Health On-site
Making a Doctor Appointment
If you become ill while in Scotland, you have a few options:
Edinburgh
For Edinburgh Napier University Students: Once you have registered with ENU on-site, you can register with a local doctor or General Practitioner (GP). You will need to provide proof of residency, which can be printed from your MYNapier Account or the Napier App. Printers are located in all campus libraries at Edinburgh Napier. Take the proof of residency to the GP with your passport to register (registration is free). Once registered you can make an appointment to see a doctor or nurse. You can also be referred on to specialist services (ex. audiology) if needed.
Stirling
There is a Medical Centre on campus (+44 (0)1786 463831) and you will need to register as a patient. There is no consultation fee but any costs may be reimbursed under the CIS Abroad insurance plan included in your program fee.
You can also register with a GP Practice in the town of Stirling , which may be a better option if you live off campus.
NHS 24 - Scotland's national Telehealth and Telecare Organization
Call NHS 24/7 free at 111 if you are ill and it can't wait until your regular doctor or NHS service has opening hours. You can also access NHS 24 services online. You will have a initial ‘triage’ interview and will be called back by a physician. NHS will only call back to UK mobile numbers hence the importance of having a UK SIM-enabled phone or access to one.
If you have a medical emergency but do not require an ambulance, then we recommend a 'walk-in' visit to the Emergency Room (A&E) at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. We recommend that you take a taxi to the hospital and have someone accompany you. Please be sure to notify CIS On-site Staff as well.
Important: you will need to pay out-of-pocket at a doctor appointment or hospital visit and submit the claim for reimbursement. See the Health Insurance section for more information.
Note: All major cities in Scotland have A&E services, and are open 24 hours all year round. Notify CIS On-site Staff to let them know if you are being treated for or require emergency care during your time in Scotland.
Emergency Dental Care - Edinburgh
If you are registered with a dentist at home, please contact your own dentist office for advice or to arrange emergency treatment. Unregistered Patients over 16: contact Chalmers Street Dental Clinic on 0131 536 4800. Chalmers Street also has a walk-in clinic (Available Monday to Thursday 9am - 4.45pm and Friday 9am to 4.15pm).
Eye Care - Edinburgh
Contact NHS 24 for free emergency care or go to a local optician where you will need to pay for treatment or prescriptions for contacts.
Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis Scotland provides comprehensive advice, contact numbers and local support.
Chemists
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. Chemists (known as pharmacies in the US) 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
- Onscreen 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.
On Sundays, not all pharmacies may be open, but one will be designated in each neighborhood. You can check the closest open pharmacy by visiting your nearest pharmacy and checking the posted information.
Mental Health Resources
Local Counselors
CISI Insurance covers up to $1000 worth of mental health counseling. Both Edinburgh Napier University and University of Stirling can assist you in making an appointment with a local counselor.
Let's Talk Program
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.