UK Student Health & Travel Insurance Guide: What You Need to Know

Health coverage in the UK is a mandatory part of your visa application process if you are going to study in the UK. International students as well as their dependents have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which would grant them access to the National Health Service (NHS). On the other hand, travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to safeguard you from emergency travel issues such as trip cancellations, lost baggage, or medical emergencies.

Here is a guide to UK student health insurance and travel insurance before you begin your academic journey in the UK.

Health Insurance

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is mandatory along with your visa application if you plan to study in the UK for six months or longer. UK student health insurance, IHS, is not included in the student visa application fee and is a separate charge. This payment has to be added into your budget, and before submitting your application, you must visit the official UK government website for the latest details regarding the IHS amount since it can change from time to time.

What does the Immigration Health Surcharge UK cover?

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) provides you with access to the UK’s public healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS). From the start date of your visa with an IHS, you need not pay any extra costs for accessing public healthcare in the UK, such as visiting a hospital or a family doctor. You must note that some services, such as prescriptions, dental care, or eye tests, may require you to make additional payment.

The annual IHS, health insurance for UK study abroad amount for international students in effect from January 2026 is £776 per year. In case any dependent is joining you in the UK, then the same annual amount is applicable for them as well. If your program is for more than a year, such as 18 months, the IHS amount for the additional months will be calculated on a proportional basis.

Immigration Health Surcharge UK Payment

The IHS amount is to be paid when you submit your student visa application online. You can pay the amount with a credit or debit card. You have to provide the following details:

• The program start and end dates
• Sponsorship certificate start and end dates (if applicable)
• Details about accompanying dependents

Once your payment is successful, you will get the IHS reference number, which is valid for the specific visa application, and if you reapply, you will require a new reference number.

When Will You Get an IHS Refund or Reimbursement?

Under the following circumstances, you may be eligible for a full refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) amount:

• Visa application gets rejected or refused.
• Upon the withdrawal of your visa application before you get a decision (note that the visa application fee is not refundable)

Under the following circumstances, you may be eligible for a partial refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) amount:

• Visa granted for a shorter duration than originally applied for
• If any dependent visa is refused

Note: Students from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein studying full-time in the UK without working for more than six months may qualify for full or partial reimbursement.

Private Health Insurance—Optional Add-On

While you or your dependents cannot buy private health insurance in place of IHS, you can choose to purchase private insurance as added protection. You must look into the different coverage options and choose the one that suits you the best.

The benefits of private UK student visa health insurance include:

• Coverage for private hospital treatments
• Coverage of costs related to returning home for medical care
• Coverage for academic fees in case you are unable to complete the course due to illness

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not mandatory while entering the UK as a student; however, it is highly recommended and is a smart option you can make. It will safeguard you and your personal belongings when travelling from your home country to the UK.

According to the type of travel insurance plan, different things are covered. Buy the insurance that is most suitable for you. 

UK student travel insurance can usually cover:

• Trip cancellations or delays
• Emergency medical care
• Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage
• Personal liability while travelling
• Other unexpected travel disruptions

When to Buy the Travel Insurance?

You must buy the travel insurance while you are in your home country and before departure. Annual multi-trip insurance plan is much cheaper if you plan to travel to your home country during breaks than buying insurance each time you travel. At times certain travel cards might offer travel insurance, hence check before you purchase a separate insurance.

ImmiLaw Global, the best study abroad lawyers and consultants in Kerala, can help you with your health and travel insurance in the UK. With us you can pursue your international education stress-free.