Health Cover for Students in the UK
Students from India and Pakistan pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) with their visa. It is a health fee, so you can use the NHS, the UK's public health service, from the day your visa starts. You still pay for some things. Money on this page is in British pounds (£, GBP).
Student Insurance Plan • United Kingdom
What You Need to Know
In the UK, students use the NHS. You pay for it in advance through the IHS.
Why You Need Health Insurance
- The IHS is part of your visa application
- It gives you NHS care
Legal Requirements
- Students applying for a visa of more than 6 months from outside the UK pay the IHS
- You pay by debit or credit card
Insurance Approaches for Different Students
The IHS
Your main cover, paid with your visa.
Your GP surgery
Your first stop for health care. Register after you arrive.
If you have not paid the IHS in full, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the UK visa office, emails you. From outside the UK you have 7 working days (Monday to Friday) to pay, or your visa application is refused.
How Health Cover Works
The IHS is your main health cover. You pay it even if you also buy private medical insurance.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Paid with your visa: £776 for each year for students. It gives you NHS care from the day your visa starts.
Getting Health Care
Where to go for each kind of problem.
Healthcare System Basics
- The NHS is the UK's public health service
- In England, everyone can register with a GP surgery for free
Step-by-Step Care Guides
You feel unwell
- 1Register with a GP surgery near your home
- 2Book an appointment with your GP
Your GP is closed
- 1Use 111 online or call 111
- 2You may be told to go to a chemist shop, a walk-in clinic or a night doctor
Emergency
- 1Call 999
- 2Or go to the hospital emergency department (A&E)
What You Still Pay For
NHS charges in England.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Prescriptions
Each medicine is charged.
£9.90 per item in England. A prescription with 3 medicines costs 3 charges.
NHS dentist
The band depends on the treatment.
Band 1: £27.90. Band 2: £76.60. Band 3: £332.10. Band 1 is the lowest price group.
Money-Saving Tips
More Help
Health pages and emergency numbers.
Official Government Resources
Emergency Contacts
Emergency
999Police, fire or ambulance.
NHS 111
111Medical help when it is not an emergency.
Important: Save the local emergency numbers in your phone before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the IHS if I buy insurance?
No. Students pay it even if they have private medical insurance.
When can I use the NHS for free?
Once you have paid the IHS and your visa has started. You may need to pay for NHS care before the Home Office gives you your visa decision.
What do I still pay for?
Prescriptions (medicines from a doctor), dental treatment and eye tests. In England a prescription costs £9.90 per item.
Do I get the IHS back if my visa is refused?
Yes, in full, if your visa is refused or you withdraw before a decision. Not if your visa is granted and you do not come to the UK.
How do I see a doctor?
Register with a GP (family doctor) surgery near your home. In England it is free and most surgeries let you register online.
Need help with your health cover?
We help you understand the IHS before you apply for your visa.
Talk to UsComplete Guide to United Kingdom
Explore all aspects of studying in United Kingdom with our comprehensive guides
Pre-Departure - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in United Kingdom with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationQuestions About Health Cover in the UK?
We explain what the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) covers and what you still pay for.
Talk to Us