Health Insurance

Health insurance is an essential issue for international students studying in the UK. Students who will study in the UK for a long time can benefit from the National Health Service (NHS) health services. However, to access these services, an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) must be paid during visa application.

Below, you can find detailed information about the scope of health insurance in the UK, the obligation of students to have insurance and the services provided.

Health insurance is a mandatory criterion for visa applications for international students who want to study in the UK. Students who come to the UK on a student visa for more than six months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee to access NHS services.

Reasons why it is mandatory:

1. Healthcare in the UK is expensive, and getting treatment without insurance can incur huge costs.
2. You can minimise your health costs by using NHS services.
3. The hospital provides free access to essential healthcare services, such as doctor's appointments and emergency services.
4. It is a requirement for visa applications. The visa application cannot be completed without insurance payment.

Who Has to Get Health Insurance?

1.  All international students coming to the UK on a student visa for more than 6 months.
2. Students studying undergraduate, graduate or doctoral in the UK.
3. Students participating in long-term academic programs.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Ücreti:

1. £776 per year for Student Visa holders

Health insurance is not mandatory for holders of a short-term student visa for less than 6 months, but it is recommended that they have private health insurance.

The NHS is a health service provided by the government in England that is available to all citizens and long-term students. International students who pay the IHS fee can enjoy the same healthcare services as British citizens.

Services Covered by the NHS:

1. General Practitioner (GP) Services: You can get free healthcare from NHS-affiliated doctors for your illnesses.
2. Emergency Services (A&E - Accident & Emergency): In case of emergency, you can get free treatment in hospitals.
3. Hospital Treatments and Surgeries: You can benefit from the surgeries and treatment processes deemed necessary within the scope of the NHS.
4. Radiology and Laboratory Tests: Basic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and blood tests are offered free of charge.
5. Pregnancy and Maternity Services: The NHS covers pregnancy follow-up and childbirth services.
6. Mental Health and Counseling Services: Psychological support and counselling services are provided for students.

Services Not Covered by the NHS:

1. Dental Treatments: Getting dental treatment through the NHS is possible, but specific fees must be paid.
2. Eye Examination and Glasses/Lens Costs: The NHS does not cover optical services.
3. Prescription Drugs: The NHS charges fees for prescribed medicines. (About £9.65 per prescription)

Plastic Surgeries and Alternative Medicine Services: The NHS does not cover cosmetic operations and private health services.

While NHS services can be used, some students may choose to take out private health insurance. Private health insurance can be advantageous because it covers some services that the NHS does not.

Advantages of Private Health Insurance:

1. Avoiding long waiting times in NHS hospitals.
2. Possibility to get faster treatment in private hospitals and clinics.
3. It can cover services not covered by the NHS, such as dental treatment and eye exams.
4. It may include comprehensive check-ups and health screenings.

Things to Consider When Taking Out Private Health Insurance:

1. Review what health services the policy covers.
2. Check to see if services such as emergencies and outpatient care are covered by insurance.
3. Research the annual cost of the policy and the terms of payment.

Private Health Insurance Fees:

1. Basic Plans: £30 - £70 per month
2. Wide Range Plans: £100 - £200 per month

Some of the leading insurance companies are:

1. BUPA UK
2. AXA Health
3. Aviva
4. Cigna Global

After arriving in the UK, you must follow the steps below to benefit from health services:

1. Register with the NHS (GP Registration)
   Once you arrive in the UK, you must register at a General Practitioner clinic closest to your home. GP registration allows you to utilise NHS services fully.
2. Check Your Health Insurance If you have made your IHS payment and visa, you can use NHS services. However, if you are a short-term student, you should decide whether to take out private health insurance.
3. Register Health Numbers for EmergenciesImportant phone numbers to reach healthcare in the UK:

1. 999 → For emergencies (ambulance, fire brigade, police)
2. 111 → NHS health advice line (to get quick help with illnesses)

GP Clinics and NHS Hospitals → You can find the nearest healthcare facilities on the NHS website.

1. Is healthcare free in the UK?

Under the NHS, emergencies, doctor's appointments and some hospital treatments are free, but you may have to pay for prescription medications, dental treatment and eye exams.

2. Is it mandatory to have health insurance?

Yes, the IHS fee must be paid for students who will study for more than six months to be included in NHS coverage.

3. Can students on short-term study programmes benefit from the NHS?

No, students who will study for less than 6 months cannot benefit from NHS services. It is recommended that they take out private health insurance.

4. How can I use NHS services?

Once you arrive in the UK, you can register with a General Practitioner (GP) clinic to start receiving healthcare.

5. Which health services covered by the NHS are paid?

1. Prescription drugs
2. Dental treatments
3. Cost of eye exams and glasses/lenses