Guide on Medical Insurance For UK Student Visa

The UK is one of the leading destinations for international students to study abroad. Studying in the UK is highly beneficial to the students in the terms of their medical insurance for UK student visas.

The UK is known for its renowned academic excellence. Universities in the UK offer a wide range of courses. 

International students in the UK take a shorter time to complete than courses abroad, so students spend less on tuition than students who study elsewhere. International students in the UK also get the benefit of medical insurance for UK student visas. 

The UK is culturally diverse. Students studying here can spend their time exploring big cities, rural towns and villages, and both modern and historical architecture without worrying about getting sick and their expenses over it.

The UK probably has one of the most famous healthcare systems in the world, known as the National Healthcare System (NHS). It offers first-class, safe, and modern treatment and support. Few important points about NHS are mentioned below:

• It is very helpful for medical insurance for UK student visa
• Students need to access the NHS depending on their stay duration
• The National Health System (NHS) seemingly offers healthcare coverage to all legal residents, regardless of nationality, visa status, or tax or insurance contributions 
• International students in the UK stand equally beneficial from the NHS as British citizens
• To register with the NHS, international students have to pay a surcharge at the same time when they apply for a UK student visa
• As an individual has access to the NHS in the UK, private medical insurance during the study period is not needed, unless studying a course that lasts less than six months
• Even if the student has access to the NHS, it is recommended to carry international private medical insurance to ensure that the students receive timely care when needed

Do International Students in the UK need Medical Insurance?

International students do not need private medical insurance for UK student visa when studying in the UK unless they are studying for less than six months. In that case, they do not have a student visa. Otherwise, they need medical insurance for UK student visa. 

If a student needs a visa to study in the UK, as part of their application they will have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge to gain access to the NHS. 

How Much Do International Students in the UK Have to Pay for Health Insurance?

Medical insurance for UK student visa for international students is known as Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). 

The students have to pay this fee along with the visa fee when they apply for medical insurance for UK student visa. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee an individual coming to live in the UK has to pay so they can access NHS benefits. The charge of IHS is mentioned below:

• More than six months- £470 (37,896 INR)
• Less than six months- £235 (18,948 INR)

Welfare

UK universities and colleges take student welfare seriously. If the student feels stressed or has any problems, the best thing to do is to share it. The facilities in the UK can provide general welfare support and often has officers who can help with disability, sexuality, or gender-related issues. You can talk to:

• Tutor
• Student welfare officer 
• International student officer
• Students’ union

Safety

The UK is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a trustworthy police force. The reasons why UK is one of the safest countries are mentioned below:

• They abide by strict laws on gun ownership
• Gun crime is very rare
• Most universities and colleges employ their private security services to patrol their campuses and to ensure the safety of the students 
• The respective institution usually provides the students with information on staying safe on campus
• During the welcome week, many universities run specific sessions for new students on being vigilant in all areas of their lives in the UK

What is the work of NHS for International Students in the UK?

Once the Immigration Health Surcharge is paid, the students will be registered to the NHS. After that, they can benefit from national-level healthcare during their studies. It is highly advised on medical insurance for UK student visa. Under the NHS, the students do not need to pay anything for the following:

• Consulting with the doctor or visiting a walk-in clinic
• Hospital treatment after an emergency (A&E)
• Treatment for minor-injury in a public clinic
• Consultation or treatment with a specialist
• Contraception

The NHS, in most cases, does not cover the cost of the following charges:

• Prescription medication
• Dental care
• Eye care, like sight tests, glasses, or contact lenses
• Wigs and fabric supports

How should International Students Register with a GP in the UK?

Most GPs in the UK have a website through which the students can register. If online registration is not possible, students could easily call or email them or visit the clinic in person.

The individuals need their student residence card, their IHS reference number, as well as a GMS1 registration form to register. They can find a local GP on the NHS website based on their town, city, or postcode.