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Other Information

More useful information, including medical services, bank accounts and UK mobile phone contracts.

Medical Services

Doctors

Britain has a subsidized health service called the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS provides free treatment for people who are residents in Britain. Commonwealth citizens are also entitled to NHS treatment. Most law firms are likely to provide private health cover as part of their benefits package and this will enable you to see a specialist when necessary. However, you will always need to go through your local GP, so once you are settled, you should register with a local doctor as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are ill!!! You can obtain a list of local doctors or centres from the Post Office, your local Library or by contacting the Family Health Services Authority in your area (the address will be in your local telephone directory).

Dentists

In Britain, everyone has to pay something towards the cost of his or her dental treatment, even regular check-ups. However, if you are eligible for NHS treatment, you can also receive dental treatment at a reduced rate. Before you register, make sure that the dentist takes NHS patients. The best bet is to get a check up before you arrive in the UK.

Bank Account

This can be a strangely circular process as you often need proof of UK address to open a bank account and a bank statement in order to secure an address! Make sure you contact your bank of choice before you go in to open the account so you know what you need to have with you. Your best bet is to open a UK account before you leave home by going into your local HSBC branch.

UK Mobile Phone Contract

In order to get a cell phone, you will need an official bank statement, which is only acceptable if it is mailed directly to you from the bank. Copies or generated statements don't count.

You can also consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone, which is easy but you may find it is more expensive to do this than to enrol in a formal programme.