International students do not need private medical insurance when studying in the UK, unless they are studying for less than six months, and therefore do not have a student visa. If you need a visa to study in the UK, as part of your application you will pay an Immigration Health Surcharge to gain access to the NHS.
International students in the UK have to pay £776 per year for health insurance. This is called an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and you have to pay it along with the visa fee when you apply for a student visa.
DegreeWisdom Changed status to publish July 24, 2025
