The structured method of healthcare insurance requires understanding for international students who plan to study in the UK. International students in UK accessing healthcare under the National Health Service (NHS) must recognize specific information about their healthcare provisions. This guide will help you learn about health service access and private healthcare insurance requirements.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – Mandatory for Student Visa Holders
International students in uk need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when they enroll in UK higher education. A part of your student visa application fee is the Immigration Health Surcharge, which enables access to NHS services at the same rates as British citizens.
How Much is the IHS Fee?
- The annual fee for student attendance amounts to £776.
- You cannot access NHS benefits when your course lasts longer than 6 months and must obtain private health coverage.
- Each dependent person who joins you in the United Kingdom must pay the Immigrant Health Surcharge fee.
How to Pay the IHS?
Payment for IHS occurs when you obtain your student visa through online channels. The reference number you receive after payment for the IHS service can be found when completing your visa application form.
What Does the NHS Cover for International Students in UK?
After paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, you obtain unrestricted access to NHS medical services free of charge. People who pay the Health Surcharge can access NHS treatment, which comprises general practice consultations, emergency medical services, mental health facilities, maternity care, and COVID-19 medical assistance.
What is Not Covered by the NHS for International Students in UK?
The healthcare system only provides free emergency dental and eye services. However, private treatments for hospitals and prescriptions are not included. Repatriation and prescription medications cost around £9.65 in England per item.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance?
The standard healthcare the NHS provides does not satisfy all your healthcare needs, so you prefer supplementary coverage. Private health insurance offers patients faster access to medical services and comprehensive dental and vision coverage, enabling repatriation when receiving home-country medical treatment.
Benefits of Private Health Insurance
- Access to specialist doctors.
- Private hospital treatment.
- Dental and vision care.
Best Private Health Insurance Providers for International Students In UK
If you decide to get private health insurance, here are some recommended providers:
- Aviva Health – Affordable coverage for students in the UK.
- Bupa Global – Comprehensive health plans for international students.
- AXA Health – Flexible student-friendly insurance policies.
- Allianz Care – Worldwide coverage, including the UK.
- Cigna Global – Customizable health plans for students.
How to Register for NHS Services in the UK
All new immigrants to the UK should enroll with a General Practitioner (GP) following their arrival. A GP operates locally as your initial medical care provider in the UK.
Steps to Register with a GP:
- Find a local NHS GP surgery (clinic) near your residence.
- Provide your passport, visa, and proof of address (such as a university accommodation letter).
- Complete the registration form provided by the GP surgery.
After registration, you will receive an NHS number, which you use for all medical appointments.
What Should You Do?
Students completing courses that exceed six months must include the IHS fee when they submit their visa application. Additionally, students must register with a GP once they arrive in the UK to use NHS services. International students in UK studying courses of less than six months should get private health insurance as they lack NHS coverage.
The outlined steps provide a path to obtaining proper healthcare insurance for international students in UK. To pick an appropriate private health insurance plan, you should examine different providers before choosing a solution that matches your requirements. Safe travels, and happy studying in the UK!
