Health Service
International students who come to the UK to study on a course which is 6 months or longer are eligible for full health care under the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK. This includes hospital treatment as an in-patient, treatment of any pre-existing conditions you may have as well as registering with a General Practitioner (Doctor). Prescriptions issued by the doctor are now free of charge to everyone in Wales. Eye tests and dental treatment however, you will have to pay for as these are not covered by the National Health Service.
On Campus
You will be pleased to know that there is a nurse available on each campus during term time, for you to call and see if you have any problems and they will be happy to help you. Please check the availability of the nurse on your campus as opening times do differ.
Once you have found yourself somewhere to live, we recommend that you register with a doctor as soon as possible. It is important that you register at a doctor’s surgery that is situated close to your home.
How to register with a GP
Using the lists below find a surgery near to where you will be living. Visit this surgery taking your NHS card (if you do not have this and you have previously registered with a GP in the UK you will need the address of your current GP). If you are new to the UK take with you your passport and student ID card. Ask to register with the practice, stating that you are a student.
If you are still unable to find a GP in your area who will register you, email gprequestse@bsc.wales.nhs.uk with your full name, date of birth, previous address (home), current address (Cardiff) and the name and address of your current GP. If you are new to the UK then also include your date of entry to the UK and country of birth.
The centre will then send you, the address of the practice you are to be registered with and any further information you need.
Where to register
Minster Surgery Roath
With the exception of Howard Gardens students, if you are living in the Minster Surgery catchment area you can register at the Cyncoed Medical Centre (NB All students living on Cyncoed Campus are automatically eligible to register).
Howard Gardens students living in the Minster Surgery catchment must not register at Cyncoed Medical Centre but, if they wish, can register at and use Minster Surgery, Minster Rd, Roath. Tel: 029 20473999
Roath / Cathays
If not in the catchment area or if you choose not to register with Minster Surgery, the Local Health Board has arranged for the following surgeries to accept students
The City Surgery, 187 City Rd, Roath. Tel: 029 20494250
Cathays Surgery, 137 Cathays Terrace, Cathays. Tel: 08444 778608
Crwys Medical Centre, Wedal Rd, Heath. Tel: 029 20524140
Albany Surgery, 24 Albany Rd, Roath. Tel: 029 20486561
Llanedeyrn Health Centre, Maelfa, Llanedeyrn. Tel: 029 20731671
Roath House Surgery, 100 Penylan Rd, Roath. Tel: 029 20461100
Rest of Cardiff
The Local Health Board has arranged for the following surgeries to accept students:
Llandaff Surgery,19a High St, Llandaff. Tel: 02920576675
Brynderwen Surgery, Crickhowell Rd, St Mellons. Tel: 029 20839703
Llwynbedw Medical Centre, 82-86 Caerphilly Rd. Tel: 029 20521222
North Rd Medical Practice, 183 North Rd, Gabalfa. Tel: 029 20619188
St Isan Rd Surgery, 46 St Isan Rd, Heath. Tel: 029 20627518
For help finding a GP in other areas, see your campus nurse or visit http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/small/en/home/localservices
If you encounter any problems registering with a local GP please inform your Campus Nurse
Important information about keeping healthy, dental care, accident and emergency, contraception and any current health issues that you should be aware of can be found on the Student Services web page.