Where to go for help

It can be tricky to know who to turn to when you need medical helpIf you’re not sure which service is right for your issue, check out our guide for when to call or visit different medical assistance services.

When to call 999

999 is for life-threatening emergencies like serious road traffic accidents, strokes and heart attacks.

Here are some examples of situations when you should dial 999 immediately (please note, this list is not exhaustive):

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
• Severe loss of blood
  
• Severe burns and scalds
  
• Choking
  
• Fitting/convulsions
  
• Drowning
  
• Severe allergic reaction
  
• Head injury
  

What happens when you call 999

The call handler will ask you some questions.

They will want to know things like:

• the location of the emergency (for example, the postcode or any landmarks)
• what has happened (the main symptom or reason for the call)
  
• your contact number (in case they need to call you back)
  

They will tell you when they have all the information they need.

If you are told you will get a callback, make sure someone is there to answer.

When to call 111

NHS 111 can help if you think you need medical help right now. Call 111 online or by phone for help with symptoms, injuries, dental or mental health issues, prescriptions, and more. 111 can direct you to the best place to get help, such as an urgent treatment center, an evening and weekend GP, or a pharmacist.

This may include when:

• you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
  
• you need urgent care and your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed
  
• you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
  
• you need health information or reassurance about what to do next
  
• you think you need A&E but it’s not life or limb threatening
  
• you need support with mental health distress
  

When to visit Accident & Emergency (A&E)

An A&E (accident and emergency) department deals with genuine life-threatening and serious accidents, such as:

• loss of consciousness
• chest pain
  
• breathing difficulties
  
• severe bleeding
  
• severe allergic reactions
  
• severe burns or scalds
  
• stroke
  

When to visit a walk in centre or Minor Injuries unit

Visit these facilities for minor illnesses or injuries, such as:

•  Cuts, grazes, and wounds
• Sprains, strains, and dislocations
  
• Minor burns and scalds
  
• Simple broken bones
  
• Insect, animal, and human bites
  
• Minor head injuries
  
• Minor eye injuries
  
• Minor back injuries
  

When to go to your GP

Make an appointment with your GP if you're feeling unwell but it's not an emergency.

You should visit your GP if you have an ongoing issue, such as;

• persistent muscular, joint pain, or physical pain
• a rash you are concerned by
  
• persistent conditions that make you feel light headed, or unwell, that pass
  
• an unexplained lump or growth you have discovered
  
• Concerns about your mental health.
  
• Advice linked to family medical history.
  

When to go to your pharmacist

We all know that pharmacists dispense medicines. But they do a lot more than that.

You can ask a pharmacist for advice on common minor illnesses, such as headaches, sore throats, diarrhea, minor infections, or travel health. Pharmacies can help with stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, advice on safe sex and emergency contraception.

Lots of pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You don’t need an appointment – you can just walk in.

Your pharmacist can also talk to you confidentially without anything being noted in your medical records, which some people may prefer.

Note for International or Semester Abroad students

If you’re a full-time international student studying in the UK for a period longer than six months, you are eligible to use NHS services. To use the NHS as an international student, you will be required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS), which costs £470 per year of your intended stay. If your visa duration contains part of a year that is six months or less then you will be required to pay £235 for that portion of your stay.

This cost must be paid as part of your student visa application and cannot be avoided, even if you choose to take out private medical insurance once you arrive.

If you are studying for a period of less than six months, you will not be eligible to use NHS services. If this is the case for you, it’s advised that you take out private health insurance cover during your stay.