Making a Doctor Appointment

If you become ill while in London, you have a few options to see a doctor:

1. You can visit an NHS walk-in centre.  These special GP medical centres do not require students to be registered with them and seeing a doctor is typically free of charge.  Two of the NHS walk-in centres our students have used are Soho Walk-in centre and Parsons Green Walk-in Centre. A full list walk-in centres can be found here. 

2. You can book a private doctor appointment via Private Doctors Near Me- UK Private GP London Doctors Clinic.

3. If it is an emergency, go to an A&E (Accident and Emergency) at the nearest hospital.

You will be able to use your CISI health insurance for doctor visits.

Important: in most cases you will need to pay out-of-pocket at the appointment and submit the claim for reimbursement. See the health insurance section for more information.

Pharmacies / Chemist

It is important to note that in the UK it is common to first visit a pharmacist for minor health issues before seeing a doctor. Pharmacies, known as Chemists, not only offer medicine, but also other health and beauty products.

The pharmacists are trained professionals who can provide advice on over-the-counter medication for minor aches and pains. However, it is important to read the information accompanying your medication, particularly if you have any drug allergies. Additionally, it is important to note that pills in the UK may come in different sizes than what is typical in the US, so it is important to pay attention to the recommended dosage.

Recommend Apps & Links

Download the free myCISI mobile app which is available for iPhone and Android phones. This app provides instant access to many features:

• Email/view your travel insurance documents
• On Screen display of your ID card
• Offline document availability
• View country specific travel alerts and warnings
• Learn more about the region you are traveling to, personal security assistance information, claim related help, etc.

To find a pharmacy, hospital and other services near you, check out the NHS Services website.

Mental Health Resources

Local Counselors

The CISI Insurance covers up to $1000 worth of mental health counseling.

Mental health support can be found through the university or via the NHS website.

For private mental health/ online counseling, students can book an appointment at the Nightingale Hospital or via the website London Doctors Clinic.

Let's Talk

Our “Let’s Talk” service provides easy access to informal confidential consultations with a counselor who knows students, and understands the unique pressures that students face when traveling, studying or interning abroad. You can book an appointment by clicking here   

If you would like to learn more about the CIS Abroad Let's Talk Program see more info here.

University of Westminster

For University of Westminster students, the University has professionally trained counsellors/mental health practitioners that are happy to talk to you about anything that’s bothering you, from an inability to study, poor concentration and depression, to relationship problems and bereavement.

When you’ve registered with them, a counsellor will assess your situation and talk you through the support on offer. Types of support include:

• One-to-one appointments with counsellors/mental health practitioners online or face-to-face at their Cavendish and Harrow campuses
• Group sessions to explore personal and academic difficulties in a confidential setting with other students
• Workshops on a range of wellbeing topics

For more information, and information on how to book a session, click here.

University of Roehampton

For University of Roehampton students, the University offers many avenues of mental health support such as:

• Student Wellbeing Officers who are friendly, supportive staff who can help you with guidance on emotional support resources and direct you to internal and external teams or services for advice on mental health support, personal safety, including harassment and assault, or advice on accessing other support services.
  As well as 1:1 appointments, the Wellbeing Officers have bookable daily drop-in slots to meet with you on the same day.
• Counselling Team who provide the opportunity to talk to a trained professional in a safely held and non-judgmental space. It can help you make sense of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. All Counselling appointments can be held in-person or online.
• Mental Health Advising Team who are a team of expert clinicians who support students experiencing difficulties related to a specific mental health diagnosis or condition. They aim to enhance and strengthen your self-management and coping strategies living with a specific condition, leading to a positive outcome in university life.