How do I find the right health insurance plan as an international student?

Research various plans, compare coverage and costs, and ensure the chosen plan complies with your university's requirements.

What should I do in case of a medical emergency while studying in the UK?

Seek immediate medical help and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to understand the coverage for the emergency treatment.

2022-01-05 |

Application Process

Medical & Health Insurance Option for International Students

How much does medical insurance cost for international students?

By Grad-Dreams

Process and Requirements

Medical And Health Insurance For International Students In The UK

Q: What does health insurance for international students in the UK cover?

Typically, it covers medical emergencies, doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and sometimes mental health services.

Visiting the United Kingdom for your studies is an exciting time! Experiencing British culture, the beautiful places that adorn the English country, and the fantastic people from all over the world you get to meet! But in all this, there lurks the fear of a medical emergency. On foreign shores where hospital costs are high, it is always advisable for international students to have medical and health insurance, so that in case of an unfortunate medical emergency, they can get timely help. The United Kingdom is renowned for its healthcare system, better known as the National Healthcare Service (NHS), and most international students can avail of its benefits! Want to know how? Read on-

#Why Do I Need Medical Or Health Insurance?

When Abroad, hospital expenses are very costly and many times unaffordable, and medical emergencies are known to be untimely and unpredictable; hence when you are in a country abroad away from your family and acquaintances, you should get yourself medical and health insurance.

#Can I Get A Private Insurance?

Yes, you can get private insurance while you study in the UK, but it is advised to consult an education expert or your university before you do the same.

However, When you are an international student in The UK, you are not required to purchase private health or medical insurance as you can avail of the NHS. You are, however, free to enroll in additional private health insurance.

#What Is The National Health Service?

The National Health Service or the NHS is a publicly funded healthcare system of the United Kingdom that provides free healthcare to citizens of the European Union and other eligible members who reside in the United Kingdom. The NHS is funded out of the taxpayer's money. The NHS provides accessible and quality healthcare for all medical ailments, except dental and optical care.

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#Am I Eligible To Avail of The NHS?

The NHS provides free healthcare to all legal residents of the UK to avail themselves of healthcare just like British citizens. To be eligible for the NHS as an international student, you will have to possess a tier 4 student visa and be a student in the UK for more than six months.

What Services Are Provided Under The NHS?

Once you pay the Immigration health surcharge, you come under the NHS and can avail of its services like citizens of the UK. Under the NHS, you will be able to use no-cost services like-

-consulting a general practitioner who works under the NHS and visiting a walk-in clinic

-treatment for minor injuries

-hospital treatments in case of an emergency

-consultation or treatment from a specialist if recommended by your GP

-contraception and pregnancy care

you need to bear in mind that the NHS does not provide free

Optical services
dental care
prescription medication
travel vaccination

#How Can I Register Myself Under The NHS?

When you apply for a visa from the UK, you must pay an Immigration health surcharge of 470 £ with your visa application fees. This health surcharge goes towards registering you under the NHS. If, for any reason, your visa application gets rejected, you are refunded the health surcharge.

What Is GP, And How Do I Register?

General practitioner (GP) is the term used to address a doctor who works under the NHS. When you arrive in the UK, you should seek the nearest GP and register yourself. GPs will keep track of your medical history and records and refer you to a specialist if required; hence make sure if you have any health conditions, you keep your GP informed about it. For any health concern, you have first to visit your GP so he/she/they will assess you and refer you to a hospital if needed. Remember, the NHS will pay for your treatment under a specialist only if it is referred to you by your GP. Once registered under the NHS, you can visit a GP or a walk-in clinic free of charge. Registration for a GP is easy and usually online;

#Are My Prescriptions Free?

Generally, prescriptions are not free under the NHS, but if you are

-under 16 years of age or between the age of 16-18 and studying full time

-you are pregnant

-or have had a baby in the past twelve months with a maternity exemption certificate(MatEx)

- have a medical exemption certificate (MedEx)

You can avail of prescriptions for free.

#What About My Dental Care?

If you are insured under the NHS, then dental care is not included in your insurance; hence you might have to pay for it, but if you –

- Are Under 18 or 19 years of age and a full-time student

- Are you currently pregnant

- Or have had a baby in the previous twelve months

- Are staying in an NHS hospital and a doctor carries out the treatment for you

You are exempt from dental charges.

For students who wish to have private insurance, you need to check with your insurer if they cover the same.

#I Don't Come Under The NHS Requirements What Do I Do?

If you don't come under the requirements of the NHS, you can seek out a private insurer who can provide you with health and medical insurance. You should communicate with your university before making the decision, as universities sometimes offer their insurance.