Health and welfare

The Health Centre provides comprehensive medical care for students under the National Health Service (NHS). It is a ten-minute walk from the centre of the main Whiteknights campus and has a dedicated staff of doctors, nurses and supporting ancillary staff, providing all aspects of a general practice.

Students staying in the UK for more than 6 months are covered by the UK National Health Service and do not normally need to take out any additional health insurance. Registering at the health centre is free. You may not, however, be entitled to free hospital treatment. If you are prescribed any medicines, you may have to pay for the prescription (approximately £6) when you collect it from the pharmacist. 

Students staying for 6 months or less should be sure they are covered either by the European Union (EU) reciprocal arrangements (for EU students) or by their home University or by private insurance arrangements made before they arrive in Britain. 

For any student staying for less than 6 months, emergency medical cover in the UK can be bought, after arrival at Reading; there are many companies offering insurance including Endsleigh Insurance, which has a branch on campus. If you wish to arrange this before you come to Reading, please contact the University Insurance Officer in plenty of time before you leave your home – email insurance@reading.ac.uk

Emergencies: All University students can obtain help from the Health Centre in an emergency.

Welfare

Our International Student Advisers provide cross-cultural support of all kinds to new international students with a particular focus on developing support networks and new learning skills. Drop-in sessions are available every week and longer appointments are available by arrangement.

Students' Union Advice Team

The Students' Union team is familiar with the particular needs and issues of mature, postgraduate and international students. Through its Membership Services Centre, advisors provide information and confidential advice on personal, social, academic, financial and welfare matters. The advisors work closely with a number of departments across the University such as the Counselling Service, Accommodation Service and central administration.