Douglas Olsen
International students can access healthcare in their host country through various means, including public health services, private health insurance, and school-provided insurance plans. In the UK, international students can access healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) by paying an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their student visa application. This surcharge allows them to access NHS services such as GP consultations and prescriptions at a subsidised cost. In the US, international students may have access to school group insurance plans or individual insurance plans, which may include prescription coverage with reimbursement options. Understanding the specific healthcare system and insurance options available is crucial for international students to effectively manage their health and prescription needs during their studies abroad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students in the US | Need to purchase individual insurance plans or school group insurance plans |
| International students in the UK | Need to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) to access NHS services |
| NHS prescription charges | £9.35 per item in England; Free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland |
| People who do not have to pay prescription charges | Those under 19 and in full-time education, over 60, or pregnant |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the UK
To use the NHS as an international student in the UK, you will be required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of your intended stay. If your visa duration is six months or less, you will be required to pay £235 for that portion of your stay. This cost must be paid as part of your student visa application and cannot be avoided. Once you have paid this, you are eligible to use most NHS services for free, including GP services.
The cost of prescriptions depends on where in the UK you are registered. In England, prescriptions cost £9.65 per item unless you are under 19 and in full-time education, over 60, or pregnant. If you fall into any of these categories, your prescription will be free. If you are 19 or over and living in England, you will be expected to pay for your prescriptions, regardless of whether you are studying at university or not. However, if you are registered with a GP in England, you may be able to qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which is based on your income, not your parents'. This scheme is available to people whose annual income, including student maintenance loans, savings, and investments, does not exceed £16,000. If you are eligible, you will receive full or partial help with healthcare costs.
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free of charge for everyone. For Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish students studying in England, you can get an exemption card to continue receiving free prescriptions.
It is important to note that there are some prescribed items that are always free, including contraceptives and medication given to hospital inpatients. Additionally, some medicines are available 'over-the-counter', which means you can buy them without a prescription, and they may be cheaper than prescribed medications.
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Paying for prescriptions in the US
In the US, there is a wide variety of health insurance plans for international students to choose from. These plans can be broadly categorized into two types: individual insurance plans and school group insurance plans. Most individual insurance plans include prescription coverage, and if you need a prescription, you can pay upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement. On the other hand, your school might offer a group health insurance plan that you can enrol in, which may or may not be mandatory.
If you are an international student in the US and require medication, it is essential to find out if your insurance plan covers it. Additionally, research the plan's exclusions and waiting periods, as pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered. Depending on the medication and the pharmacy, you may be able to obtain your prescription at a discount or even for free. Bringing your medication from your home country is another option, but ensure you have enough supply and check with your airline regarding any restrictions on carrying medication.
In the US, prescriptions can be obtained through either NHS or private prescriptions. While you have to pay for the medicine itself, there is no additional charge for NHS prescriptions. Private prescriptions, on the other hand, may be more expensive. Some medicines are also available 'over-the-counter' (OTC), which means you can purchase them without a prescription, and this may be a more cost-effective option.
It is worth noting that some individuals are exempt from paying prescription charges due to their age, income, or medical condition. To find out if you qualify for free prescriptions, you can consult a pharmacist, your GP, a health visitor, or the health authority. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can provide valuable advice on their use, potential side effects, and any interactions with other medications.
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NHS prescription charges
Prescription charges were introduced in 1952 by the Conservative government at a rate of one shilling (£0.05) per prescription. Over the years, changes have been made to the charging structure, and in 1956, a charge was applied to each item prescribed rather than a flat rate per prescription.
Prescription charges apply only in England, as Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have abolished these fees, providing free prescriptions to their residents. Certain individuals are exempt from paying prescription charges in England, including those receiving specific benefits, pregnant women or those who have given birth in the previous 12 months, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Patients with a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx) are also entitled to free prescriptions.
To obtain NHS prescriptions, individuals can visit any pharmacy, and general practitioners (GPs) typically write these prescriptions. While NHS prescriptions incur charges, private prescriptions are also available, which may be cheaper in certain cases. Some medications are also available over the counter without a prescription, providing another option for patients.
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Private health insurance
In the US, international students are advised to research health insurance options before beginning their studies to ensure they are covered from the moment they arrive. There are two options for health insurance for international students in the US: health insurance through your university or a private health insurance policy. Depending on where you go to school, you may or may not be able to choose between these two options. Most universities offer their own health insurance, and some make it mandatory. If health insurance is required at your university, you may not be allowed to register for classes without it.
When it comes to private health insurance, it is important to do your research and ensure you get it from a reputable company. Private health insurance for international students in the US can sometimes be obtained at a lower cost than insurance from a university. A good place to start is the international student office at your university, which may be able to guide you to reputable insurers.
In Canada, international students without permanent resident or citizen status should expect to pay out-of-pocket for medical services unless they have private health insurance. Many immigration programs require temporary residents to buy private health insurance for the duration of their stay. In some provinces, educational institutions offer international students health insurance packages, and some schools require students to register for these packages. Other schools allow students to opt out of the school package if they can prove they have acquired private health insurance from another source.
In the UK, full-time international students studying for longer than six months are eligible to use NHS services. If you are studying for less than six months, you are advised to take out private health insurance cover during your stay.
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Free prescriptions
International students may be eligible for free prescriptions, depending on several factors such as their country of origin, immigration status, and the specific policies of their host country. In some countries, all residents, including international students, may be offered free or subsidised prescriptions as part of a universal healthcare system. In other cases, international students may need to purchase private health insurance, which may or may not include prescription drug coverage.
It is important for international students to carefully review the healthcare options available in their host country and understand the coverage provided, including prescription drug benefits. Each country has its own unique healthcare system with varying policies and procedures, so it is essential for international students to familiarise themselves with the specific details of their host country.
Universities and educational institutions in some countries may play a role in providing health services or insurance plans for their students, including international students. It is worth exploring the specific offerings and policies of the university or institution you plan to attend to understand the available health coverage, including prescription medications.
To ensure they receive the necessary medical care and avoid unexpected expenses, international students should research their host country's healthcare system and make necessary arrangements, such as purchasing adequate insurance coverage, before their departure. By being proactive and informed, international students can navigate their healthcare options confidently and maintain their health and well-being during their academic pursuits abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the UK must pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) to use the NHS. This costs £470 per year of intended stay and is paid as part of the student visa application. Once this is paid, international students can access NHS services for free, except for some special services like prescriptions.
In England, prescriptions cost £9.65 per item unless you are under 19 and in full-time education, over 60, or pregnant, in which case prescriptions are free. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free of charge in most cases.
Some medicines are available 'over-the-counter' (OTC), meaning they can be bought without a prescription. Ask your GP or pharmacist if the medicine you need is available OTC. You can also research discount and free prescription programs offered by different pharmacies.
If your school does not require you to purchase a specific insurance plan, you can purchase an individual insurance plan. Most individual plans include prescription coverage, but you will have to pay upfront and file a claim for reimbursement.
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