A Practical Guide to GP Visits, Prescriptions and Medication for International Students in the UK

📚 A Practical Guide to GP Visits, Prescriptions and Medication for International Students in the UK | 英国留学生就医与取药实用指南

As an international student in the UK, understanding how the National Health Service (NHS) works is essential for managing your health. From registering with a GP to collecting prescribed medication, the process can seem complicated at first. This guide walks you through every step, with practical tips to help you access the care you need while studying.

作为在英国际学生，了解英国国家医疗服务体系（NHS）的运作方式对健康管理至关重要。从注册GP到取处方药，这套流程初看可能有些复杂。本指南将一步步带你走通每个环节，提供实用贴士，帮助你在留学期间顺利获得所需医疗。

1. Registering with a GP | 注册全科医生

All international students on a course lasting longer than six months are eligible for NHS care, having paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) with their visa application. Your first task is to register with a General Practitioner (GP) surgery near your accommodation. Registration is free and gives you access to primary care consultations, referrals and prescriptions.

所有就读课程超过六个月的国际学生都已在签证申请时缴纳了移民健康附加费（IHS），因此有资格享受NHS服务。你的首要任务是在住处附近的全科医生（GP）诊所注册。注册免费，之后便可获得初级医疗咨询、转诊和处方服务。

You can search for local GP surgeries using your postcode on the NHS website. Many universities also have their own health centres that accept student registrations directly. When you visit the surgery, bring your passport, proof of address (such as a tenancy agreement or university letter) and your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

你可以在NHS网站输入邮编搜索附近的GP诊所。许多大学设有自己的健康中心，可直接接收学生注册。前往诊所时，请携带护照、地址证明（如租房合同或学校信函）以及生物信息居留许可（BRP）。

If you have an ongoing medical condition or require regular medication, mention this during registration and request your medical records be transferred from your home country. The sooner you register, the smoother your access to healthcare will be.

如果你有慢性疾病或需长期服药，注册时务必说明，并申请将本国病历转来。越早注册，后续就医流程就越顺畅。

2. Booking an Appointment | 预约就诊

Once registered, you can book an appointment either by phone, online through the GP surgery’s website, or via the NHS App. Many practices release a set number of same-day urgent appointments early in the morning, so calling right when the phone lines open improves your chances.

注册后，你可以通过电话、诊所网站在线预约或使用NHS App预约就诊。许多诊所会在清晨放出少量当天急症名额，电话线路一开放就拨打能提高约到号的几率。

Routine appointments often need to be booked days or even weeks in advance. If you cannot wait, consider using an online consultation service (e.g., eConsult) that many surgeries offer, where you fill in a form and a clinician responds within a set time.

常规预约通常需要提前几天甚至几周。如果你等不了，可以考虑使用很多诊所提供的在线问诊服务（如eConsult），填写表单后，医生会在规定时间内回复。

Always provide a clear, concise description of your symptoms when booking, as this helps the reception staff assign you to the right clinician or service. If you require an interpreter, ask for one in advance; the service is free and confidential.

预约时务必清晰简洁地描述症状，这有助于前台人员将你分诊给合适的医务人员。如果需要口译员，请提前申请，此服务免费且保密。

3. What to Expect During a Consultation | 就诊过程须知

A standard GP consultation lasts about ten minutes. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history and any medications you are currently taking. Be honest and specific, and bring a list of current medicines or the actual packaging if you can.

标准GP问诊约十分钟。医生会询问你的症状、病史及正在服用的药品。请诚实具体地描述，最好携带一张当前用药清单或药品原包装。

It is completely normal to feel nervous, especially if English is not your first language. You can prepare by writing down key points beforehand or bringing a friend. The GP may conduct a physical examination, such as checking your blood pressure, listening to your chest or examining a rash. Consent is always sought, and you can ask questions at any time.

紧张是完全正常的，尤其是英语非母语时。你可以提前写下要点，或者带一位朋友陪同。医生可能进行体格检查，例如量血压、听诊肺部或检视皮疹。医生会事先征得同意，你也可以随时提问。

At the end of the consultation, the GP may issue a prescription, refer you to a specialist, order tests or simply provide advice. Make sure you understand the next steps before leaving the room. If anything is unclear, ask the doctor to repeat or write it down.

问诊结束时，医生可能开具处方、转诊专科、安排化验或仅提供指导。离开前务必确认自己理解了后续步骤。若有不清楚的地方，请医生重复或写下来。

4. Getting a Prescription | 获取处方

If the doctor decides you need medication, they will issue a prescription. Most GP practices in England use the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), sending the prescription digitally to a pharmacy of your choice. You will usually need to nominate a pharmacy when registering or before collection.

如果医生认为你需要用药，便会开具处方。英格兰的多数GP诊所使用电子处方服务（EPS），将处方以数字方式发送到你指定的药房。你通常需要在注册时或取药前指定一家药房。

In some cases, you may be given a paper FP10 prescription form to take to any pharmacy. The prescription will detail the medicine name, dosage, quantity and usage instructions. Always check that your personal details are correct.

有些情况下，你可能会拿到一张纸质FP10处方表，可前往任意药房配药。处方上会写明药品名称、剂量、数量和使用说明。务必核对个人信息是否正确。

Repeat prescriptions can be set up for long-term conditions. The GP may issue a batch of prescriptions that the pharmacy dispenses at regular intervals, or you may need to order repeats via the GP reception or online system each time.

针对慢性病可设置长期重复处方。医生可能开具一组处方，由药房定期配发，或者你需要每次通过GP前台或在线系统订购重复处方。

5. Prescription Charges and Exemptions | 处方费用与豁免资格

Prescription charges vary across the UK. In England, as of 2024, each item on a prescription costs £9.65. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do not charge for NHS prescriptions. International students in England are subject to the same charges unless they qualify for an exemption.

英国的处方费各地不同。截至2024年，英格兰处方每个项目收费9.65英镑。苏格兰、威尔士和北爱尔兰的NHS处方免费。在英格兰的国际学生也需支付此费用，除非符合豁免条件。

The most common exemption for students is the NHS Low Income Scheme. If your income, savings and living costs are below a certain threshold, you can apply using an HC1 form. Successful applicants receive an HC2 certificate (full help) which covers prescription charges, dental costs and eye care, or an HC3 certificate (partial help).

学生最常用的豁免途径是NHS低收入计划。若你的收入、存款和生活成本低于一定标准，可填写HC1表格申请。获批后获发HC2证书（全额资助），可免处方费、牙科和眼科费用，或HC3证书（部分资助）。

You may also buy a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) if you need multiple items regularly. A 3-month PPC costs around £31.25 and a 12-month PPC costs around £111.60, offering unlimited prescriptions within the period. Certain medical conditions, such as cancer or epilepsy, entitle patients to a medical exemption certificate.

如果你需要定期使用多种处方药，还可购买处方预付费证书（PPC）。3个月PPC约需31.25英镑，12个月约111.60英镑，期间处方不限次数。某些疾病如癌症或癫痫患者可申请医疗豁免证明。

Country	Prescription Charge (per item)
England	£9.65
Scotland	Free
Wales	Free
Northern Ireland	Free

各构成国处方收费标准一览：英格兰每项£9.65，苏格兰、威尔士及北爱尔兰均免费。

6. Collecting Medication from a Pharmacy | 在药房取药

Once your prescription has been issued, go to the nominated or chosen pharmacy. Present your name and address, and the pharmacist will retrieve your medication. For paper prescriptions, hand over the FP10 form. If you have paid the IHS and are in England, you will be asked to pay the prescription charge unless you show an exemption certificate.

处方开具后，请前往指定或选择的药房。告知姓名和地址，药剂师便会查找你的药物。若是纸质处方，请递交FP10表。如果你在英格兰且已缴纳IHS，取药时需支付处方费，除非出示豁免证明。

The pharmacist will often explain how to take the medicine, potential side effects and any interactions. This is an opportunity to ask questions. Some medication needs to be stored in a fridge; the pharmacist will advise accordingly. Always check the label for your name, dose and expiry date before leaving.

药剂师通常会说明用药方法、可能的副作用及药物相互作用。你可以趁此机会提问。有些药品需要冷藏保存，药剂师会告知。离开前务必核对标签上的姓名、剂量和有效期。

If the pharmacy does not have the item in stock, they will order it, usually by the next working day. You can also ask the pharmacy to dispense only part of the prescription if you need the medicine urgently and collect the rest later.

若药房暂时缺货，通常下一个工作日就能到货。你也可以要求药房先配发部分药物以解燃眉之急，稍后再取剩余部分。

7. Over-the-Counter Medicines and Pharmacy Advice | 非处方药与药房咨询

Not every ailment requires a GP visit. Pharmacies across the UK offer expert advice and a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for minor conditions such as colds, headaches, indigestion and hay fever. Pharmacists can also provide treatment through locally commissioned minor ailment schemes, sometimes free of charge if you are exempt from prescription costs.

并非所有不适都需要看GP。英国各大药房提供专业咨询和种类丰富的非处方药（OTC），用于治疗感冒、头痛、消化不良、花粉症等小病。药剂师还可通过当地委托的小病治疗方案提供治疗，如果你免处方费，有时也免费。

Common OTC products include paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain, antacids for heartburn, and antihistamines for allergies. Always read the label and check the active ingredients, especially if you are taking other medicines or have underlying health conditions. Pharmacists can help you choose the safest option.

常见的非处方药包括止痛用的对乙酰氨基酚（扑热息痛）和布洛芬、缓解烧心的抗酸剂、以及抗过敏的抗组胺药。务必阅读标签并核查有效成分，特别是当你在服用其他药物或有基础疾病时。药剂师能帮你选择最安全的药品。

Some medicines that are available OTC in other countries may require a prescription in the UK. For example, certain codeine-based painkillers or stronger antihistamines are prescription-only. When in doubt, ask the pharmacist before purchasing anything.

有些在其他国家可OTC购买的药物，在英国可能需处方。例如某些含可待因的止痛药或更强的抗组胺药均为处方药。购买前如有疑问，先咨询药剂师。

8. Repeat Prescriptions and Online Services | 重复处方与在线服务

If you take regular medication, your GP can set up a repeat prescription. This means you can order a new supply without a consultation each time, as long as your condition is stable. You can request repeat prescriptions via the NHS App, your GP’s online system or by dropping a repeat slip into the surgery.

如果你需要长期服药，GP可以为你设置重复处方。这意味着只要病情稳定，无需每次问诊就能订购新药。你可以通过NHS App、GP在线系统或将重复处方条投递至诊所来申请。

Allow at least 48 hours for the GP to process the request and the pharmacy to prepare your medication. Many community pharmacies offer a prescription collection and delivery service, which is especially useful if you live far from the surgery or have mobility issues.

请留出至少48小时，供GP处理申请和药房备药。许多社区药房提供处方取药和派送服务，如果你住得离诊所远或行动不便，这项服务尤其方便。

Some online pharmacies and GP services allow you to manage everything digitally, from ordering to home delivery. Just ensure the provider is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and linked to your NHS GP record.

一些在线药房和GP服务可实现从订购到派送上门的全数字化管理。只须确保服务商已在英国药政总局（GPhC）注册，并与你的NHS GP记录关联。

9. Emergency and Out-of-Hours Care | 紧急情况与非工作时间就医

For life-threatening emergencies, such as severe bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, call 999 immediately and request an ambulance. The emergency department (A&E) at the nearest hospital provides 24-hour care for critical conditions, but waiting times can be long, so it should only be used for genuine emergencies.

对于危及生命的紧急情况，如大出血、胸痛、呼吸困难或意识丧失，请立即拨打999呼叫救护车。最近医院的急诊科（A&E）提供24小时危急救助，但等候时间可能较长，应仅用于真正紧急的情况。

When your GP surgery is closed, you can still access medical help through the NHS out-of-hours service. Calling your GP number usually redirects you to a duty clinician who can give advice, arrange a call back or book a face-to-face appointment at a local out-of-hours centre.

当GP诊所关闭时，你仍可通过NHS非工作时间服务获得医疗帮助。拨打你GP诊所的电话通常会转接到值班医生，他们可提供建议、安排回电或预约在当地非工作时间中心的面对面问诊。

It is sensible to save these key numbers in your phone: 999 for emergencies, NHS 111 for non-urgent advice, and your GP’s main contact. If you are unsure whether something is an emergency, call 111 first; trained advisors will direct you appropriately.

建议把以下重要号码存入手机：999用于紧急情况，NHS 111用于非紧急咨询，以及GP主要联系方式。若不确定是否紧急，可先拨111，受过专业训练的接线员会指引你恰当的就医途径。

10. NHS 111 and Minor Injuries | NHS 111 热线与轻微伤处理

NHS 111 is a free 24/7 helpline available across the UK. When you call, you will be asked a series of questions about your symptoms, and the service will recommend the most appropriate course of action: self-care advice, a visit to a pharmacy, an appointment with a GP, or a trip to an urgent treatment centre.

NHS 111是全英免费且全天候的热线电话。致电后，你会被询问一系列关于症状的问题，服务方将推荐最恰当的处理方案：自我护理建议、去药房咨询、GP预约，或者前往紧急治疗中心。

Minor injuries such as sprains, cuts, minor burns and suspected fractures can often be treated at an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU). These walk-in services can save you a long wait in A&E and are equipped to handle non-life-threatening injuries. You can find your nearest one via the NHS website or by asking 111.

扭伤、割伤、轻度烧伤和疑似骨折等轻微伤通常可在紧急治疗中心（UTC）或轻微伤处理中心（MIU）得到处理。这类免约服务可免去在A&E长时间排队，配备处理非致命伤情的设施。可通过NHS网站或拨打111查询最近的中心。

If you need to see a doctor urgently but it is not an emergency, you can ask for an urgent GP appointment. Many practices hold daily slots for such cases. 111 can also book you a time slot at a UTC directly, reducing your waiting time.

如果你需要紧急看医生但非危急情况，可以申请GP急症预约。许多诊所每天都留有这种名额。111也可以直接为你预约UTC时段，缩短等候时间。

11. Dental and Eye Care | 牙科与眼科检查

NHS dental treatment is available to international students, but you must register with an NHS dentist. Unlike GP registration, not all dental practices take NHS patients, so you may need to search for one accepting new

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A Practical Guide to GP Visits, Prescriptions and Medication for International Students in the UK | 英国留学生就医与取药实用指南