Douglas Olsen
International students in the UK are eligible for NHS treatment, but they are required to pay an immigration health surcharge as part of their visa application. This surcharge is £150 per year for students, and £150 per year for each dependant. This surcharge entitles students to access the NHS in the same way as permanent UK residents. However, students studying for less than six months are not eligible for free NHS treatment and must take out private health insurance. It is also advisable for international students to take out additional health insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | International students are eligible for NHS treatment in the UK if they are studying for more than six months. |
| Cost | International students must pay an immigration health surcharge of £150 per year for access to the NHS. This is paid as part of the visa application process. |
| Dependants | Dependants of international students must also pay the surcharge and will be entitled to the same access to the NHS as the student. |
| Additional costs | International students may need to pay for dental, optical, and prescription treatment, as well as some discretionary treatments. |
| Alternative arrangements | Some countries have a reciprocal agreement with the UK, which may entitle international students to some free healthcare on the NHS. Students from the EU and Switzerland may be eligible for a refund of the immigration health surcharge. |
| Registration | International students should register with a local GP as soon as possible after arrival to access NHS services. |
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What You'll Learn
International students studying for less than six months
International students studying in the UK for less than six months are not eligible to use the NHS and are advised to take out private health insurance. This is because the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which costs £470 per year of intended stay, is only applicable to students studying for six months or longer. Without paying the IHS, international students on a standard visitor visa will be charged for any NHS treatment they receive, except in a medical emergency.
It is important to note that even with private health insurance, some NHS services may still be accessible in certain situations. For example, COVID-19 tests, treatment, and vaccinations are provided free of charge by the NHS to everyone in the UK, regardless of immigration status or IHS payment.
Upon arrival in the UK, international students are advised to register with a General Practitioner (GP) at a local doctor's surgery or medical centre. This is a necessary step to access NHS services for eligible students. To register, students must provide a letter from their university confirming enrolment, their passport, and any relevant visa or immigration documents.
While the NHS is the UK's primary healthcare provider, it is not the only option. Private healthcare services are also available and can be accessed through private insurance policies. These additional plans often cover services like dental care, optical treatments, or expedited access to specialised treatments, which may complement NHS coverage.
In summary, international students studying in the UK for less than six months are not eligible for NHS coverage and are advised to rely on private health insurance. However, limited NHS services may still be accessible in specific circumstances, such as medical emergencies or COVID-19-related care.
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The immigration health surcharge
International students are eligible for NHS treatment in the UK but they have to pay a healthcare surcharge while applying for their visa. This is known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS entitles students to access the NHS in the UK at no additional cost in the same way as a permanent UK resident. This includes access to a doctor's surgery, a healthcare centre or a hospital. However, students may need to pay for dental and optical treatment, prescribed medication and certain discretionary treatments.
The IHS is paid as part of the visa application fee and the cost depends on the length of the visa. In February 2024, the standard rate was £1,035 per year of the visa, paid in advance. This is a significant increase from the previous rate of £624 per year. The surcharge can be reimbursed under certain circumstances, such as if the visa application is unsuccessful or if the applicant meets the criteria for a reimbursement scheme. For example, students from the EU and Switzerland studying full-time in the UK may be eligible for a full or partial refund. It is important to note that the reimbursement process can take up to 6 weeks and may require additional evidence.
The IHS has been a controversial topic, with some arguing that migrants already contribute to the NHS through regular taxes and questioning the scope of exemptions. However, the government has defended the surcharge, stating that it ensures migrants make a proper financial contribution to their NHS care and helps raise money for healthcare spending and paying doctors more.
It is advisable for international students to also take out health insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances and potential charges for specific treatments. This can be done through their school, college or university, which may offer specially arranged policies for students.
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European students and the EHIC
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card that allows students to access medically necessary care from the government during a short stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the UK. The EHIC card ensures that a person can get healthcare that meets the standards of their home country. The card is provided by the national health insurance company of the respective country. The EHIC does not replace travel insurance and does not cover private medical care or costs like repatriation to one's home country.
The EHIC is intended for short stays and guarantees emergency medical care. There may be difficulties with respect to certain services that are not classified as emergency care, for example, preventive examinations during pregnancy. The EHIC is based on social security agreements between the EU and EEA member states. Students from EU/EEA countries who wish to enrol for full-time studies in another EU country can present the EHIC at enrolment, provided they are enrolled at a university but continue to have their legal residence and centre of life in their home country. Students from EU/EEA countries who receive subsidies or intend to stay in the host country permanently must take out statutory health insurance in that country.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the existing EHIC. If one has an existing EHIC, they can continue to use it until the expiry date. Once it expires, one will need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. The GHIC lets one get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay. The GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years.
Students from the United Kingdom are eligible to apply for GHIC cards. If one has rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, they can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC instead of a GHIC. Students from the EU and Switzerland studying full-time in the UK may be eligible for a full or partial refund of the immigration health surcharge paid with their visa application. Family members of students who meet the criteria may also be able to apply for reimbursement of the immigration health surcharge if they are in the UK on a visa, hold a valid EHIC and are not working, or do not intend to work, in the UK. The scheme is currently not available to students from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
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Dental and optical treatment
International students in the UK are eligible for NHS treatment, but they are advised to take out health insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances. Students applying for a visa to study in the UK for six months or longer are required to pay an immigration health surcharge as part of their visa application fee. This surcharge entitles students to access NHS services at no additional cost, in the same way as a permanent UK resident. However, there are certain services that are not covered by the surcharge, and students may need to pay additional fees for these.
Dental treatment is provided by the NHS, but students may need to contribute towards the cost of this treatment. NHS dental care is offered at a reduced price, which is still cheaper than private treatment. To access this, students will need to visit a dental surgery for treatment, which may be in a different location from their GP surgery. Certain treatments, such as emergency services and the treatment of conditions caused by violence or abuse, are free for everyone, regardless of their immigration status.
Optical treatment typically falls outside the scope of NHS coverage for international students. For routine eye care, such as glasses, contact lenses, and eye check-ups, students should visit a high street optician, where they will usually need to pay for eye tests and any prescribed lenses or frames. The cost of frames and lenses can vary significantly, and popular opticians in the UK include Specsavers and other high street options.
It is important to note that NHS waiting times can be lengthy, and private health insurance may provide faster access to appointments and treatments. However, private insurance should not be considered a replacement for the NHS surcharge, as this payment is typically still required during the visa application process.
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Registering with a GP
As an international student, you are eligible for NHS treatment in the UK. However, you will need to pay a healthcare surcharge while applying for your visa. The surcharge will be £150 per year as a student, for instance, £300 for a 2-year visa. This surcharge will allow you to access NHS services at no additional cost, just like a permanent UK resident. However, you may need to pay for dental and optical treatments, prescribed medicines, and certain expensive discretionary treatments.
Registering with a General Practitioner (GP) is essential to access healthcare services in the UK. The GP registration process is similar for both local and international students, but international students may need to provide additional documentation. You can register with a GP by following these steps:
- Use the NHS 'Find a GP' service to search for a local GP Surgery and Health Centre. You can also ask your university for recommendations.
- Check the eligibility requirements with your chosen GP surgery or your university's international student services office.
- Fill out the GP registration online form, which is usually available on the NHS app or the GP's website. You may need to provide personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and photographic ID.
- Provide any additional documentation that may be required, such as proof of student status, passport, immigration documents, or proof of address.
- Once registered, you can book appointments with your GP for medical consultations, vaccinations, prescriptions, and other healthcare needs.
It is important to note that registering with a GP is crucial for accessing primary NHS services. You should register as soon as possible after your arrival in the UK to ensure you have access to medical care when needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students are eligible for NHS treatment in the UK.
To access NHS treatment, you will need to register with a local GP and ask to be added to the list of NHS patients. You will also need to pay an immigration health surcharge, which is typically paid as part of your visa application.
The surcharge costs £150 per year for the student and an additional £150 per dependent. However, some sources state that the surcharge is £470 per year, and £235 for stays of six months or less.
The surcharge entitles students to access the NHS in the UK at no additional cost, including access to a doctor's surgery, healthcare centre, or hospital. However, you may need to pay for dental and optical treatment, as well as medicine prescribed by the doctor.
Although international students are eligible for NHS treatment, it is advisable to take out separate health insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances. If your visa is granted for less than six months, you will be liable for NHS charges unless it is a medical emergency, so separate insurance is recommended in this case.
