
University students in the UK have access to a range of free healthcare services, including dental treatment. However, eligibility for free NHS dental care is dependent on several factors, including age, income, and location within the UK. While some students may qualify for free or reduced-cost dental treatment, others will need to pay the standard fees. This paragraph will explore the criteria for free NHS dental treatment and discuss the options available for university students seeking dental care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | In England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, students under 19 years of age in full-time education are eligible for free NHS dental treatment. In Scotland, dental care is free for students of all ages. |
| Income | Students with low incomes can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme to receive free or reduced-cost dental treatment. |
| International Students | Students from EU countries can benefit from the NHS with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if their course is longer than six months. International students from outside the EU may need to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS). |
| Dependents | Dependents under 20 years of age are also entitled to free treatment if their parent or guardian receives certain benefits. |
| War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme | Those receiving these benefits can get free NHS dental treatment for their accepted disability and can claim money back for dental treatment. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- University students under 19 years old and in full-time education can get free dental treatment
- Students can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme to help pay for treatment
- Students with an HC2 certificate are eligible for free eye tests
- Students from the EU are eligible for an NHS European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Students can get free dental treatment if they receive certain benefits

University students under 19 years old and in full-time education can get free dental treatment
University students under 19 and in full-time education can get free dental treatment
University students who are under 19 years old and in full-time education can get free NHS dental treatment in the UK. This applies to students in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In England, Scotland, and Wales, the dentist is free for those under 18 or anyone who is 19 and in full-time education. This means that in your first or second year of university, if you are between 18 and 19, you will be able to get free treatment.
In Northern Ireland, you will get free dental care if you are under 18, 18 and in full-time education, are pregnant or have had a child in the last 12 months, are receiving treatment in an NHS hospital, or if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. The NHS Low-Income Scheme allows those with low incomes to apply for an exemption certificate or money to help pay for things like prescriptions, dental care, and sight tests. Students are eligible to apply for this scheme.
If you are a university student in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, or under 18 in England, your prescriptions are free. If you are a student in England over the age of 18, you will have to pay for prescriptions, but there is financial support available. For example, you can get a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) which will save you money if you need multiple prescriptions.
If you are not eligible for free NHS dental treatment and are on a low income, you may still be able to get help with paying for dental treatment through the NHS Low Income Scheme. If you receive benefits that entitle you to free dental treatment, your dependents under the age of 20 can also get free dental treatment.
Discover Lewis University's Student Population
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Students can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme to help pay for treatment
Students and NHS Dental Treatment
In England, free NHS dental treatment is available for anyone under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education. This means that university students aged 18-19 can get free treatment. However, once you turn 20, you will need to pay for your treatment, regardless of your student status.
There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, in Scotland and Wales, dental care is free for students. Additionally, if you are pregnant, on a low income, or receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for free treatment.
If you are not eligible for free NHS dental treatment, you may still be able to get help with the costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). This scheme is open to anyone with savings, investments, or property (excluding the place where you live) below a certain limit. Students are eligible to apply for the scheme, which can help with the costs of prescriptions, dental care, sight tests, and travel to and from appointments.
Applying for the NHS Low Income Scheme
To apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, you will need to complete an HC1 form, which can be downloaded and printed from the NHS website or picked up from various locations, including job centres, GP practices, pharmacies, and Citizens Advice. The form will ask for your personal details and information about your income and expenses to determine how much money you could be eligible for and what type of support you need.
Once your HC1 form has been processed, you may receive an HC2 or HC3 certificate. The HC2 certificate provides full help with health costs, while the HC3 certificate provides partial help. Your certificate will show how much you will need to pay towards your health costs, including dental treatment.
It is important to note that the application process may vary slightly depending on your location within the UK, so be sure to check the guidelines for your specific region.
White Students' Experience at Howard University
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Students with an HC2 certificate are eligible for free eye tests
In England, NHS dental treatment is free for anyone under 18 or under 19 and in full-time education. This means that in your first or second year of university, if you are between 18 and 19, you will be able to get free treatment. However, once you turn 20, you will not get free dental care, regardless of your student status. There are some exceptions to this, such as if you are pregnant or on a low income.
In Northern Ireland, the dentist is free for those under 18, 18 and in full-time education, pregnant, or have given birth in the last 12 months. In Scotland and Wales, the dentist is free for students.
If you are a student with a low income, you may be eligible for an HC2 or HC3 certificate, which can provide full or partial help with health costs, including dental treatment. Students with an HC2 certificate are eligible for free eye tests.
HC2 Certificate
In addition to free eye tests, the HC2 certificate can provide access to free NHS prescriptions for up to 12 months while studying. With this certificate, students can also get an NHS prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) to save money on prescriptions. For example, paying £29.65 in advance can provide access to all necessary prescriptions for that time at no extra charge.
HC3 Certificate
The HC3 certificate is an exception certificate that provides limited help with the costs of NHS treatment. While it does not offer the same level of coverage as the HC2 certificate, it can still assist with the costs of dental treatment, sight tests, wigs, and travel to and from NHS treatments.
Other Options for Students
If you are a student who does not qualify for free dental treatment or an HC2/HC3 certificate, there are still options available. For urgent dental care, you can contact your current dentist or call 111. There are also bands for NHS dental treatment costs, with Band 1 covering basic examinations, check-ups, diagnoses, x-rays, and scales and polishes for £26.80. Band 2 includes everything in Band 1, along with treatments like fillings, tooth removal, and root canal work for £73.50.
Additionally, students from EU countries with a course longer than six months can benefit from the NHS through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). International students from outside the EU should check if they need to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) when applying for visas.
WorldSkills Winners: University Success Strategies
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$21.73

Students from the EU are eligible for an NHS European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
In the UK, some people are eligible for free NHS dental appointments and treatment. This includes individuals who are under the age of 18 or under 19 and in full-time education. This means that university students aged 18-19 can get free dental treatment in their first or second year. However, once they turn 20, they will no longer be eligible for free dental care, regardless of their student status.
Now, regarding your specific inquiry about EU students and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), here is some detailed information:
Students who are nationals of a European Economic Area (EEA) country and resided in the UK before 31 December 2020 can benefit from an EHIC. This card covers necessary state-provided healthcare within the EU and Switzerland, including the country of study. It is essential to know that the EHIC does not cover private medical treatment. To apply for an EHIC, a letter from the university or college stating the institution's name and address, as well as the address of the student's place of study in the EEA or Switzerland, may be required.
Transition from EHIC to GHIC:
It is worth noting that the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the EHIC. Existing EHIC cards can be used until their expiry date, after which a GHIC must be obtained. The GHIC provides similar coverage as the EHIC but does not include treatment in Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway.
Eligibility for UK Student GHIC:
Students who started their course in an EEA country or Switzerland after 1 January 2021 will need to apply for a UK Student GHIC. This card provides necessary state-provided healthcare coverage in the EU and Switzerland but does not cover treatment in the student's country of study.
Low-Income Schemes:
In addition to the EHIC and GHIC, students on a low income may be eligible for financial assistance through the NHS Low-Income Scheme. This scheme provides help with dental costs, and students can apply by completing an HC1 form. Depending on their circumstances, they may receive an HC3 certificate, which offers limited help with NHS treatment costs.
In summary, while university students aged 18-19 can access free NHS dental treatment in their first or second year, older students and those outside the specified age range may need to explore alternative options, such as the EHIC, GHIC, or low-income schemes, depending on their specific circumstances and country of study.
Empowering Disabled Students: Universities Must Do More
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Students can get free dental treatment if they receive certain benefits
In England, students under the age of 19 who are in full-time education can receive free NHS dental treatment. Students who are 19 years old and in full-time education are also eligible for free dental care. However, this entitlement ends when they turn 20. In Northern Ireland, students under the age of 18 or 18 and in full-time education can receive free dental care. Similar to England, students in their later years of university once they turn 19 are not eligible for free treatment.
Students who are not eligible for free NHS dental treatment can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme provides support to those with low incomes to help cover the costs of NHS treatments, including dental care. To apply for this scheme, students must complete an HC1 form, which can be downloaded online or picked up from job centres or NHS practices in Scotland or Wales. If accepted, students will receive an HC3 certificate, which provides limited help with treatment costs. Alternatively, students may receive an HC2 certificate, which provides full help with health costs.
In Scotland and Wales, dental care is free for students. Students from EU countries with courses longer than six months can benefit from the NHS with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). International students from outside the EU may need to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) when applying for visas to the UK.
A Vibrant Community: Harding University's Student Population
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Students under 19 years old who are in full-time education are eligible for free NHS dental treatment. Once a student turns 19, they will have to pay for their dental treatment.
Yes, students in Scotland and Wales can get free dental treatment.
No, students in Northern Ireland do not get free dental treatment. However, if they are under 18 or 18 and in full-time education, they are eligible for free dental care.
International students from EU countries are eligible for free NHS treatment if their course is longer than six months and they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). International students from outside the EU may have to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) when applying for visas to the UK.
Students who are on a low income can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme to get help with paying for dental treatment.











































