Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for International Students
What is NHS, and how it works?
The United Kingdom has a high-quality healthcare system called the National Health System (NHS). It provides excellent medical treatment and support to all legal residents, including international students studying in the UK. You can benefit from the NHS just like British citizens.
Each person has a unique NHS number used for identification and recordkeeping purposes. Booking a doctor’s appointment or accessing NHS services does not require an NHS number. However, it is important to register with a local General Practitioner (GP) clinic as soon as you arrive in the UK. This will be your primary healthcare provider for medical treatment and consultations.
Why is Health Insurance Required in UK?
It is important to have health insurance whenever you travel, including when studying abroad. Many visa applications, including those for the UK, require proof of health insurance. If you plan to study in the UK, you can either enroll in the National Health Service (NHS) or purchase private health insurance. Health insurance provides peace of mind by covering unexpected medical expenses while you are away from your home country and loved ones.
Benefits of Health Insurance in UK
Having health insurance offers several advantages, such as receiving top-notch medical treatment, feeling secure during emergencies, and avoiding costly medical expenses. It is essential for maintaining good health and well-being while residing in the UK.
Types of Health Insurance in UK
As a student in the UK, you can access healthcare services through the National Health Service (NHS) automatically. Private medical insurance is not necessary unless your course is less than six months long.
Having private healthcare insurance is optional and depends on whether you want coverage for additional health-related expenses not covered by the NHS. If you already have medical insurance in your home country, you might be able to extend it to cover your time in the UK. Ultimately, the decision to obtain private insurance is personal and based on your individual needs.
Cost of Health Insurance in UK
If you plan to study in the UK for six months or more, you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) along with your visa application fees. This surcharge helps support the UK healthcare system and provides you with access to free healthcare during your stay. The amount of the surcharge varies for different international students. For example, if your study duration is six months or less, the fee is £235, while for longer durations, it is £470 per year. If you are applying for a dependent visa, your family member will also need to pay this surcharge.
Age of Students
If you are an international student studying in the UK, it is important for you and your accompanying family members to have health insurance coverage throughout your studies.
Length and Coverage
If you are studying in the UK for six months or longer, you can access free healthcare services through the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS offers various medical services, such as visits to general practitioners (GPs), hospital treatments, and emergency care.
For students on shorter courses or those who prefer not to use the NHS, private healthcare insurance is an option. You can obtain this insurance through your university, college, or a private insurance provider. It’s important to note that GP services like dental and optical treatments may require separate payment.
Ways to Apply for Health Insurance in UK
When applying for an international student visa, you will need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of the online application process.
Before completing your student visa application, you must pay the healthcare surcharge, which can be done online . The amount must be paid with a debit or credit card. To apply online, you need to provide:
- The dates of your course
- If you have a sponsorship certificate, the start and end dates as indicated on the certificate.
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