How Does The NHS Work? A Guide For International Students
If you’re an international student moving to the UK for your studies, you might be eligible to use the country’s National Health Services (NHS). However, the rules are different for international students than they are for permanent residents or UK citizens.
When planning a move to the UK to study, international students will need to consider many different things, including their healthcare. Investigating private healthcare or use of the public system should be one of the things students do before coming over to the UK.
As an international student coming to the UK, there’s a lot to think about. Luckily, at The Box Co., we’ve got your student storage during the holiday periods covered. With flexible, affordable student storage solutions from £3.56 per month, and convenient pick-up and drop-off services at no extra cost, we try to make your time in the UK as easy as possible.
Are International Students In The UK Eligible For The NHS?
International students in the UK might be eligible for the NHS if they are studying a course that lasts for more than six months. The use of the NHS is a part of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) that most students pay as a part of their student visa application.
However, if for any reason the IHS hasn’t been paid or students are going to be in the UK for less than 6 months, they won’t have access to the NHS and it is recommended that they get private health insurance.
When Are International Students In The UK Eligible For The NHS?
International students in the UK will be eligible to use NHS services if:
They are studying a course lasting 6 or more months.
They’ve paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application.
They’re studying a course that is substantially funded by the UK government (even if fewer than 6 months).
This eligibility entitles these international students to free healthcare in the same way as UK residents, like General Practitioner (GP) or hospital visits.
If an international student is in the UK with dependents (e.g. their spouse or children), their dependents will be eligible for the same NHS care as them.
Can You Access The NHS As An International Student If You Haven’t Paid The IHS?
If you haven’t paid the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge), you will not be able to access the NHS; however, you can still access emergency services. Any other NHS services used during your time in the UK will be charged.
Without access to the NHS, international students should think about purchasing private health insurance. If you’re planning your stay in the UK as an international student, it is advisable to consider different costs you’ll need to budget for, such as healthcare, accommodation and student storage between holidays.
Do International Students In The UK Have To Pay To Use The NHS?
If you’re an international student in the UK, you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in order to use the NHS. The IHS costs £776 annually for every year that you live in the UK. In the case that your visa lasts for just part of a year (6 months or less), you’ll pay £338 to cover that part of the year that you’ll be in the UK.
The IHS is paid as a part of the visa application to study in the UK and must be paid before coming to the UK if you are studying for more than 6 months - whether or not you choose to take out private health insurance.
What Health Services Can International Students Use With The IHS?
If an international student has paid the IHS and has full access to NHS services, they can benefit from:
GP services.
Treatment in NHS hospitals.
A&E (accident and emergency) services.
Sexual health, contraception and family planning services.
Diagnosis and treatment of some infectious diseases
Treatment following domestic violence or sexual violence.
Some palliative care services.
Psychiatric treatments or court-ordered treatments.
Government-subsidised prescriptions from local pharmacies if prescribed by an NHS doctor.
Dental treatments, eye care and certain prescriptions will usually incur additional costs.
How Can International Students In The UK Use The NHS?
To use the NHS, international students will need to register with a local GP surgery or medical centre as soon as they get to the UK.
They’ll be able to do this as long as they have paid the IHS and will need to show their immigration status or a letter from their university, their passport and visa documents. Some universities will have a specific medical centre that students can register with.
Once they’ve registered, they’ll receive an NHS number and be in the system. From then on, they’ll be able to book appointments with their GP and access other services like walk-in centres.
International students can also call 111 for urgent medical advice or 999 to call for an ambulance in the case of emergencies.
Moving To The UK As An International Student
If you’re an international student moving to the UK, there is a lot to think about. From making sure you stay safe and healthy to keeping your cost of living low and your life organised.
At The Box Co., we help students with their storage. Whether you’re looking for student storage over the holidays or flexible solutions between term times, our storage by-the-box solutions mean you only pay for what you store, as long as you store it. Get a quote today!
