Douglas Olsen
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK's state healthcare system, providing a wide range of healthcare services, including appointments, hospital treatment, and dental care. International students in the UK are eligible for NHS treatment, although they must pay an immigrant health surcharge of £470 per year to gain access to the NHS as part of their student visa. This fee covers free medical treatment, including emergency or hospital care, and reduced-price dental care at an NHS dentist. In addition, students can access free NHS prescriptions through the NHS Low-Income Scheme, which covers a wide range of prescribed medication. Certain groups, such as those with low incomes, may also be eligible for free eye tests, which typically cost a minimum of £20-£25 in England.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| NHS healthcare for international students | Free, but requires registration with a GP and an NHS number |
| NHS healthcare for UK students | Free, but requires registration with a GP |
| NHS Low Income Scheme | Free prescriptions for students |
| NHS Bursary | Funding for eligible medical and dental students |
| NHS charges for eye tests | £20-£25 in England, free in Scotland |
| NHS charges for prescriptions | Free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland |
| NHS charges for international students | £470 per year for a visa that grants access to the NHS |
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What You'll Learn
International students: eligibility and costs
International students can access healthcare through the NHS in the UK. However, they must pay an immigrant health surcharge (IHS) as part of their student visa application. The cost of IHS depends on the length of the visa and where the application is made from. For instance, the IHS costs £776 per year for students, their dependants, and those on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. Once the IHS is paid, international students can use the following NHS services for free:
- A&E (accident and emergency) services
- NHS hospital treatment
- GP services
- Sexual health, family planning, and contraceptive services
- Diagnosis and treatment of certain infectious diseases
- Treatment of any conditions caused by domestic violence or sexual violence
- Some palliative care services
- Psychiatric treatment or treatment ordered by a court
- Covid-19 tests, treatment, and vaccination
International students must register with a general practitioner (GP) at a local doctor's surgery or medical centre to access NHS services. They will receive an NHS number, which is different from their National Insurance number, when they register with a GP. This number is used to prove eligibility for NHS services. It is advisable to register with a GP as soon as possible after arriving in the UK.
There are some services that are not free, even with the IHS. These include prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, and assisted conception. The cost of prescriptions varies depending on where in the UK the international student is registered. Eye tests cost a minimum of £20-£25 on the NHS in England, but they are free in Scotland. Dental practices that accept NHS patients can be difficult to find, and waiting lists can be long.
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NHS registration process
The NHS registration process for university students is straightforward. It is advisable to register with a GP as soon as you arrive; don't wait until you fall ill. You can use the NHS search tool to find your nearest GP service. Some universities have their own health centres, and you may be able to register with them. Your university will be able to provide details of how to register with a GP at a local surgery or health centre.
Documents Required
To register with a GP, you will need to visit your local doctor's surgery, clinic, or medical centre during consulting hours with the following documents:
- A letter from your university proving your enrolment at the institution
- Your passport
- Any further immigration or visa documents
Online Registration
Some universities, like Newcastle, allow you to register with a GP online. It is a simple process where you need to provide basic personal details.
NHS Number
Once you register with a GP, you will receive an NHS number, which proves your eligibility for NHS services in the UK.
NHS Low-Income Scheme
The NHS Low-Income Scheme for students offers free NHS prescriptions and other benefits. You can check your eligibility and apply on the NHS website.
Eye Care
Eyecare is provided separately by opticians, often on the high street or in pharmacies. There is usually a minimum charge for an eye test on the NHS in England, but eye tests are free in Scotland.
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NHS Low Income Scheme
The NHS Low Income Scheme is intended to reduce the cost of specific NHS services, including prescription charges, dentistry, sight tests, glasses and contact lenses, necessary travel costs to receive NHS treatment, wigs, and fabric supports. The scheme is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority and is not restricted to those in receipt of benefits. It is, however, restricted to individuals with capital or savings of up to £6,000.
The scheme offers two types of certificates for financial assistance: the HC2 certificate and the HC3 certificate. The HC2 certificate provides full financial assistance, including free NHS prescriptions, if the individual's weekly income is less than or equal to the requirements. The HC3 certificate offers partial financial assistance if the individual's income is greater than the requirements by more than half the current English prescription charge.
To apply for the scheme, individuals can use the online checker or complete an HC1 or HC1W form, depending on their location. The form can be printed from the NHS website or ordered to be delivered to their home address. The form must be filled out, and individuals can seek assistance from student services or family members if needed.
It is important to note that the NHS Low Income Scheme does not entitle individuals to NHS treatment but helps with the costs for those who are already entitled to NHS treatment. Additionally, children are not included in the scheme, and a separate claim for Child Tax Credit must be made.
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NHS services available to students
NHS services are available to students in the UK, including international students. Students can access healthcare through the NHS, but they must register with a general practitioner (GP) at a local doctor's surgery or medical centre. This can be done by visiting the local doctor's surgery, clinic, or medical centre during consulting hours and providing the necessary documents, such as a letter from the university confirming enrolment, a passport, and any relevant immigration or visa documents.
Once registered, students can access a range of NHS services, including:
- A&E (Accident and Emergency) services
- NHS hospital treatment
- GP services
- Sexual health, family planning, and contraceptive services
- Diagnosis and treatment of certain infectious diseases
- Treatment for conditions caused by domestic or sexual violence
- Some palliative care services
- Psychiatric treatment or court-ordered treatment
- COVID-19 tests, treatment, and vaccination
- Urgent care at Urgent Treatment Centres
It is important to note that while NHS treatment is free for UK residents, there may be charges for international students, such as the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) or the immigrant health surcharge, which is paid as part of the student visa application process. After paying this surcharge, international students can access NHS services free of charge, although there may be additional costs for special NHS services like eye care, dental treatment, and prescriptions. Eye tests, for example, typically cost a minimum of £20-£25 in England, but they are free in Scotland.
Additionally, students may be eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which offers free NHS prescriptions for medications, including mental health medications. This scheme helps students access treatment without financial concerns.
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NHS services at universities
The NHS offers a range of services to students at universities in the UK, with some variations in the services and costs in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Here are some of the key NHS services available to university students:
Registration with a General Practitioner (GP)
It is important for students to register with a GP near their university as soon as possible. Most universities have affiliated medical centres or health services that students can register with. Alternatively, students can register with any local GP of their choice. Registering with a GP allows students to access emergency care and other health services quickly and conveniently. It is recommended to have an NHS number, which is obtained when registering with a GP, as it proves eligibility for NHS services.
Vaccinations and Immunisations
The NHS offers vaccinations and immunisations to students, including the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine and the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine. Students are advised to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations before starting university, as they will be at a particularly high risk during the first weeks of term due to increased social contact.
Urgent and Emergency Care
Urgent Treatment Centres are available for minor injuries and illnesses and are open for at least 12 hours daily. For more serious illnesses or injuries, Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in hospitals provide emergency treatment 24 hours a day.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Some universities offer confidential health and wellbeing support services, such as the Student Wellbeing team at Newcastle University. These services can provide professional advice and support for mental health concerns. Additionally, the NHS Low Income Scheme offers financial support for students needing mental health medications, ensuring that financial concerns do not become a barrier to treatment.
Prescriptions and Eyecare
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are typically free of charge. In England, certain groups may be eligible for free prescriptions and eye tests, while others may need to pay a minimum charge for eye tests.
NHS Bursary
The NHS also provides funding opportunities for eligible medical and dental students through the NHS Bursary scheme. This scheme is means-tested and offers tuition fee contributions and additional allowances based on individual circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
International students do not need private medical insurance when studying in the UK. If you need a visa to study in the UK, you will have to pay an immigrant health surcharge of £470 per year to gain access to the NHS. This covers free medical treatment, including emergency or hospital care, and reduced-price dental care at an NHS dentist.
To register with a GP, you will need to visit your local doctor’s surgery, clinic, or medical centre during consulting hours with the following documents: a letter from your university proving your enrolment, your passport, and any further immigration or visa documents. You will receive an NHS number when you register with a GP.
The NHS is the UK's state healthcare system. It provides a wide range of health care services ranging from appointments with the doctor, hospital treatment, and dental care. Prescriptions are free of charge in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in most cases. In England, you will have to pay a minimum charge of about £20-£25 for an eye test on the NHS, but certain groups may be eligible for free eye tests.
Yes, the NHS Low Income Scheme for students offers free NHS prescriptions. Students can apply for an HC1 application form on the NHS website. The NHS also offers bursaries for eligible medical and dental students.
