Does NHS in UK cover WG for students of other countries?

[nagesh]

Dear Friends,

I am Nagesh, from Bangalore, India. My son Nischal, now 23years was diagnosed with ‘Wegener’s granulomatosis’ when he was 13 years old. Now he is on maintenance dose of Rituximab 500mg once in six months and prednesoline 5mg daily. He has completed is undergraduate course in Bangalore,India and he wants to do his masters in UK. So, I have been asking education consultancy to get me clarification whether NHS will cover his maintenance and in case of flare treatments in UK. They are not specifically saying whether it covers or not. I will be very much thankful if someone can give inputs in this regard.

Thank you

Nagesh

[Nadine99]

I would imagine that once he is registered over here in the UK, he would be registered with a GP and he would have to have a referral to a specialist. I'm sure they would want all the paperwork to show he has Wegener's but he may not get the treatment straight away. The NHS does take it's time sometimes. I would think that a university would have a welfare office who might be able to advise. Good luck

[ZiggyDiego]

I'm a lecturer and my understanding is that full time international Masters students can access all NHS services for free, but have to make a payment when they apply for their Tier 4 visa. This information might be helpful

ukcisa.org.uk/Information--...

Good luck to your son!

[happytulip]

I'm not sure if the visa alters things but I used to work in the emergency department within the NHS. I know that emergency treatment within A&E is free but once you get admitted for treatment, then you will be put down as a paying patient and be expected to pay. I am not sure about the visa though. Why dont you check with the "paying patients" department of the local hospital near to where your son will be doing his masters.

[nagesh]

Thank you for your replies it helps me a lot in taking a decision. Thank you once again.