
International students in the UK have access to the National Health Service (NHS), the country's state healthcare system. To use the NHS, international students must pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of their intended stay. This cost is paid as part of the student visa application and grants access to free medical treatment and reduced-price dental care at an NHS dentist. Students from outside the EU need to check if they must pay the IHS when applying for visas. Students over 19 years old can apply for the NHS Low-Income Scheme to qualify for free dental treatment.
Is dental care free for international students in the UK?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| NHS dental care for international students | International students are eligible for NHS treatment, but they must pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of their intended stay. This gives them access to free medical treatment and reduced-price dental care at an NHS dentist. |
| Private dental care for international students | International students can pay for private dental care or take up an insurance policy. |
| NHS dental care for students under 19 | Students under 19 and in full-time education are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. |
| NHS dental care for low-income students | Students can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme to qualify for free dental treatment. |
| HC2 certificate | Students struggling to pay for healthcare costs may be eligible for an HC2 certificate, which means the NHS will fully or partially cover costs. |
| HC1 form | Students can apply for an HC1 form to receive help with dental care costs based on their income and outgoings. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in the UK are required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of their intended stay
- Students can apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to help cover healthcare costs
- International students do not need private medical insurance when studying in the UK
- International students will have to pay for dental treatment, but can get reduced prices at an NHS dentist
- Students under 19 years old and studying full-time are eligible for free NHS dental treatments

International students in the UK are required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of their intended stay
Dental care is not free for most people in the UK. However, there are certain groups of people who are eligible for free NHS dental treatment, such as those under the age of 19 and in full-time education, those on low incomes, and those receiving certain benefits or credits.
International students in the UK are eligible for NHS treatment, but they are required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) as part of their student visa application. This costs £470 per year of their intended stay and grants them access to a range of NHS services, including some dental services. The IHS must be paid regardless of whether the student intends to take out private medical insurance upon arrival in the UK.
While international students can access some dental services through the NHS, waiting lists can be long, and many dental practices do not accept NHS patients. As a result, some students may opt for private dental care, which can be costly. It is also worth noting that students from the EU may find that the rules regarding their access to NHS services change once the UK has completely exited the EU.
In addition to the IHS, international students may also want to consider taking out additional health insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during their time in the UK. This can provide peace of mind and ensure they have access to a wider range of healthcare services should they need them.
Overall, while dental care is not completely free for international students in the UK, paying the IHS as part of their visa application will grant them access to a range of NHS services, including some reduced-price dental treatments.
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Students can apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to help cover healthcare costs
International students in the UK are eligible for NHS treatment, but they are required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of their intended stay. This cost is paid as part of the student visa application and grants access to NHS services such as GP services, hospital treatment, and some dental services. However, dental care in the UK often involves long waiting lists, and many dental practices do not accept NHS patients. As a result, some students opt for private dental services or insurance policies.
While dental care can be costly, there are financial support options available for students with certain medical conditions. One such option is the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), which can be applied for alongside student finance. The DSA provides support for study-related costs arising from mental health problems, long-term illnesses, or other disabilities. This support is tailored to individual needs and can include funding for equipment, software, non-medical assistance, and travel allowances. The maximum allowance in England is £27,783 per year, while Scotland offers separate sub-allowances for consumable items, equipment, and non-medical help.
It is important to note that the DSA does not cover all disability-related costs, and there may be instances where additional funding is required. In such cases, students can explore other options, such as funding from charitable trusts or scholarships and bursaries. Additionally, students struggling with medical bills may be eligible for an HC2 certificate, which enables the NHS to partially or fully cover these costs.
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International students do not need private medical insurance when studying in the UK
The UK's state healthcare system is the National Health Service (NHS). It provides a wide range of healthcare services, including appointments with doctors, hospital treatment, and some dental care.
International students in the UK do not need private medical insurance. If you are a full-time international student in the UK for more than six months, you are eligible to use the NHS. However, 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, even if you choose to take out private medical insurance once you arrive. Once you have paid this, you are eligible to use many NHS services free of charge, including A&E, hospital treatment, GP services, sexual health services, and Covid-19 tests and treatment.
It is important to note that while international students are eligible for NHS treatment, it is advisable to take out health insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, while some dental services are available through the NHS, waiting lists can be long, and many dental practices do not accept NHS patients. As a result, some students opt for private dental care or insurance policies such as Denplan. Eye tests on the NHS in England typically cost a minimum of £20-£25, but they are free in Scotland.
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International students will have to pay for dental treatment, but can get reduced prices at an NHS dentist
International students in the UK are eligible for NHS treatment, including dental care. However, this does not mean that dental care is free for them. International students will have to pay for dental treatment, but they can get reduced prices at an NHS dentist.
To use the NHS as an international student in the UK, you must pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of your intended stay. This cost is part of your student visa application and cannot be avoided. Once you have paid this fee, you are eligible for various NHS services for free, including hospital treatment, GP services, sexual health services, and more. However, dental care is not typically included in the free services for international students.
There are certain groups of people who are exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment. This includes individuals under the age of 18 or under 19 and in full-time education. Those receiving specific income-based benefits, such as Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment. Additionally, students with low incomes can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which could help them qualify for free or reduced-cost dental care.
While international students in the UK are not automatically entitled to free dental care, they can benefit from reduced prices at NHS dentists. The availability of NHS dentists may vary, and waiting lists can be long. Alternatively, students can opt for private dental services, but these can be significantly more expensive.
It is advisable for international students to consider taking out additional health insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances and ensure comprehensive coverage during their time in the UK.
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Students under 19 years old and studying full-time are eligible for free NHS dental treatments
In the UK, students under the age of 19 who are studying full-time are eligible for free NHS dental treatments. This applies to both domestic and international students. However, international students must pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of their intended stay in the UK, or £235 for a stay of six months or less, as part of their student visa application. This fee grants them access to various NHS services, including hospital treatment, GP services, sexual health services, and more.
While dental care is not free for most people in the UK, certain groups, such as those under 19 years old and in full-time education, are exempt from charges. Students who are older than 19 can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme to potentially qualify for free dental treatment. Additionally, students with certain medical conditions can apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to receive financial support for healthcare costs.
It is important to note that not all dentists in the UK accept NHS patients, and waiting lists for NHS dental treatment can be long. Students seeking dental care may need to shop around for a dentist that suits their needs and accepts NHS patients. Taking these steps can help ensure access to free NHS dental treatments for eligible students under 19 years old who are studying full-time.
While dentistry can be expensive in the UK, students under 19 years old who are studying full-time can benefit from free NHS dental treatments. By registering with an NHS dentist and providing the necessary documentation, eligible students can access dental care without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the UK are eligible for NHS treatment, including dental care, but they are required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of £470 per year of their intended stay. This cost is paid as part of the student visa application and cannot be avoided. Students under 19 years of age are eligible for free NHS dental treatments.
Students in the UK need to register with a dentist as soon as possible, stating that they are signing up as an NHS patient. Students will need to provide their NHS number, which is given once they register with a GP and is used to prove eligibility for NHS services.
The other option for dental care in the UK is to pay for a private service or take up an insurance policy such as Denplan.






















