Healthcare in the UK
We know that your health and wellbeing is an important consideration ahead of starting university.
You’ll be fully briefed on health and safety as part of your Welcome and induction activities. In the meantime, familiarise yourself with healthcare services in the UK, how to access local healthcare services when you arrive in Manchester and what vaccinations you should have.
Register with a GP
We encourage all our students to register with a GP (doctor) - this is the best way to access non-emergency medical care. You can register before you arrive in Manchester, you just need to know your term time address. Find out how to register with a GP.
Vaccinations
MMR and meningitis: We strongly recommend you're vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Meningitis ACWY before you come to the UK. If you're unable to access these vaccines in your home country, you can get them from your GP (local doctor) once you’ve arrived.
Tuberculosis: Depending where you're from, you may also need a certificate to prove you are free from infectious tuberculosis (TB) as part of your visa application.
COVID-19: We strongly encourage you to get a COVID-19 vaccine before travelling to the UK. If this is not possible, you will be able to get vaccinated or get a booster once you arrive. These vaccines are free to everyone. Find out how to get the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK.
Emergency medical care
You can access urgent or emergency care from the NHS online, via the phone or by going to an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. We suggest you familiarise yourself with the different ways to get medical help before you arrive on campus. Find out more about how to get urgent and emergency care.
Do I have to pay for medical care?
If you are studying in the UK for longer than six months and you require a visa, during the application process you must pay a mandatory 'immigration health surcharge'. This allows you to access the NHS - you will not be charged any additional fees when you seek medical care, except for some dental services. Find out more about the immigration health surcharge.
There are some cases where people do not have to pay this surcharge, including anyone applying to the EU Settlement Scheme. Find out who needs to pay the surcharge.
If you have a European Healthcare Insurance Card issued in an EU country, and you are a full-time student who does not work while you are in the UK, you may be able to apply for a refund of this surcharge. Applications for these refunds will open from 1 January 2022. Find out about refunds of the surcharge.
If you are studying in the UK for less than six months, you cannot pay this surcharge to access the NHS - you should instead take out private medical insurance.