Keele University
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International Student Support
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Health and Wellbeing
It is important that you maintain your health and remain well during your time studying here at Keele. The British climate and food may be very different from what you are used to and these differences, along with additional pressure and stress from studying and possible homesickness at different stages of your course can have an impact on your health.
Of course we all know the importance of eating a good diet, avoiding eating and drinking too much of the wrong things and taking regular exercise but there are a few things that you should do to make sure that you stay well.
Registering with a Doctor and the NHS
The UK has a state health service called the National Health Service or NHS. If you are a student here and your course is for six months or longer, then you can receive free medical treatment from the NHS. This includes appointments with a doctor and hospital treatment. Medication prescribed by a doctor is not free and for this you will have to pay a set fee to the pharmacist or chemist for your medication, which is currently £7.20 (January 2011) per item.
Students from the EU/EEA will need to show their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive free NHS treatment regardless of the length of their course.
If your course is for less than six months or you are not eligible to apply for a EHIC, you should have private medical insurance that covers you for the time you are in the UK.
It is a good idea to register with a doctor as soon as you come to the UK and not wait until you become ill and need to see a doctor. You cannot see a doctor without being registered with them first. This list of local General Practitioners (doctors) will help you to select a doctor to register with or you can register with the Keele Medical Practice in Keele Health Centre.
Dental treatment is not provided by the NHS and should you wish to have a routine appointment or receive treatment, you must pay. The Keele Health Centre also has Keele Dental Practice.
In an emergency, you should call 999 for assistance and to request an ambulance. Please remember that this is for emergencies only and for all other incidents, you should request help from your nearest qualified First Aider.
