University Students: Free Nhs Treatment?

The NHS provides free healthcare for students in the UK, including international students, although there are some services that require payment. Students can register with a GP at their university's affiliated medical centre or a local doctor's surgery. This registration process is free and allows students to access NHS services, including prescriptions, sight tests, dental treatment, and mental health support. International students must pay the immigrant health surcharge as part of their student visa before they can access NHS services. In addition, certain services, such as eye tests and prescriptions, may incur charges, although there are schemes to help students with low incomes access free treatment.

International students can access NHS services by paying the IHS

International students can access NHS services by paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their Student visa application. The IHS allows international students to use the NHS in the same way as UK nationals and residents, with most healthcare services being free at the point of use. However, some procedures and special NHS services may require additional payment.

The IHS costs £776 per year for students and their dependents. It is important to note that international students must pay the IHS even if they have private medical insurance. Additionally, they cannot take out private healthcare insurance as an alternative to paying the IHS, as it is a mandatory fee included in the Student visa application.

To register with a GP, international students will need to visit a local doctor's surgery, clinic, or medical centre during consulting hours. They will need to bring the following documents:

• A letter from their university confirming enrolment
• Their passport
• Any other relevant immigration or visa documents

Once registered with a GP, international students will receive an NHS number, which proves their eligibility for NHS services in the UK. This NHS number is different from their National Insurance number, which is used for administration related to national insurance fees, benefits, employment, and taxes.

It is advisable for international students to register with a GP as soon as they arrive in the UK, even before they fall ill. Many universities have affiliated medical centres or can provide guidance on which GPs in the area are accepting new patients. Urgent care is also available at Urgent Treatment Centres, which are open for at least 12 hours daily, and some hospitals have 24-hour Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments for serious illnesses or injuries.

International students may also benefit from the NHS Low Income Scheme, which offers free NHS prescriptions and other financial support for healthcare. They can check their eligibility and apply for support through the NHS website.

Students under 19 can get free prescriptions, sight tests, and dental treatment

The NHS offers free prescriptions, sight tests, and dental treatment for students under the age of 19. This means that if you are a student under 19, you can access these services without having to pay any charges or fees. This applies regardless of your immigration status, and you can benefit from this scheme even if you have a low income.

To benefit from this scheme, you will need to register with a General Practitioner (GP) at a local doctor's surgery or medical centre. You can use the NHS search tool to find your nearest GP service. During your registration, make sure to ask to be added to the list of NHS patients. Your university will often provide information on affiliated medical centres or GPs in the area during your orientation week.

Once you have registered with a GP, you will receive an NHS number, which proves your eligibility for NHS services in the UK. It is advisable to register as soon as possible, even if you are in good health. This will ensure that you can access the necessary healthcare services without delay if and when you need them.

In addition to free prescriptions, sight tests, and dental treatment for those under 19, there are other ways to access financial support for NHS treatments as a student. For example, the NHS Low Income Scheme offers full or partial help with health costs for those with low incomes, and you can apply for this regardless of your immigration status. This scheme can cover a range of treatments, including mental health medication, and you can find out more about it on the NHS website.

Students can access free mental health support through the Student Minds blog

The transition to university can be a massive life change, and students often face challenges to their mental health. Student Minds is the UK's biggest blog on student mental health and wellbeing, and it is also the UK's student mental health charity. The blog shares student experiences of mental health difficulties, tips on how to tackle different challenges at university, strategies that have helped students overcome their mental health struggles, and reviews of the latest news in mental health from a student perspective.

Another blogger, William, discusses the common experience of loneliness at university and emphasizes that it's okay to feel this way. He shares tips for coping, such as seeking social opportunities by getting involved in campus clubs or societies, opening up to someone you trust, and starting small with light conversations. The blog also provides advice on dealing with seasonal changes, such as creating a cozy study space, staying active, and prioritizing mental well-being.

In addition to the Student Minds blog, students can also access free mental health support through their universities. For example, students at Newcastle University can access a wide range of free and confidential health and wellbeing support through their Student Wellbeing team. Similarly, the University of Manchester offers support through the Student Space. It is important for students to be aware of the support they can access and to prioritize their mental health during their time at university.

Students can get help with health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme

The NHS is free for students in the UK, but there are charges for some services and treatments, including prescriptions, sight tests, glasses or contact lenses, and dental treatment. International students have to pay a surcharge to use the NHS, but after that, they can get free healthcare in the same way as UK residents.

When applying for the NHS Low Income Scheme, you will need to provide information about your weekly needs and income. This includes day-to-day living expenses and any housing costs you are personally liable to pay, such as Council Tax, rent, or a mortgage. If your requirements are more than your income, you will be eligible for help with health costs. For example, if your weekly income is £105.87 and your weekly requirements are £106.65, you would be eligible for assistance.

If you have already paid for health costs and then become eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme, you can claim refunds (except for prescription charges) using form HC5. You can find out how to obtain form HC5 on the NHS Business Services Authority website for England, Scotland, and Wales, or from your local social security office in Northern Ireland. It is important to ask for receipts after treatment to be able to claim refunds.

Some universities have affiliated medical centres or GPs that students can register with

NHS Services for International Students in the UK

The National Health Service (NHS) is the system that UK residents use to access both physical and mental healthcare services. Most healthcare services are free at the point of use, but some procedures may require additional payment. International students in the UK can access healthcare through the NHS.

Registering with a GP

To access NHS services, you will need to register with a general practitioner (GP) at a local doctor’s surgery or medical centre. Some universities have affiliated medical centres or GPs that students can register with. This information is usually provided during orientation week. When registering, ensure that you ask to be added to the list of NHS patients. You will need to provide the following documents:

• A letter from your university proving your enrolment
• Your passport
• Any further immigration or visa documents

International Students

If you are an international student, you will need to pay the immigrant health surcharge as part of your student visa. Once you have paid this surcharge, you are eligible to use the following NHS services free of charge:

• 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 or sexual violence
• Some palliative care services
• Psychiatric treatment or treatment ordered by a court
• Covid-19 tests, treatment, and vaccination

NHS Low Income Scheme

The NHS Low Income Scheme is available for students who meet the low-income bracket. This scheme provides full or partial help with healthcare costs. To apply, you will need to fill out an HC1 form and supply evidence of any grants, bursaries, or awards you receive.

Frequently asked questions