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Health care for people coming to Scotland to study
What do I need to do?
- You need to find a family doctor as soon as possible after you arrive in Scotland, and ask them to register you as an NHS patient. You won’t have to pay for this.
In Scotland, family doctors are often called General Practitioners or GPs. They work in GP surgeries, medical practices or health centres.
The GP will decide if you can register as an NHS patient and if you can get NHS treatment free.
The GP will help you look after all your health needs. They will decide if you need to see another health professional – for example, a hospital doctor or someone in mental health or maternity services. If you do, the GP will make the appointment for you.
- Your university or college may be able to help you find a GP. You can also phone the NHS inform Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 or visit NHS 24 website. The NHS helpline can provide an interpreting service.
- When you have found a GP surgery, contact them and make an appointment to register as an NHS patient.
- If you need an interpreter, ask the GP surgery to arrange this for you. When you make an appointment, tell them what language you prefer to use.
Page last edited: 21 October 2011