Health Insurance in UK for International Students

Studying abroad in the United Kingdom is an exciting opportunity, and every year thousands of international students choose the UK as their higher education destination. With world-renowned universities, diverse cultural experiences, and access to quality healthcare, the UK is one of the top choices for global learners.

However, one of the most important aspects of preparing for your time in the UK is understanding health insurance. As an international student, you need to know how the healthcare system works, whether you are eligible to access the National Health Service (NHS), and if private health insurance is necessary.

This guide explores everything you need to know about health insurance in the UK as an international student—from the NHS and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to private insurance options, coverage details, and practical tips.

1. The UK Healthcare System in Brief

The UK has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the National Health Service (NHS), which provides medical services to residents, including GP visits, hospital care, and emergency treatment. The NHS is funded through taxation, and in most cases, patients don’t pay for treatment at the point of use, except for certain services like prescriptions, dental care, and optical treatment.

International students coming to the UK often wonder whether they are eligible to use NHS services. The answer depends on their visa type and length of stay.

2. Health Insurance Requirements for International Students

International students studying in the UK for more than six months are generally required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying for a student visa. This payment grants access to the NHS on the same basis as UK residents.

Key Points:

Students staying more than six months: Must pay the IHS as part of the visa application. Once paid, you are entitled to use the NHS.
Students staying less than six months: Do not pay the IHS and will not automatically have access to NHS services. You will need private medical insurance to cover healthcare costs during your stay.
EU/EEA or Swiss students: Previously, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provided coverage, but post-Brexit, EHIC cards are no longer valid for most students. Some may still access healthcare through reciprocal agreements, but most will need the IHS or private insurance.

3. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The IHS is a mandatory payment for most international students applying for a visa of more than six months.

Cost of the IHS (2025 figures):

£776 per year for students and their dependents.
Paid upfront when applying for your visa.
Covers the entire length of the visa granted.

For example, if you are applying for a two-year master’s course, you would need to pay £1,552 (£776 x 2 years).

What the IHS Covers:

By paying the IHS, you gain access to NHS services, including:

Visits to a general practitioner (GP)
Emergency treatment in hospitals
Specialist consultations and hospital care
Mental health services
Maternity care

What the IHS Does Not Cover:

Even with the IHS, some services still require payment, such as:

Prescription medications (currently £9.90 per item in England)
Dental treatment (NHS dental charges vary depending on treatment)
Eye tests and glasses/contact lenses
Private healthcare or faster access to specialists

4. Private Health Insurance for International Students

While the IHS gives students access to the NHS, many still consider private health insurance for added protection and flexibility.

Why Consider Private Insurance?

Short-term students (<6 months): Since they are not covered by the IHS, private insurance is essential.
Faster access: The NHS is an excellent system, but waiting times for non-emergency treatment can be long. Private insurance allows quicker access to specialists.
Coverage beyond the NHS: Private insurance may cover dental, optical, and physiotherapy treatments, as well as repatriation (medical evacuation back to your home country if needed).
Peace of mind: Parents and sponsors often prefer international students to have comprehensive insurance that covers both emergency and routine care.

What Private Insurance Usually Covers:

In-patient and out-patient hospital treatment
Specialist consultations
Prescription medication
Dental and optical care (depending on the plan)
Mental health support
Emergency evacuation and repatriation
Travel insurance for trips outside the UK

What It May Not Cover:

Pre-existing medical conditions (unless declared and accepted)
Routine pregnancy care (though complications may be covered)
Cosmetic or elective treatments

5. Popular Health Insurance Providers for International Students

Several companies specialize in providing tailored health insurance plans for students studying in the UK. Some well-known providers include:

AXA PPP Healthcare
Bupa Global
Allianz Care
Cigna Global
Aviva
Endsleigh (student-focused insurance)

Universities sometimes have partnerships with providers, offering discounted plans for their international students. It’s worth checking with your university before purchasing separately.

6. Accessing Healthcare in the UK as an International Student

Once in the UK, here’s how you can access healthcare:

Registering with a GP

Register at a local GP surgery near your university or accommodation.
You’ll need proof of identity, proof of address, and your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or visa.
Once registered, you can book appointments for non-emergency health issues.

Emergency Care

Dial 999 for life-threatening emergencies.
Visit Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments at hospitals for urgent problems.
Emergency treatment is free for everyone, but follow-up care is only free if you’ve paid the IHS.

Pharmacies and Prescriptions

Prescriptions are available from NHS doctors but usually carry a charge per item.
Some medications, like contraception, are free on the NHS.

7. Special Considerations for Different Student Groups

EU/EEA/Swiss Students

Post-Brexit, most must pay the IHS.
Some countries may have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK—check before arrival.

Short-Term Students (less than 6 months)

Not covered by the NHS unless in an emergency.
Must buy private health insurance to avoid high medical bills.

Students with Dependents

Dependents must also pay the IHS if accompanying you on a student visa.
Private family insurance policies are available for added coverage.

8. Common Myths About Health Insurance in the UK

Myth 1: The NHS is completely free for everyone
→ False. The NHS is free only for UK residents and those who have paid the IHS. Others must pay or use insurance.

Myth 2: If I have private insurance, I don’t need the IHS
→ False. The IHS is mandatory for student visas over six months, even if you already have private insurance.

Myth 3: Travel insurance is enough for studying in the UK
→ False. Travel insurance usually covers emergencies only and is not designed for long-term healthcare needs.

9. How to Choose the Right Health Insurance

When deciding on health insurance, consider the following:

Length of stay: If over six months, the IHS is required. You can add private insurance for extra benefits.
Budget: Private insurance can cost anywhere from £200 to £1,000+ per year depending on coverage.
Health needs: If you have ongoing medical conditions, check whether they are covered.
University requirements: Some universities require proof of comprehensive insurance.
Travel plans: If you plan to travel across Europe during studies, a policy covering multiple countries may be best.

10. Practical Tips for Students

Keep documents safe: Always keep your NHS number, GP registration details, and insurance policy handy.
Understand your coverage: Read policy terms carefully before purchasing.
Emergency funds: Even with insurance, some costs (like prescriptions or dental fees) must be paid upfront.
Mental health support: Many universities offer free counselling services; check what’s available before paying privately.
Stay healthy: Insurance is important, but prevention is better than cure. Regular exercise, balanced diet, and stress management will make your study experience smoother.

11. Conclusion

For international students, navigating healthcare in the UK can feel overwhelming, but once you understand the system, it becomes straightforward.

If you’re staying for more than six months, paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) ensures full access to the NHS.
If you’re in the UK for a shorter stay, you must arrange private health insurance to cover medical costs.
Even with NHS access, many students choose additional private insurance for faster treatment, dental/optical care, or global coverage.

Ultimately, the right approach depends on your length of stay, personal health needs, and financial situation. Investing time in understanding your insurance options before arrival will give you peace of mind and let you focus on what truly matters—making the most of your student life in the UK.