Health Insurance For International Students In The UK 2025: Complete Guide

Planning to study in the UK? One of the most critical (yet often overlooked) aspects of your preparation is securing the right health insurance.

As an international student, you will need access to medical care throughout your stay, whether it’s a routine check-up, emergency treatment, or mental health support. 

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about international student health insurance in the UK, from the NHS and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to private insurance options and university-provided plans.

Understanding your choices will help you stay protected, stress-free, and focused on your academic journey.

What is Health Insurance for International Students?

Overseas student health insurance is a type of medical coverage designed to protect students studying abroad from high healthcare costs during their stay. It ensures that students can access essential medical services without financial stress, whether it’s a GP visit, hospital treatment, or emergency care.

In the UK, most international students are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This gives them access to the National Health Service (NHS), the UK’s public healthcare system.

Who needs it?

• Tier 4 (Student) visa holders: Mandatory payment of the IHS for access to the NHS.
• Short-term students (less than 6 months): Not eligible for NHS via IHS; must get private insurance.
• Dependants: Spouses and children of Tier 4 visa holders also need to pay IHS or get private cover.
• EU/EEA students: Post-Brexit, NHS access depends on visa and IHS status; many now need to pay IHS or show proof of private insurance.

Also Read: What Should You Know About Health Insurance Before Travelling Abroad

The Role Of The NHS (National Health Service)

The UK’s public healthcare system, known as the National Health Service (NHS), is one of the most comprehensive and accessible in the world. Funded through taxation, the NHS provides essential medical services to all UK residents, including eligible international students.

Once registered, students can access a wide range of healthcare services such as GP (General Practitioner) visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, mental health support, sexual health services, and maternity care, often at no additional cost beyond the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

However, services such as dental care, optical treatment, and certain prescriptions may incur additional charges.

International students in the UK for over six months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during their visa application, which costs approximately £776 per year.

This provides them with access to NHS services, including GP visits, emergency care, and hospital treatment, at no additional cost. After arriving, students need to register with a local GP using their visa and proof of address. Once registered, they receive an NHS number, which is used for appointments and medical records.

Benefits of The NHS for International Students Health Cover

International students in the UK who pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) gain access to the National Health Service (NHS), one of the world’s most trusted public healthcare systems. Here’s how it benefits them:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Includes free GP consultations, hospital treatments, emergency services, mental health support, and preventive care like vaccinations and screenings.
• No Private Insurance Needed: Most long-term students don’t need additional health insurance unless enrolled in short-term courses (under 6 months).
• Low Out-of-Pocket Costs: Essential services are free at the point of use; only dental, optical, and prescriptions may incur small fees.
• Coverage for Dependents: Spouses and children who pay the IHS are also entitled to the same NHS benefits.
• No Exclusions for Pre-existing Conditions: NHS care is inclusive and doesn’t charge extra for existing health conditions.
• UK-Wide Access: Students can access NHS services nationwide, with minor regional variations.
• Easy Registration: A simple process of registering with a local GP gives students an NHS number and full access to services.
• Mental Health and Emergency Support: 24/7 emergency care and university-linked mental health services offer peace of mind while studying abroad.

Read More: Top 10 Benefits of Health Insurance for International Students

Why Apply for Additional Health Insurance?

As an international student in the UK, paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) grants you access to the National Health Service (NHS), which covers a wide range of essential healthcare services.

However, the NHS is primarily designed for core medical needs and may not offer complete coverage for every situation you may encounter during your stay. 

From longer wait times to limited dental, optical, and specialist care, relying solely on the NHS can leave gaps in your healthcare safety net.

That’s why students can choose to invest in additional private health insurance to ensure broader, faster, and more flexible medical support throughout their academic journey.

• Limitations of NHS Coverage: Services like routine dental check-ups, optical care (glasses/contact lenses), and private hospital treatment are either not fully covered or come with long wait times. Private insurance helps bridge this gap by offering broader coverage.
• Added Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have access to both public and private healthcare services gives you greater control and confidence in managing your well-being while studying abroad.
• Faster Access to Care: With private insurance, you can often skip long NHS queues and get quicker access to specialists, diagnostics, and elective procedures.
• Travel & Emergency Support: Many private policies include international coverage, which is especially useful for holidays or family visits. Features like emergency evacuation, repatriation, and overseas treatment provide a safety net beyond UK borders.

Types of Foreign Student Health Insurance Plans

When studying in the UK, international students can access healthcare through a combination of public and private options.

Depending on the length of your course, personal preferences, and budget, there are three main types of health insurance plans to consider:

1. Public Health Insurance: NHS via IHS

All international students enrolled in courses lasting over six months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This grants full access to the National Health Service (NHS), one of the most comprehensive public healthcare systems in the world.

• Covers: GP appointments, hospital treatment, emergency services, mental health support, and more
• Coverage Period: Begins from the start date of your visa

2. Private Health Insurance Providers

Private insurance is ideal for students on short courses (under 6 months) or those seeking extra coverage beyond the NHS.

Why Choose It:

• Faster access to specialists and diagnostics
• Private hospital care and virtual consultations
• Covers dental, optical, mental health, and travel emergencies

Top Providers: Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Cigna Global, Now Health International, Freedom, William Russell, IMG Global

Key Features:

• Customisable plans (UK-only or global)
• Includes emergency evacuation, repatriation, and telemedicine

3. University-Provided Health Plans

Many UK universities offer their own health insurance packages, specially tailored for international students.

Key Benefits:

• Integrated with on-campus or local healthcare services
• May include mental health and counselling support
• Often offered at discounted group rates or bundled with tuition fees
• Ideal for short-term students or as a supplementary plan alongside the NHS

Tip: Always check with your university’s international student office to explore available plans and how they complement your NHS access.

How to Apply for Student Health Insurance?

Securing the right health insurance is a key part of preparing for your studies in the UK. Whether you are covered by the NHS through the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), opting for private insurance, or enrolling in a university-provided plan, the application process is essential and straightforward.

NHS via Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Step 1: Apply for your UK student visa on the official gov.uk website
• Step 2: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during the visa application process
• Step 3: Receive confirmation of payment, which automatically grants you access to NHS services
• Step 4: Once in the UK, register with a local General Practitioner (GP) to start using NHS facilities.

Private Health Insurance

• Step 1: Research and shortlist providers (e.g., Bupa, AXA, Cigna, William Russell)
• Step 2: Compare plans based on coverage, cost, and duration
• Step 3: Apply online via the insurer’s website or through a licensed broker
• Step 4: Complete the payment and submit any required documents (passport, visa, etc.)
• Step 5: Receive your policy details and keep a copy for travel, university, or visa use

University- Provided Health Plans

• Step 1: Check with your university if it offers a student health insurance plan
• Step 2: Review the coverage and benefits included in the plan
• Step 3: Opt in during enrolment or via the university’s portal
• Step 4: Save your insurance confirmation for medical and visa-related needs

Cost of Health Insurance for International Students

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – Public Insurance

• Standard Fee: £776 per year (paid during visa application)
• Example: £776 for a 1-year course, approx. £2,716 for a 3-year degree
• Short Courses (<6 months): No charge or ~£388 if applying from within the UK
• Dependents: Pay the same amount individually
• What’s Included: Free access to NHS services like GP visits, hospital care, and emergencies (dental, optical, and some prescriptions may cost extra)

Private Health Insurance – Optional Add-On

• Why It’s Used: For faster access, added benefits, or short-term students not eligible for NHS
• Cost Range: £30 to £200 per month
• Basic Plans: £30–£90/month
• Comprehensive Plans: £100–£200+/month (includes dental, mental health, private hospital care)

Health insurance isn’t just a visa requirement; it’s a safety net that ensures you can confidently go through student life in the UK.

While the NHS offers extensive coverage through the IHS, private and university-provided insurance plans can offer added benefits, especially for short-term students or those seeking faster and more comprehensive care. 

By choosing the right health insurance plan and understanding your entitlements, you are setting yourself up for a secure and worry-free experience abroad.

Always review your options carefully, compare plans, and consult your university’s international office for guidance tailored to your needs.

FAQs

1. Which is the best health insurance for international students?

For most international students in the UK on long-term courses, the NHS via the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) offers the best value and comprehensive coverage. However, for short-term students or those wanting faster access and additional benefits like dental or international travel cover, private health insurance from providers like Bupa, AXA, or William Russell is a smart choice.

2. Is international student health cover mandatory for studying in the UK?

International Student Health Cover refers to medical insurance explicitly designed for students studying abroad, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services during their stay. In the UK, this typically involves the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access, and optional private insurance for added benefits like faster care, dental, optical, or global coverage.

3. What are the benefits of health insurance for international students?

International student insurance in the UK provides access to essential medical services like GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, and mental health support, helping students avoid high out-of-pocket healthcare costs. It also offers peace of mind, ensures compliance with visa requirements, and when paired with private insurance, can cover dental, optical, faster specialist access and even international travel emergencies.