Health care in the UK is available through the National Health Service (NHS). Although the majority of treatments are free of charge, there are some things you will pay for including dental treatment and perscription costs. Not everyone from overseas is eligible to access the free service. The NHS website outlines who is eligible as well as treatment costs for those who are not. (See at the bottom of this page for information on Private Health Care)
NHS website - www.nhs.uk/
This site is very helpful and has a translate option at the top right hand side of the home page. Information on the site includes:
- NHS services explained, including (but not inclusive to) mental health services, emergency and urgent care and eyecare services,
- Finding services in your local area including GP surgeries and dental offices,
- Who can access health services while in England, including important information for EU/EEA visitors, and
- Help with the cost of medical treatment (e.g. prescription charges).
NHS doctors
In England, General Practioners (GPs) provide primary medical care and if necessary can arrange for secondary care at your local hospital. You should register you and your family with a GP as soon as possible after arriving in Cambridge, even if you do not expect to need medical treatment during your time here.
Dentists
It is also a good idea to register with a local dentist as soon as you and your family arrive in Cambridge as you will get a faster service if an emergency occurs. Ideally, you register with your local practice as an NHS patient and pay standard NHS rates. This means that although appointments are not free, they will be subsidised by the NHS. There is no guarentee that you will find an available NHS dentist and you may have to go private.
Pregnancy and maternity care
Details of services and care for pregnant women are available from your GP, who will put you in contact with a local midwife for information on antenatal classes, health visitors, home/alternative births and to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact the Rosie Maternity Hospital.
Free pregnancy tests for students, which are funded by Cambridge University Student Union (CUSU), are available through the Student Advice Service.
The NHS has an online maternity guide offering information on pregnancy and birth. The 'Your Pregnancy and Baby Guide' gives advice on all aspects of pregnancy, from getting pregnant, early pregnancy, the scans, and the birth as well as comparative guides on what is on offer at local maternity units.
Healthy Start is a Government scheme that provides free milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, infant formula and vitamins to eligible pregnant women and children.
Private Healthcare
UK website - www.privatehealth.co.uk/
This site is really useful if you are not eligible to access the NHS and/or you wish to look at private healthcare options. Information on the site includes:
- Local private facilities including hospitals, specialist clinics, and dentists,
- Costs of treatments; and
- Health Insurance Options.