Americans & the NHS

[schmod]

Hey all,

How does an American studying at St Andrews go about making an appointment with a GP, specifically to get a flu jab?


For one, I don't believe I have any sort of National Insurance number... I understand we're eligible for NHS care, but am not particularly clear of the details on how it works...

Can somebody possibly clue me in?

Thanks!

[xsilence]

You should have been told when you matriculated in first year (or if you're a first year, then this year) who you're registered with at the Health Centre. Every student is automatically registered there, and it's assigned by last name. I only know the number for the one I'm registered at, for the middle bunch of the alphabet, but I'm sure if you give them a call they can tell you where you're meant to be, so try calling 01334 477477 and explain that you're a student and not sure where you're registered.

Hope that helps!

[fluffy]

don't you have to pay for the flu jab unless you are elderly and/or have asthma?

[hr]

dev ksereis, alla eimai trella erotebmevei mazi sou..

[Gubbins]

Quoting fluffy from 14:56, 28th Nov 2007
don't you have to pay for the flu jab unless you are elderly and/or have asthma?

I didn't. They even offered to give me one I didn't ask for. But I do currently live in England.

[hr]

...then again, that is only my opinion.

[fluffy]

oh shit, i keep forgetting we're in scotland.. i thought you had to pay in england.. my mum kept nagging me to get one when i was diagnosed with asthma because normal people have to pay for it..?!? maybe she was just trying to make me get one. but i'm too scared of needles. even though i have ten piercings...

[hr]

dev ksereis, alla eimai trella erotebmevei mazi sou..

[schmod]

Quoting fluffy from 14:56, 28th Nov 2007
don't you have to pay for the flu jab unless you are elderly and/or have asthma?

[hr]

dev ksereis, alla eimai trella erotebmevei mazi sou..

I've got Asthma, and after just getting over a somewhat nasty cold, I really don't want to think of it would have been if it were the flu...

And I believe from what I read that you only have to pay for the cost of the vaccine if you're not eligible for a free one. In the US, you'd have to pay the GP's fee to have the nurse inject it as well, which can be very pricey if you don't have insurance.