The International Office
Online Handbook
Bringing your family
Healthcare for your family
EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals on courses of 6 months or more
If you are here for six months or more: you and your family can receive free treatment from the National Health Service (NHS).
EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals on courses of 6 months or less
If you are here for six months or less: we advise you to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving home. If you have an EHIC you can have treatment on the NHS. If you do not have an EHIC you cannot get treatment for illnesses you had before coming to the UK.
All other Students on courses of 6 months or more
If you are on a course lasting six months or more, your partner and children under 16 (under 19 if still at school or college) can get free treatment from the NHS. Register with a doctor as soon as possible after you arrive in the UK - don't wait until you are ill.
All other Students on courses of 6 months or less
If you are on a course lasting less than six months then you may be covered by a reciprocal healthcare agreement between your home country and the UK. If you are not covered by a reciprocal agreement then you and your family are only entitled to limited free NHS treatment. You will have free emergency hospital treatment, but only the treatment given in a NHS Accident and Emergency department is free of charge. It is therefore very important that you take out medical insurance for the duration of your visit to the UK.
Dental Treatment
Children under the age of 16, or under 19 and in full-time education, are automatically eligible for free dental treatment. Those who are pregnant or have had a baby within the last twelve months are also eligible.