a course longer than six months are entitled to free health care from the NHS. You will need to register yourself with an NHS doctor, commonly known as a General Practitioner (GP). If you have your family with you, as dependents, they have the same entitlement to healthcare as you do.

If you are on a course that lasts less than six months, you will need to take out private health insurance as you will not be covered by the NHS.

For further information please read: www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/health.pdf

NHS provides a 24-hour help-line called the NHS Direct. This service provides confidential heath care advice and information. If you are feeling ill or are concerned for you or your family's health, they are there to advice you on the best course of action. NHS Direct can be contacted 24 hours of the day on 0845 4647, or visit their website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

3.1.1 How to arrange to see a GP

You need to register with a GP at a local medical practice as soon as possible after you arrive in UK. Do not wait until you are ill! By registering you can see a GP at "walk-in surgery" any weekday (which is on a first come first service basis) or book an appointment to see a GP at a specific time suitable for you and the GP.

3.1.2 The cost of medication

The only cost that you will incur with the health service in the UK will be if a GP gives you a prescription for medicine, there will be a standard charge of £6.50 for each item of medication. And also dental and optical treatment will have to pay for. However, there are ways in which discounts for prescriptions, dental and optical treatment can be claimed as explained in section 3.1.3

3.1.3 Claiming health services discounts

You might be entitled for free prescriptions and concessions on dental and optical heath care if you are on low income, or pregnant women and children under the age of 19 years and in full time education. To apply for the low income concessions you will need to fill Form HC1 once you are here in UK. HC-1 is a special form that allows you to claim the cost of your prescriptions. This is normally available at your local medical and dental practices. If you are eligible for free or reduced prescriptions you will be issued with an exemption certificate called the HC-2. It takes in about six weeks for the application process to complete and the HC-2 lasts for one year

3.1.4 Vaccinations and health checks

If you have not already had vaccinations for Meningitis C and Measles, Mumps and Rubella, you need to take these once you arrive in UK. Bring your (and your children's) vaccination records with you.

3.1.5 Services for women

There are a number of special health services available for women in the UK. This includes:

• You have the right to register with a female doctor
• Provide contraceptives, advice on birth control and pregnancy tests
• Well woman Clinics offer advice and check-ups.
• Family Planning clinics; provide free contraceptives, advice on birth control and pregnancy tests.
• Help and advice if you become pregnant whilst in UK, refer you to appropriate professionals if necessary.
• Immediate help and advice incase of physical harassment or sexual assault.

For further information check the following websites:

British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)
Website: www.bpas.org
Phone: 08457304030

Citizens Advice
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Phone: 02078332181

Family Planning Association
Website: www.fpa.org.uk

 

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3.2 Opticians and Dentists

Information about opticians and dentists can be found at the following websites:

Opticians: http://www.nhs.uk/England/Opticians/Default.aspx
Dentists: http://www.nhs.uk/England/Dentists/Default.aspx

 

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3.3 Dependents

If you are studying in Scotland, your family members will be eligible for free health services provided by the National Health Service (NHS). In any other area of UK, your family members will be eligible for free health services if your course is at least six months long.

 

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3.4 Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a result of the lack of Sun light. It is often called the Winter Blues. Symptoms of SAD include, reduced energy, over eating, reduced concentration and depression.

There is every chance that Maldivian students are more susceptible to SAD than the average English person. If you suffer form any of the above mentioned symptoms, please consult your doctor.

For more information on SAD, please try the Outside In website.

For more detailed information please try the British Council web pages which covers a wealth of information from preparing for the British weather to contraception and HIV/AIDS. For particular information on the services provided by a University or College and the surrounding locality please try the web pages of the individual University.