If you’re planning to study in the UK, health insurance is an important part of your visa application. The UK’s healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS), is one of the world’s best. In order to access NHS services during your stay, you must pay a fee called the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
This insurance provides financial protection against high medical costs, offering you peace of mind as you pursue your studies.
The NHS (National Health Service) is the UK’s public healthcare system, offering free or low-cost treatment to residents and eligible international students. Once you have paid the IHS fee, you can use most NHS services like UK citizens do. These services include:
- Doctor (GP) appointments
- Hospital treatments
- Emergency care
- Mental health services
- Maternity and sexual health services
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is a mandatory fee that must be paid when applying for a UK student visa. It gives you access to NHS services during your stay.
Even if you have private health insurance, you are still required to pay the IHS to apply for a student visa.
How Much is UK Health Insurance for Students in 2025?
As of 2025, the IHS fee for students and their dependents is £776 per year (e.g., £1,552 for a two-year visa).
- £776 per year (e.g., £1,552 for a two-year visa).
- £388 for visas under six months (only if applying from inside the UK).
- Free for visas under six months if applying from outside the UK.
- Dependents aged 18 or older pay the same fee as the student.
- If your visa is for more than 18 months, you will pay for two full years.
If you forget to pay or underpay, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will email you within 7–10 working days to complete the payment; otherwise, your visa will be rejected.
Who Doesn’t Have to Pay the IHS?
You may not need to pay the surcharge if you are:
- A health and care worker
- Applying under the EU Settlement Scheme
- A diplomat or armed forces member (or their dependents)
- An asylum seeker
- Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Covered under other exceptions (check the UK Gov website for the full list)
What is Covered Under NHS for Students?
Once your visa is approved and you’ve paid the IHS, you can access:
- GP (doctor) consultations
- Accident & Emergency (A&E) services
- Hospital stays
- Mental health support
- Maternity care
- Sexual health and contraception
What the NHS Does Not Cover
Some services are not included, even after paying IHS:
- Prescriptions (around £9.65 per item)
- Dental care (unless emergency)
- Eye care (glasses, tests, lenses)
- Cosmetic or elective surgery
- Private hospital treatments
Do You Need Private Health Insurance?
Although the NHS covers most essential care, you may want to consider private health insurance if:
- You want faster treatment at private hospitals.
- You need dental, eye, or mental healthcare
- You want travel insurance or repatriation coverage.
Some top private providers include: Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and Vitality.
Some universities offer basic medical coverage plans. Compare those with private options to choose the one that best fits your needs.
How to Register with a GP in the UK
To use NHS services, you must register with a GP (General Practitioner) after arriving.
Here’s how:
- Find a nearby GP on the NHS website.
- Fill out the GMS1 form (online or at the clinic).
- Provide your passport, BRP, and proof of address.
- Wait for your NHS number by mail or email.
You can also find your NHS number on:
- Prescription slips
- NHS login
- GP clinic records
You don’t need an NHS number to receive emergency NHS services, but it helps speed up access.
What About Family Members or Dependents?
If you plan to bring your spouse or children, each dependent must:
- Pay the same IHS fee (£776/year)
- Register separately with a GP
- Be on valid visas as your dependents
Can You Get a Refund on the IHS Fee?
You may get a full refund if:
- Your visa is refused
- You withdraw your visa before approval
- You paid twice for the same visa
You may get a partial refund if:
- Your visa is shorter than requested
- A dependent is refused
- You overlap payments when switching visas
No refund if:
- Your visa is approved, but you don’t come
- You leave the UK early
- You are told to leave the UK
- You switch to a visa that doesn’t require IHS
Refunds are processed automatically within 28 days to the card used for payment.
Step-by-Step: From IHS Payment to NHS Access
- Pay the IHS during your visa application
- Enter the UK once your visa is approved
- Register with a GP
- Receive your NHS number
- Start using NHS services confidently!
FAQs
The NHS (National Health Service) is the UK’s public healthcare system. It’s mostly free once you've paid the IHS.
The IHS is £776/year for students. Private insurance (optional) ranges between £1,200–£2,500/year.
Yes, you can still access NHS services until your visa expires—even with part-time work.
No claim needed for NHS services. For private insurance, submit your claim to your provider with bills and reports.
Yes, but each dependent must pay separately and register for a GP.
Not required, but it helps with dental, vision, mental health, and faster treatment.
The fee is paid online during your visa application. If applying by post, you pay before submitting.
Your visa will be delayed or rejected. If you don’t pay within the given time (7–10 working days), your application is denied.
Having health insurance in the UK isn’t just a visa formality—it’s a smart step to protect your health and budget. The IHS gives you access to world-class care through the NHS. But knowing what’s included and what isn’t will help you plan better.
Need help?
STS Global Education offers full support for visa applications, health insurance advice, and GP registration guidance.
