Centre for Student Affairs

University of the West of England

Do I have to pay for prescriptions and dental or optical treatment?

You can apply to receive free or reduced cost treatment including NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, sight tests, glasses and contact lenses. Spectacles and contact lenses are not fully subsidised, and you may have to pay the full commercial cost, which can start at about £40. Eye tests cost around £16.

Most EU/EEA andinternational students are eligible. You will need to complete Form HC1 available from the Centre of Student Affairs, the Students' Union Advice Centre or Union site offices.

It is also important to bear in mind that NHS dental treatment is not entirely free and can be expensive; everyone over 19 years of age has to pay a contribution. Most dentists treat private patients (i.e. those with additional health or specific dental insurance) only.

University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, UK BS16 1QY
Telephone (+44 or 0) 117 965 6261 • Minicom (+44 or 0) 117 328 3644