International Student Health Insurance - Students Medical Insurance

Student Health and Medical Insurance UK

Students who studying in the UK for more than six months, are entitled to free medical treatment under the National Health Service (NHS). This starts from the day the student registers with their university, college or school. However, it is strongly advised that any student should also take out their own student health insurance.

Healthcare Available to International Students in the UK

Overseas students, intending to stay in the UK for more than six months, are regarded as UK residents and may register for NHS care as explained below.

Overseas students who intend to stay in the UK for less than six months may apply for NHS care, but it is not available everywhere. Please check with the surgery or medical centre you choose to register with.

If you do not, or are not able to register for NHS care, you are advised to take out student health insurance to cover the cost of private medical care, which is available at some UK doctors surgeries, (check the details of your medical insurance policy to ensure that it is valid in the UK). You will normally be expected to pay for your medical treatment and then reclaim the money from your health insurance company.

What will I have to pay for?

In the UK, there is a charge for prescribed medicines, dental and ophthalmic care for all students over the age of 19. You can apply for help with these charges by completing an HC1 form available from your halls of residence or Student Services.

Emergency medical treatment is available free of charge to everyone.

Medical Health Insurance for UK Students Studying Abroad

Any UK student studying abroad must be covered by a student medical insurance policy. The student medical insurance must cover the insured for in-patient and out-patient treatment, medical prescriptions, GP treatment and any serious illness, ill-health or hospital stays. The health insurance cover should also be no less than £5,000,000 (five million GBP). Student medical insurance should also cover you for medical evacuation and repatriation.

The term 'Evacuation' means should you become seriously ill or disabled, you are insured for the costs of returning home.

The term 'Repatriation' means insurance against the costs incurred in returning your remains should you die while abroad (most but not all University international student policies cover this).

USA educational institutions will have a policy available which you can join. Some institutions require that you join their medical health insurance scheme. You will be given information on this by the institution you are studying in. Please be sure to check before buying alternative student health insurance.  It is compulsory in Canada and Australia to purchase the host institutions student health insurance policy.

If you are on a USA / Canada / Australasia degree scheme, your LEA (Local Education Authority) will reimburse part of your medical insurance costs.