How Can International Students Get Access To The UK’s Healthcare System?

Falling ill in a new country can be stressful but as an international student in the UK, you won’t have to worry about figuring out the Healthcare system on your The National Health Service (NHS) offers excellent medical care to residents, and international students are no exception. This guide equips you with all the information you need to access the NHS, from understanding the visa requirements to registering with a doctor and knowing what services are covered. So take a deep breath, and get ready to enjoy a world-class healthcare system while you study in the UK.

How Does the UK’s Healthcare System Work For International Students?

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) offers excellent healthcare to its residents, and international students are fortunate to be included. Here’s a breakdown of how the UK Healthcare System works for you.

• You’ll need a student visa if your course lasts longer than six months. This visa allows you to reside in the UK and access the NHS.
• As part of your student visa application, you’ll pay the IHS, a fee that contributes towards the NHS.  There’s a discount for students.
• Your GP (General Practitioner) is your first point of contact for most medical needs. Find a local GP surgery near your university and register.
• The NHS covers a wide range of services, including GP consultations, hospital treatment (including emergencies), and specialist referrals (if needed).
• Prescriptions for most medications are covered, though you may incur a small charge.
• Regular checkups and treatment for your teeth and eyes typically aren’t covered by the NHS.
• Consider registering with a private dentist and optician.
• If you desire faster access to treatment or a private room in a hospital, you can opt for private health insurance (optional).

Student Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge

Obtaining access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) as an international student is a two-step process. The first step involves securing your student visa, and the second involves paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Student Visa

If you’re planning to study in the UK for longer than six months, you’ll need a student visa. This visa allows you to reside in the UK for the duration of your studies and provides permission to work part-time in certain sectors. As part of the student visa application process, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The IHS is a mandatory fee that contributes towards the cost of using the NHS. It’s important to note that you only need to pay the IHS if your student visa is valid for longer than six months. The good news is that student visa holders benefit from a significant discount on the IHS compared to other visa categories.

Here’s a breakdown of the IHS cost structure for students:

Particular	Costs
Per year of study	£470
Part-year stays (over 6 months)	£235

You’ll pay the IHS online during your visa application process. Once the payment is confirmed, you’ll receive an IHS reference number, which you’ll need to include in your visa application.

Cost of UK’s Healthcare System for International Students

The cost of using the UK’s Healthcare System (NHS) for international students can be broken down into two parts.

Student Visa: There’s no direct cost associated with the student visa itself in terms of healthcare access. However, obtaining a student visa is a requirement for studying longer than six months, and it allows you to apply for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This mandatory fee contributes towards the NHS and is what grants you access to its services. Here’s the cost breakdown for students (as of May 24, 2024).

• Per year of study: £470
• Part-year stays (over 6 months): £235

Beyond the IHS, there are minimal costs associated with using the NHS for most services.

• Prescriptions: You may incur a small charge for some medications.
• Dental and Optical Care: Regular checkups and treatment for your teeth and eyes typically aren’t covered by the NHS and would require separate payment.
• Non-prescription Medications: These medications need to be purchased at a pharmacy.
• Private Healthcare: If you desire faster access to treatment or a private room in a hospital, you can opt for private health insurance, which would more additional costs.

How Do I Register for the UK’s Healthcare System?

Registering for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) as an international student is a straightforward process, but it involves two steps.

Step 1: Secure Your Student Visa and Pay the IHS

1. Student Visa:  If your studies last longer than six months, you’ll need a student visa. This visa allows you to reside in the UK and is a prerequisite for accessing the NHS.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): During your student visa application, you’ll pay the IHS, a fee that contributes towards the NHS.  There’s a discounted rate for students! The IHS online payment process will grant you an IHS reference number – hold onto this, you’ll need it later.

Step 2: Register with a Local GP Surgery

Once you have your visa and IHS reference number, you can register with a local General Practitioner (GP) surgery. Here’s how.

1. Find a GP: Your university’s student support services can often recommend GP practices close to campus. You can also search for surgeries online using the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/.
2. Contact the Surgery:  Most GP surgeries allow online registration, but you can also call or visit them in person.
3. Registration Process: During registration, you’ll likely need to provide:
   1. Proof of your address (e.g., student accommodation contract)
   2. Your passport
   3. Your IHS reference number
4. NHS Number: Once registered, the surgery will send you an NHS medical card with your unique NHS number. This number is important for accessing NHS services.

Note: Having a record of your medical history can be helpful for your GP during your initial consultation.

FAQ’s