OTHER NHS SERVICES

There are a number of other NHS Services available both with and without a referral. You may also be eligible with help with your healthcare costs.

Services where you don't need a referral

If you’re experiencing a problem with your eyesight, you can visit an optician. Boots Opticians on Bell Street offer NHS Eye Tests. You can get a free NHS Eye Test in Scotland every two years, or if there is a clinical need (like a change in your vision, headaches, etc.). If you need glasses, you will have to pay for them but you may be eligible for help with this (see below).

It is recommended that you stay registered with your dentist at home for your regular check-ups, however, if you need urgent dental treatment you can contact the Fife Dental Helpline on 01592 226555 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. NHS Dental Treatment is cheaper than private treatment, but can still cost money. They have a fixed set of charges and services that are available. You may wish to consider private treatment for certain issues, and you can mix private and NHS dental care. If you’re eligible for help from the NHS with your health costs, you’ll also get help with the costs of dental treatment. For more details on NHS dental charges see here.

There are also a number of drop-in or self-referral services offered by NHS Fife: the addiction service, Sexual Health Fife, and Podiatry.

Services where you need a referral

NHS Fife operates a number of other specialist services that you can access by being referred by a GP or other medical professional. A medical professional will refer you if they think you need them, but you can also ask your GP if you think a certain service may help you.

Referrals will not always be accepted or made, as specialist NHS services are reserved for those deemed to need them by the specialists, but if a referral is denied, your GP should tell you why and explain your other options.

For details on the services that NHS Fife provide and how they work, see here.

Help with your healthcare costs

Most NHS treatment is free, however, some things like dental care and glasses have certain charges. If you’re on a low income, you are entitled to help with your healthcare costs - this will help with NHS charges for glasses and dental treatment, but can also help with travel costs to and from hospital appointments. This is called the NHS Low Income Scheme, and you can apply by filling out a HC1 form.

The means assessment for the scheme is not the same as the assessment for other benefits or your student loan. Your income does include your student loan, any benefits you receive, any work income, and savings, but it does not include your parental income (unless they regularly send you money or you live with them). This means you might not qualify for a grant from SAAS (or another funding body) but you could still qualify for help under the NHS Low Income Scheme. The NHS Low Income Scheme is also open to anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK and eligible for NHS treatment, so many international students could qualify for support too!

For more details about the NHS Low Income Scheme and how to apply, see here.

Remember Citizens Advice Scotland can help you if you’re having difficulty applying or are not sure if you are eligible. If you need more information about Citizens Advice in Fife see here.