Health Insurance for International Students in UK: Cost, Top Providers

For any international student, studying in the UK can always be exciting, with new opportunities, places, and friends. But it is important to look after one of the most crucial necessities in this journey, which is your health. So, here in this article, we will dive into medical insurance for international students in UK.

International students coming to study in the UK are normally covered by the National Health Service (NHS), which can be availed by paying for an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the UK student visa application. We understand that it might be confusing for you to navigate student health insurance in the UK, and the universities in the UK also take the health insurance of their international students seriously. Hence, we have decoded this section of your UK visa journey so that your health stays protected while you enjoy your UK academic journey. 

Check: Student Guide to Study in the UK in 2025

What is the Significance of Medical Insurance for International Students in the UK?

To secure wellness and happiness, medical insurance is mandatory for international students in the UK. It will give access to a variety of medical treatments and devices, keeping your health insured. The student health insurance, UK, will make your studies stress-free, as it will shield your physical and mental health.

Let us look into the benefits of health insurance for UK student visas:

• It will allow you to benefit from top-notch medical services, hospitals, and emergency rooms in the UK. You will not have to worry about the medical expenses, allowing more focus on your studies.
• Having medical insurance for international students in UK is an important requirement for the UK visa application. 
• The health insurance for UK student visa is beneficial as it will add protective coverage to your health from any medical costs while you are outside your home country.

Also Read: UK student Visa Fees in 2025

What is the NHS, and Why is it Important for International Students?

The healthcare service or system developed in the UK, funded by the public, is called the National Health Service (NHS). It will provide medical services such as hospital care, access to doctors, medications, mental health care, and more. Being an international student, you will gain access to free healthcare from the NHS if you are studying in the UK for over six months. You need to pay your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during your visa application, which will open access to NHS services.

Now, first, let us check the eligibility for availing the NHS services below:

• You must study in the UK on a student visa for a period of six months or more.
• You must pay the UK health insurance fee for international students, which is the IHS fee, to be paid during your visa application.
• You need to prove your immigration status as and when you access the NHS services, which can be done online.

We also need to understand the importance of the NHS for international students. Here are a few points:

• You will be able to purchase medications at an affordable rate.
• You will get emergency services such as accident and emergency services, General Practitioner consultations, and hospital treatments.

Also, Read: Documents Required for UK Student Visa in 2025-26

How can International Students access the NHS services?

Here, we have mentioned how you can access NHS services:

• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is the fee paid during your UK visa application. IHS for the UK costs £776 annually, and will give free NHS services with a few exceptions.
• You need to register with a General Practitioner (GP) near your accommodation or your university. Also, many universities have their healthcare centres, so please check for that. You will have to prove your eligibility by showing your visa documents, proof of residency, and immigration documents.
• If you need to make an appointment, you can call your assigned GP or health clinic. And, if you face any emergency, please call 999 or visit your nearest accident or emergency department
• Please note that services such as dental care, eye care, and prescriptions are not free under the NHS. The cost will depend on your registered location.
• COVID-19 tests, treatment, and vaccinations are free under NHS services. This is not dependent on the person’s immigration status or IHS payment.
• The NHS provides mental health services to international students, such as counselling, therapy, stress management, homesickness, and others. Also, you can access their 24/7 helpline in case of any emergency.

What is the Cost of Health Insurance for UK Student Visa?

Being an international student, if you are going to study a course that lasts more than 6 months, you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year, as discussed above. It is the student insurance fee in the UK. It is compulsory to pay this fee. Also, if you have any dependents living with you in the UK, then a different IHS fee needs to be paid for them.

This is the cost of medical insurance for international students in UK, which will offer NHS services. Please note that this fee is for students studying courses above six months. And, for students opting for less than six months is £388.

Other Healthcare Providers in the UK

Now, we have to know a lot about the NHS, its fees, and benefits. But if you wish to go for private healthcare providers, then you can check the ones mentioned below. Be careful while choosing one, and make sure you select a trustworthy and reputable organisation for your health insurance.

The medical insurance for international students in UK is as important as succeeding in your studies in the UK. Please look into it very seriously, and sign up for the NHS services as they will provide the best and most affordable healthcare. It will cover your health, relieving you of the worries of unaccounted medical bills. Pay the UK health insurance fee for international students, and sign up with your nearest GP or health clinic in the UK. You must prioritise your health as much as your studies.

In case you are also looking to study in the USA, check out the best health insurance for international students in USA, or the cheapest health insurance for international students in the USA.

You can check for more details about health insurance on the UK government's healthcare and immigration page. 

Student Health Insurance UK FAQs