UK Health Insurance for International Students

Health insurance has been designed to avoid heavy medical bills from private insurance. UK law makes it optional since most UK residents have free healthcare rights through UK health insurance services like the National Health Service (NHS).

International students studying in the UK are not mandated to get private health insurance. They can register with the NHS and pay a surcharge when applying for a UK student visa. 

When applying for an immigration application or a visa exceeding six months, paying for the UK health insurance surcharge is required during the application. However, for six months or less, it is not mandatory to pay.

What is the UK Immigration Healthcare Surcharge?

The immigration healthcare surcharge of the UK is a fee to access the National Health Service (NHS). Non-EEA nationals pay a surcharge during their visa or immigration application if they stay more than six months.

The IHS UK is provided if an accident occurs or someone falls sick while staying in the UK. All international students coming to the UK are required to pay for the healthcare surcharge.

How do you pay the immigration health surcharge?

Applicants can pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees UK online via their credit or debit card. If the applicant applies online, it can be paid as part of the visa or immigration application.

The only thing to remember is the start and end period of the certificate of sponsorship or course dates if they are a student. However, a refund will be made in full around six weeks after the visa’s rejection.

Cost of Health Insurance for International Students in the UK

When applying for study abroad in UK, international students have to pay the IHS fees for the UK, which cost around £470 per year for those under 18. Non-EEA students who wish to stay for six months or less must pay £235 to the National Health Services.

By paying for the UK health insurance cost, students gain access to the National Health Services at no additional charges, the way permanent UK residents are entitled to when faced with illness or accidents.

Benefits of Health Insurance for International Students in the UK

The UK health insurance for international students is beneficial as it provides students access to the NHS or private healthcare services in the UK, especially in emergencies. Having health insurance offers students prompt diagnosis and treatment and a shorter waiting period to get checked.

The UK health insurance for international students covers Doctor’s Surgery, also known as General Practitioner (GP). It covers additional medical costs like traveling home if someone is sick or lost fees if the course is incomplete.

NHS Number for International Students in UK

The NHS, a publicly funded government healthcare system, provides all-inclusive services regardless of patient's demographic characteristics. The government delivers healthcare services to individuals irrespective of their ability to pay. 

Your UK NHS number is given in hospital referrals, prescriptions, or documents after you apply for NHS number in UK. Though most health services are covered, the NHS partly covers essential checkups and fillings, but not all dental services are free.

What is GP and How to Register for a GP surgery in the UK?

A GP is a General Practitioner or primary doctor in the UK. To get your GP number UK, first register with a nearby General Practitioner surgery. As an international student, you must contact your nearest clinic or visit their website to download their registration form.

After filling it out, either submit it to them at the clinic or email it and await their response. International students must show documented proof from their institution about course commencement and relevant documents to get added to the list of NHS patients.