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Healthcare for non UK students

The National Health Service (NHS) provides a wide range of health care. It is also possible to pay insurance for private health care if you choose to do so.

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application. Whether you need to pay depends on the immigration status you’re applying for. Visit GOV.UK for more information on the healthcare application: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application 

The Immigration Health Surcharge gives free of charge access to NHS care in the same way as a UK resident at a hospital, Healthcare Centre or Doctor’s surgery. You will need to pay for some things such as eye tests, dental treatment and prescriptions.

Further guidance on Health & Healthcare on the UKCISA Website: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Studying--living-in-the-UK/Health-and-healthcare 

You’ll have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your Student visa application.

The exact amount you pay depends on the length of the visa you’re given. The full amount will be paid upfront for the duration of your visa. https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay 

If you have questions about Student visas you can contact the University Visa & Immigration Student Advice Service (VISAS) https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/visa-and-immigration/contact-us/index.page 

From 1 January 2022, EU and Swiss full-time students studying in the UK can apply for a reimbursement of the immigration health surcharge (IHS).

You can find further guidance on the following page https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-health-surcharge-for-eu-students-in-the-uk 

If you course is less than six months, you should ensure you're covered for healthcare through personal medical insurance during your visit.

Some countries have a reciprocal agreement with the UK which may entitle you to some free healthcare on the NHS even if your course is less than six months but you should seek

advice from the health authorities in your home country about what treatment will be covered.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/how-to-access-nhs-services-in-england-if-you-are-visiting-from-abroad/  

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