Private Online GP Appointments for International Students
Supportive private GP care while you are studying away from home
Health concerns can feel more worrying when you are away from home and navigating a new healthcare system. Our role is to offer clear, professional medical advice and guidance when you need it.
If you are an international student and need to see a private GP while studying away from home, a private GP appointment can be a practical option.
AccessGP offers private online GP consultations for international students, delivered by UK-registered doctors and available to adults based in England.
If you have a medical emergency you should contact 999 or go to A&E
Urgent GP appointments, at any time of day, are not a replacement for emergency care.
A medical emergency includes things like:
- Chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack
- Sudden weakness, facial droop or speech problems
- Severe shortness of breath
- Collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness
- Heavy bleeding or major trauma
- Suicidal thoughts or immediate risk to yourself or others
If you develop emergency symptoms whilst waiting for your appointment, please call 999 or attend your closest A&E.
When international students choose a private GP
Many international students experience delays or uncertainty when accessing NHS primary care, particularly during their first months in the UK.
A private GP appointment may be helpful if:
- You are not yet registered with an NHS GP
- You need timely medical advice
- You require a medical letter or fit note for your university
- You are unsure whether symptoms need further assessment
- You prefer a confidential online consultation
- You want clear guidance from a UK-registered GP
Private GP care can provide support while you register with the NHS or when access is delayed.
What our private GP appointments can help with
Our international student GP appointments are suitable for a wide range of non-emergency concerns, including:
- Acute illness such as coughs, infections, fever or flu-like symptoms
- Ongoing health issues affecting attendance or study
- Stress, anxiety, or low mood related to studying abroad
- Advice on medications and treatment options
- Medical letters for universities or academic institutions
- Fit notes where clinically appropriate
- Guidance on NHS registration or onward referrals
All care is clinically led and tailored to your individual situation.
If your condition is life-threatening, you should call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
How a private GP appointment works
The process is simple and designed to be accessible for students:
- Book an online GP appointment at a time that suits you
- Speak to a UK-registered GP via secure video consultation
- Receive clear advice, documentation, or treatment where appropriate
- Be guided on next steps, including NHS or private follow-up if needed
Appointments are available the same day or next day, including evenings and weekends, offering reassurance when time matters.
Top tips for your appointment
A few small steps can help your GP understand your situation quickly and safely, especially if you are new to UK healthcare.
- Bring a translator if needed: If English is not your first language, it is fine to join with a trusted friend or family member to help translate.
- Have your medical history ready: Please note any past conditions, operations, allergies, and your regular medications (including doses).
- Know your key details: Your date of birth, current address in England, and the name of your university can be helpful for documentation.
- Write down your symptoms: When they started, what makes them better or worse, and anything you feel relevant to tell your GP.
- Prepare photos if relevant: For rashes, swelling, or eye/throat concerns, clear photos in good lighting can improve remote assessment.
- Bring any results you have: If you have recent blood tests, scans, clinic letters, or prescriptions from overseas, share them during the appointment.
- Tell us your goal: For example, advice only, a fit note, a medical letter for your university, or guidance on whether you need NHS or private follow-up.
Urgent symptoms: If you have severe symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, signs of stroke, or a severe allergic reaction, call 999 or attend A&E.
Book your online GP appointment
Same-day, evening, and weekend consultations available.
Prescriptions and referrals
During your GP consultation, our doctors may:
- Issue private prescriptions where, clinically appropriate
- Provide advice on self-care and symptom monitoring
- Recommend investigations or referrals if needed
- Advise on follow-up with your NHS GP
All prescribing decisions are made following a full clinical assessment.
Controlled drugs are not prescribed.
Medical letters and fit notes for universities
International students often need medical documentation to support discussions with their university.
Where clinically appropriate, our GPs can provide:
- Medical letters summarising your consultation
- Fit notes for short-term illness
- Clear documentation written by a UK-registered GP
Most UK universities accept private GP documentation, although policies may vary.
Important information
To ensure safe and appropriate care, please note:
- Appointments are for adults aged 18 and over, in England
- This service is not suitable for emergencies. For urgent or life-threatening symptoms, call 999 or attend A&E
- Private GP care does not replace long-term NHS care.
Related services
Frequently asked questions for international students
Is this an emergency service?
No. We provide urgent GP care for non-emergency medical issues. For emergencies, always call 999 or attend A&E.
Do I need to be registered with an NHS GP?
No. You do not need NHS GP registration to book a private GP appointment with AccessGP.
This makes the service particularly useful:
- Shortly after arriving in the UK
- While waiting for NHS registration to be processed
- When NHS appointments are unavailable or delayed
Private GP care does not replace NHS registration but can help bridge gaps in access.
Can you provide medical letters or fit notes for my university?
Yes, where clinically appropriate.
Our GPs can provide:
- Medical letters summarising your consultation
- Fit notes for short-term illness
- Supporting documentation for university welfare or attendance processes, following clinical assessment
Most UK universities accept documentation from private GPs, although individual policies may vary.
Can you prescribe medication if needed?
If clinically appropriate, your GP may prescribe medication during the appointment.
Prescriptions are issued in line with UK clinical guidelines and may be sent to a UK pharmacy for collection, depending on the medication and your location.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Appointments are typically available on the same day or the next day, depending on availability.
This makes private GP care a practical option when you need timely advice or documentation.
Will this replace registering with an NHS GP?
No. Private GP care does not replace NHS registration.
International students are encouraged to register with an NHS GP for long-term care. This service can provide support and reassurance while you are registering or when access is delayed.
Do I need to be local to AccessGP to book?
No. Consultations are online, so you can book from anywhere in the England.
❓See our general AccessGP FAQ’s here.
Book a GP appointment
If you are worried about your health and need prompt GP advice, we are here to help.