Foreigners face certain barriers in accessing medical care, though international medical students are in many aspects privileged in this field. The aim of this study is to explore whether these students are facing problems in accessing healthcare. An original survey questionnaire was prepared and distributed online and on paper among students. In total 138 questionnaires were filled out. The results were analyzed using statistical methods. The main barriers faced by students are the lack of knowledge about the healthcare system and language problems. The study shows there is a need to start working on institutional solutions to provide information about access to healthcare and to overcome language barriers in healthcare institutions. * The article is part of a research project financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. / Pracę wykonano w ramach Projektu Badawczego, finansowanego ze środków dotacji celowej MNiSzW.

The article presents solutions that enable access to British health care system by foreigners. The migration situation and health care system in the UK is presented. The actions that have been taken to ensure foreigners get access to medical care are described. According to the law, the Primary Care is free for all patients staying in the UK. Secondary Care is free for patients with ordinary residents status, people who have access to healthcare on the basis of international agreements or immigration health surcharge. In order to enable the use of medical care, for non-English speakers, telephone interpretation is commonly used. The Equality and Diversity Council is dealing with problems related to equal access to medical care. Actions taken in the UK can be a reference point in searching for solutions that can be introduced in Poland to ensure equal access to medical care for foreigners.

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