Registering with a Doctor

If you are working here for six months or more, you should register with a local doctor, known as a GP (General Practitioner) as soon as possible. If you are resident in the UK for less than six months, you are advised to take out medical insurance. This can be done in your home country or in the UK.

There are a number of GP Practices in the Loughborough area. You can find a GP Practice near the University using the NHS Choices Service or Yell.com.

Once you have registered with a GP, you will receive a National Health Card in a few weeks. Free health care will only apply to your immediate family only and not to visiting relatives.

GPs can issue prescriptions and you will need to take these to a pharmacy in order to obtain your medication. Normally, you will be charged for your prescription.  There is a pharmacy on campus, The Medicine Box pharmacy is located in the Students' Union Building. Normal opening hours are Monday to Friday between 9.30am -5.30pm. Telephone: 01509 635050.

However, there are many other pharmacies in and around Loughborough, many of which are located next to or close to a GP surgery.

Emergency/Out of Hours Health Care

In the event of a medical emergency, you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Leicester Royal Infirmary and Queens Medical Centre (in Nottingham) both have Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments.

For non-urgent, out of hours health care requirements, you can contact the NHS non-emergency telephone number, 111. Alternatively you can visit the Urgent Care Centre, based at Loughborough Hospital on Epinal Way. 

Dental Treatment

You should also register with a dentist whilst you are resident in the UK. You can choose to pay for private dental care or you can receive dental care from the NHS.

There is a dental practice on campus next to the Students' Union Building. The telephone number is 01509 261602.

Alternatively, you can search for a dental practice near you using the NHS “Find a dentist” tool.

Finding Healthcare Providers

To find details of other GP surgeries, urgent care centres, hospitals and dental practices under the NHS, please see the NHS website. 

Optical treatment

There is an optician on campus - 4Eyes - next to the Students' Union building. Telephone 01509 231006 or email.

Alternative opticians are available in Loughborough Town Centre.