Health & Healthcare

You will be able to use the UK healthcare system known as NHS once your visa application is granted. Although The National Health Service (NHS) is publicly funded healthcare system, you will still need to pay for certain types of services such as dental treatment or eye tests.

When you access healthcare in the UK, you may need to:

• Provide your biometric residence permit

• Prove your status online using a share code (if you have a digital immigration status)

Doctor Registration

You should register with GP (General Practitioner) upon arriving in the UK.

To register with the GP you need to go to the closest clinic to your accommodation during opening hours and ask to be added to the NHS patient list. You will be given a form to complete and return. You might be asked to show the proof of your current address & a letter from Cardiff and Vale College.

Most of the GP Surgeries are open from 8am till 6pm.

If you need medical help outside your surgery opening hours please call NHS number 111. This number is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls are free from all landlines and mobile phones.

Medical Emergency

If you have an emergency or accident and need immediate medical assistance please call 999. The operator will ask you what emergency service do you need (Police, Fire or Ambulance). For medical assistance ask for the ambulance service. Be ready to explain to the emergency services what has happened and exactly where you are.

If you need urgent treatment, but you are well enough to travel take a bus or taxi to an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department in the hospital. There are no fees for Accident and Emergency services.

You should only use A&E for emergency treatments from serious injury or illness. If you are unwell or have minor injury please consider going to your local GP, visiting your local pharmacy or calling 111.

Dentist

We also strongly advise you to register with a local dentist. Dental problems cannot be dealt with by doctors and dentists will charge for their services.

Speak to a member of the International team for help locating a dentist, or enquire within one at a convenient location for you near the college or accommodation.