Dental/Optician costs for students

Tetsuko

Does anyone know if there is any help anywhere specifically for students for health care?

I haven't seen a dentist for years and I really need my eyes tested but I don't think I can afford to do either. I certainly can't afford both

I have not been given a loan for my tuition fees so I am having to pay my entire fees for the year from my maintenence loan leaving me next to nothing. I've tried to apply for an HC1 but they take my bf's income into account (although I see none of that ) and ignore the fact that I have to use nearly all my maintenence loan on tuition fees

The only other option I see at the moment is to borrow but I'm desparate not to get into any more debt than I am already in, knowing that my financial situation for the next couple of years at uni looks dire

Is there any help out there at all for students?

twinklyspecialkag

The HC1 is the only thing im aware of that would be of any help. sorry.

adidas

I can't get help from the HC1 form, so I have joined a 'health fund'. Basically you pay money into the fund and you can claim a certain amount of costs per year if you need to. The sums you can claim are not vast but it might save you some money if you claim regularly (ie. I wear glasses so I always use the optical bit). I'm with Leeds Health Fund (http://www.lhfhealthplan.co.uk/) but I think Martin did an article about these health funds and there are a lot out there so have a look around and find the best one for you!

mum2one

theres a company based in cardiff WHA were with them, I pay a basic package, £1.00 week, get £80 every 2 yrs off glasses, £80.00 dentist,
the schemes are basically similar the more you pay the better the payout, but at least that gives you an idea,
x

roxalana

This is going to sound very cynical - but would you be better off financially if you didn't live with your boyfriend? I'm not trying to cause trouble in your relationship but it sounds like he has a decent wage for you not to qualify for means tested student support or HC1/2 help. If he is not willing to contribute to your living expenses, perhaps you should consider stopping cohabiting until after you complete studying.

If him helping you out/moving isn't an option I think the health plans might be the solution.

Tetsuko

roxalana wrote: »

This is going to sound very cynical - but would you be better off financially if you didn't live with your boyfriend? I'm not trying to cause trouble in your relationship but it sounds like he has a decent wage for you not to qualify for means tested student support or HC1/2 help. If he is not willing to contribute to your living expenses, perhaps you should consider stopping cohabiting until after you complete studying.

If him helping you out/moving isn't an option I think the health plans might be the solution.

He pays for my rent and bills so no, I wouldn't even be able to afford to study at university at all if it wasn't for him because I wouldn't have enough money left after paying my tuition fees to pay for my rent or bills.

It's a crazy world though. If I chose to live alone and sit on my backside doing nowt the government would give me a steady, reliable income and pay my rent/eyecare/dental fees for me. But if I choose to go to university I'm left virtually penniless so that I can't afford to have eyecare, dental care

I'll have to wait until Summer when I can look for work then I can get at least an eye and dental check up and maybe start one of the health funds that were mentioned.

Tetsuko

adidas wrote: »

I can't get help from the HC1 form, so I have joined a 'health fund'. Basically you pay money into the fund and you can claim a certain amount of costs per year if you need to. The sums you can claim are not vast but it might save you some money if you claim regularly (ie. I wear glasses so I always use the optical bit). I'm with Leeds Health Fund (http://www.lhfhealthplan.co.uk/) but I think Martin did an article about these health funds and there are a lot out there so have a look around and find the best one for you!

Thank you. I'll definately have to look into one of those

adidas

No problems, I hope you find one that suits you!