Healthcare in the UK for International Students

If you’re an international student heading to the UK (or thinking about it), one of the top questions you might have is: how does the NHS work for non-UK residents? Let’s learn more about the NHS.

What is the NHS?

NHS stands for National Health Service, and it is the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. Founded in 1948, its aim is to provide healthcare free at the point of use (for those eligible) and to be accessible to all UK residents. For international students who have met certain requirements, you can use much of the NHS just like UK residents do.

The NHS is mainly financed through taxation and also via the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for visa holders. Because of the public funding model, most standard medical services under NHS, such as seeing a GP, hospital treatment, and emergency care, are available without direct charges (for those eligible) once you’re signed up.

In short: the NHS is the backbone of healthcare in the UK. As an international student, you can access many of its services, provided you follow the correct steps.

Step 1: Health Surcharge (Immigration Health Surcharge, IHS)

Before you even set foot in the UK, one of the first healthcare-related things you’ll need to deal with is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

What is IHS and who pays it?

• The IHS is a mandatory fee that many visa applicants (including international students) must pay as part of the student visa application process.
• Paying the IHS entitles you to use NHS services on much the same basis as UK residents (for the duration of your visa), including hospital treatment, GP care, etc.
• As of recent changes (effective since 6 February 2024), the surcharge for a student visa is £776 per year.
• If your visa includes part of a year (less than or greater than 6 months), the calculation is adjusted.
• Note: Even if you obtain private medical insurance, you still need to pay the IHS.
• If your visa application is refused, you can receive a refund of the IHS.

Once your visa starts (i.e. you’ve landed and your visa is valid), you can begin using the NHS services included.

Quick tip: When budgeting for your UK journey, don’t forget to include the IHS cost. It’s unavoidable if you need a visa longer than 6 months.

Step 2: Arriving & First Steps

Once you arrive in the UK, your top health-related tasks (after settling in) should include:

1. Get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if applicable) and keep it safe. This often acts as proof of your immigration status.
2. Gather documents needed for GP registration (more on that below): passport, visa/BRP, proof of address, and student ID or confirmation letter from your university.
3. Find a GP surgery near your term-time address (or campus). The university may give a list of local GPs.
4. Register with a GP as soon as possible, ideally within the first few weeks.

Doing this early is important because many healthcare services (especially non-emergency ones) require a GP referral, or you may face delays if you wait.

Step 3: How to Register with a GP (General Practitioner)

Your GP (General Practitioner) is your first point of contact for most non-emergency health issues like colds, infections, mental health, chronic conditions, etc. Here’s how to register:

Documents & Eligibility

• You generally need: a passport, a visa/BRP, proof of address (tenancy agreement, university letter, utility bill), and a student enrolment or acceptance letter.
• Note: GP registration is not dependent on immigration status. Even if your immigration status is unclear, you can still register with a GP for primary medical services.

Find & Choose a GP Surgery

• Use the “Find a GP” service on the NHS website or NHS app.
• Check whether they are accepting new patients. Some GP practices close their list when they’re full.
• Prefer a GP near your accommodation or campus for convenience.

Registration Process

1. Fill out the GMS1 form (patient registration form). Many surgeries have an online version; others will ask you to drop in.
2. Submit your supporting documents with the form.
3. Wait for confirmation. You will typically be assigned an NHS number (if you don’t already have one).
4. Once registered, you can book appointments, get prescriptions, and ask for referrals.

Note: You cannot normally be registered with two GP practices at once. Choose the one most convenient for your location.

Step 4: Accessing NHS Services as a Student

Once you’re all set (IHS paid, visa active, GP registered), here’s a breakdown of how to actually use the NHS system when you need medical care.

GP consultations and referrals

• For non-urgent problems (flu, persistent cough, mental health issues, minor injuries) you first see your GP.
• If your GP thinks you need specialist care (e.g. scans, a consultant and hospital), they will issue a referral.

Prescriptions & pharmacies

• Your GP can prescribe medicines, which you collect from a pharmacy (chemist).
• In England, there’s a fixed prescription charge per item (unless you’re exempt). (Note: this is separate from the free consultations)
• If you need many prescriptions, there’s something called a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) which can reduce cost.

Emergency care / A&E

• In emergencies (chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness), call 999 or go to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of a hospital.
• Emergency care is free at the point of use (for those with entitlement).
• For non-life-threatening issues but requiring prompt attention (sprains, cuts, minor fractures), use urgent treatment centres or walk-in clinics. No GP referral is usually needed.

NHS 111 (non-emergency helpline)

• If you’re unsure whether you need to see a GP or go to A&E, NHS 111 is a non-emergency telephone and online service that gives advice.

Specialist services, hospital treatment

• With a GP referral, you might be referred to hospital services, diagnostics (X-rays, scans), or consultants.
• These services are typically covered under the NHS for those who have paid the IHS.

Dental and optical (eyes) care

• NHS covers some dental services, but many treatments and routine work often come with a charge.
• Eye tests and glasses are usually not fully covered (or only partially) under NHS. Many people use private opticians.
• Regions and local policies may differ, so you should check locally what level of NHS dental/optical services are offered.

Tips & Pitfalls

• Register early, as many GP practices have closed lists.
• Keep proof of address updated if you move (many students move during term breaks).
• Carry your NHS number or confirmation when visiting healthcare services.
• Don’t skip paying IHS; without it, many NHS services will either cost you or be inaccessible.
• Be aware of what’s not included (dental, optometry, and some elective surgeries).
• Use NHS resources such as 111, NHS website, NHS app for managing appointments, prescriptions, and health records.

You’ll find that many fellow students, university support offices, and NHS staff are used to helping international students. Don’t hesitate to ask your university’s international office or student health service for help; they usually have local GP lists and guidance.