Question
How do I access treatment in the UK?
31 August 2023. Related: Access to treatment, All topics.
I’ve been taking ARVs for 2 years and I’m consistent with my treatment and my immune system is like normal person’s immune system. I am coming to the UK, what is the process of getting treatment and what should?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
It is great to hear that you are doing so well on treatment.
Access in the UK to HIV treatment is from sexual health clinics. These are found all over the country. You can find the closest to where you will be staying through this link.
It will be helpful for you to bring a months supply of ARVs along with you. This is to bridge the time between arriving in the UK and being able to access treatment. If you are able to bring along your HIV medical notes this will help to increase the speed of access.
You are not required to be registered with a doctor or have NHS insurance. HIV treatment in the UK is free and offered regardless of residency status.
After arriving in the UK you can contact i-base with any further queries about access.
Josh.
Hi H, in the UK being HIV positive will not be a problem for your visa application. HIV status is not used as a reason to deny your visa and will have no bearing on the outcome.
Not yet I haven’t made an appointment and I’m worried and scared to tell anyone one is this will effect my visa status or is it going to be a problem for me? My doctor back home told not tell anyone
Hi H, having your notes can help but it doesn’t always speed up the process. Have you made an appointment with a sexual health clinic? As you have ARVs for 5 months this is more than enough time for you to start accessing treatment in the UK.
My treatments notes are confidential i can’t have them i am already here in uk and i have arv’s for 5months how long the process will take to get access to the treatment is it 2months or more give a period of time please