Healthcare for International Students in UK

The UK is one of the world's most popular study destinations, thanks in part to its advanced healthcare system. As an international student, your pathway to healthcare is simple yet mandatory: paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) grants you full access to the National Health Service (NHS), the world-class public system. This guide explains how the IHS works, details your full coverage, and provides the current costs for 2025, ensuring you can prioritise your mental and physical health throughout your time in the United Kingdom.

What is NHS and How Does it Work?

The National Health System (NHS) is a world-class public healthcare system that offers first-class, safe, and modern medical treatment and support to all legal residents.

• Access for Students: International students studying in the UK for six months or longer are entitled to access the NHS just like British citizens, provided they pay the IHS.
• Registering with a GP: Upon arrival, your first priority should be to register with a local General Practitioner (GP) clinic. The GP is your primary care doctor and the first place you go for non-emergency medical treatment or consultation.
• NHS Number: You do not need an NHS number to book your initial GP appointment, but it is a unique identifier used for all your medical records.

Why is Health Insurance Required in UK?

For long-term students, the requirement is to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which acts as your mandatory pre-paid healthcare fee. For short courses, private insurance is required.

• Long-Term Students (6+ Months): You must pay the IHS as part of your Student visa application. This payment secures your entitlement to the NHS for the duration of your stay.
• Short-Term Students (Less than 6 Months): You are not required to pay the IHS, but you must have adequate private health insurance to cover any healthcare you may need, as you will be charged for any NHS service at the point of use.
• Financial Security: Whether through the IHS or private insurance, securing coverage ensures you avoid paying exorbitant fees for unexpected hospital stays or complex treatments.

Types of International Student Health Insurance Plans

As a student, your choice of insurance is dictated by the length of your course and your preference.

• National Health Service (NHS): The primary and most comprehensive option for students on courses lasting six months or more. Access is secured by paying the IHS fee.
• Private Health Insurance (Supplemental): No need to take out private medical insurance unless your course is short. However, some long-term students choose private cover for:
  • Quicker access to specialist appointments (non-urgent care).
  • More flexible appointment times.
  • Covering services not fully free under the NHS (like certain optical or dental costs).

Benefits of Health Insurance for International Students in the UK

The primary benefit of paying the IHS and accessing the NHS is comprehensive care that is free at the point of use.

• Free-at-the-Point-of-Use Care: Once the IHS is paid, the NHS provides comprehensive coverage including GP visits, hospital treatment, and emergency care without further charge.
• Peace of Mind: You are protected from expensive medical bills, including complex treatments and surgeries, which are paid for by the NHS.
• Essential Services: Coverage includes maternity services and contraceptive services.

Cost of Health Insurance for International Students in UK

The cost of healthcare access for long-term students is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This fee is paid upfront for the entire length of your visa.

Note on Free NHS Services in Different UK Regions: Prescription medicine is generally free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but in England, most adults (including students) pay a fixed charge per item (currently £9.90).

Length and Level of Coverage

Your access to the NHS is secured for the entire duration of your visa, provided the IHS is paid correctly.

• Automatic Entitlement: International students studying in the UK for six months or more are automatically entitled to the full range of NHS services.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: You will have to pay for certain services, including:
  • Dental Treatments: Fixed co-payments are charged for NHS dental treatment bands (e.g., Band 1, 2, or 3 charges).
  • Optical (Eye) Care: Routine sight tests and prescription glasses are generally not free.

Age of Students

Health coverage is mandatory for all international students, regardless of age, studying in the UK for six months or more. This includes any accompanying family members or dependents who must also pay the IHS.

Ways to Apply for Student Health Insurance in UK

Access to the NHS is integrated directly into the visa application process.

1. Calculate and Pay the IHS: The healthcare surcharge must be calculated using the official UK government portal and paid online using a a debit or credit card before you complete your Student visa application.
2. Provide Course Dates: You must provide the exact start and end dates of your course, as listed on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), to ensure the surcharge is calculated for the correct length of your visa.
3. Visa Grant: Once the IHS is paid and your visa is granted, your entitlement to the NHS begins on the date your visa starts.

Navigating the UK's healthcare system is straightforward once you understand the role of the NHS and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). By paying the IHS as part of your student visa application and ensuring you register with a local GP soon after arrival, you secure your access to comprehensive, world-class medical care throughout your stay. This ensures that you can focus entirely on your academic success and fully enjoy your time studying in the UK without unnecessary stress over health expenses.