5 min read
If you're a student in the UK, you're probably covered by the NHS for most of your healthcare needs. But depending on your circumstances, there might be some real benefits to having extra cover from a private health insurance policy.
Here's a guide to how it all works, what’s included with the NHS, and when student health insurance might be worth considering.
Are students covered by the NHS?
Yes, if you're a UK resident or an international student studying in the UK for more than six months, you're entitled to NHS care. That means you can see a GP, access hospital services, and get emergency treatment just like anyone else.
If you’re an international student, you’ll usually need to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS) when you apply for your visa. Once that’s done, you’ll have the same access to free NHS services as a UK resident for the length of your course.
That includes:
A&E (accident and emergency) services.
NHS hospital treatment.
GP services.
Sexual health, family planning and contraceptive services.
Diagnosis and treatment of certain infectious diseases.
Some palliative care services.
Psychiatric treatment or treatment that has been ordered by a court.
What does private health insurance offer students?
Although private health insurance isn't essential for students, it can offer some tangible benefits. It might be especially beneficial if you're looking for faster treatment or more choice over when and where you're seen.
With a student health insurance plan, you might get:
Shorter waiting times for things like scans, consultant appointments and surgery.
Access to private hospitals or private wings in NHS hospitals.
Virtual GP services - sometimes available 24/7.
Faster mental health support including counselling and therapy.
Cover for physiotherapy or sports-related injuries.
Some insurers also let you add optional extras like dental care, cancer care or extended mental health support. These can increase the cost of health insurance, so it’s worth thinking about carefully before adding them on.
What about foreign students studying in the UK?
As mentioned earlier, if you’re coming to the UK from overseas to study, you’ll usually need to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This gives you access to NHS services for the duration of your course, including GP appointments, emergency treatment and hospital care.
However, some international students choose to take out additional private health insurance to supplement NHS care. While you won’t need private insurance to access basic care, having it can provide peace of mind and quicker treatment while you’re studying far from home.
Remember, you can’t use private health insurance instead of paying the immigration health surcharge; that fee is mandatory and part of the visa process. However, having private medical insurance on top is entirely your choice. It might give you extra peace of mind during your time in the UK.
Already have medical insurance in your home country? It’s worth checking to see if it can be extended to cover you while you’re here.
What about UK students studying abroad?
If you're planning to study overseas – whether for a term, a full year or your entire course – it's worth thinking about how you'll access healthcare while you’re away. International health insurance is designed specifically for longer stays abroad and offers much broader cover than standard travel insurance.
Here’s why international health insurance could be a smart choice:
Covers more than just emergencies: Travel insurance is great for flight delays and lost luggage, but it often only covers emergency treatment. International health insurance can also include things like GP visits, prescriptions, scans and even dental care (though not routine check ups).
Designed for longer stays: Whether you're abroad for a few months or a few years, these policies are built with longer-term study in mind – not just short holidays.
Private healthcare access: Many plans give you direct access to private clinics and hospitals around the world, often with fast-track appointments and support in English.
Support with serious illnesses like cancer: If you’re ever faced with something as serious as cancer while abroad, you’ll want to know you can get quality care quickly. International health plans typically include cover for major treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy – helping you get the right support when it matters most.
Help when local care isn’t enough: If the right treatment isn’t available where you are, some plans can arrange for you to be moved to a place that can provide it – and help get you safely back once you’re better.
24/7 support if things go wrong: From virtual GP appointments to help arranging treatment, top providers often offer round-the-clock support so you’re not left figuring things out alone.
Even if you're only going for a term or two, it's worth thinking about the level of health cover you want before you go.
Final tips for students considering private health cover
Check what’s included with your university. See if your university offers access to university-sponsored health plans, sometimes tailored for international students.
Compare plans: Check different providers to see what you’re getting for the price.
Think about your lifestyle: If you play a lot of sport or have a pre-existing condition, extra cover might be more useful.
Don’t forget mental health: Many health insurance plans now offer strong mental health support, which can be a real help during stressful times.
Private health insurance isn’t a must-have for students in the UK – but for some, it’s a smart extra layer of support. If you think it might suit your needs, explore your options and see what works for you.