Access the NHS by paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. Optional private insurance for faster access and extra coverage.
Best for: All international students — mandatory for visa
Paid upfront with visa application. Grants full NHS access including GP visits, hospital care, and emergency services.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting faster GP/specialist access and dental/optical coverage
Optional supplement to NHS. Covers private consultations, dental, physiotherapy.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting premium healthcare with no waiting times
Full private care, specialists, mental health support, faster diagnostics.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776/year | Mandatory for all international students. Paid once with visa application for full visa duration. |
| Private Insurance (Basic) | From £15/month | Optional coverage for dental, optical, faster GP access |
| Private Insurance (Comprehensive) | £40–£80/month | Premium private healthcare with no NHS waiting times |
| University Health Services | Free | Most UK universities offer free on-campus health centers and counseling |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
£776/year
Mandatory for all international students. Paid once with visa application for full visa duration.
Private Insurance (Basic)
From £15/month
Optional coverage for dental, optical, faster GP access
Private Insurance (Comprehensive)
£40–£80/month
Premium private healthcare with no NHS waiting times
University Health Services
Free
Most UK universities offer free on-campus health centers and counseling
Complete Tier 4 visa application online. You'll be prompted to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge during the process.
Pay £776/year upfront for the full duration of your visa. This grants you full NHS access.
Save your IHS reference number — you'll need it for your visa and when registering with a GP.
After arriving in the UK, register with a local General Practitioner (GP) near your university or accommodation.
If you want faster access to specialists, dental, or optical care, compare private insurance plans.
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is one of the world’s most comprehensive healthcare systems, and as an international student, you’ll have full access to it — thanks to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
When you apply for your Tier 4 Student visa, you’ll pay the IHS upfront for the entire duration of your visa. As of 2025, the IHS costs £776 per year. For example, if you’re studying a 3-year bachelor’s degree, you’ll pay £2,328 during your visa application.
Once paid, you’ll receive an IHS reference number, which you’ll use to register with a GP (General Practitioner) after arriving in the UK. From that point, you have the same NHS access as UK residents.
The NHS provides free-at-point-of-use healthcare, including:
However, dental and optical care have limited NHS coverage, and waiting times for specialist appointments can be long.
While the NHS is excellent, many students choose private insurance for:
Private insurance in the UK starts from just £15/month for basic coverage.
The NHS covers GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, maternity services, and most prescriptions (£9.90 per item in England). Dental and optical care have limited NHS coverage.
Yes, you can apply for a partial refund if your visa is shorter than originally planned or if you leave the UK permanently.
No, IHS grants full NHS access. Private insurance is optional and mainly useful for faster specialist appointments, dental, optical, and private consultations.
Register with a GP surgery near you. Book appointments online or by phone. For emergencies, call 999 or visit A&E (Accident & Emergency).
No, prescriptions cost £9.90 per item in England. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free.
Understand your NHS access and explore optional private insurance plans to enhance your coverage.
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