If you plan to study in the United Kingdom, buying health insurance (via the Immigration Health Surcharge) is a required step in the UK student and student dependent visa application process. While travel insurance is optional, both health and travel insurance will provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind during your time abroad.
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Travel Insurance in the UK
Travel insurance protects you and your belongings during your trip from your home country to the UK. It typically includes trip disruptions, medical care related to an accident or illness, reimbursement for the damage or loss of baggage, and personal liability. As international travel can have unexpected delays or mishaps, travel insurance can be valuable, though it isn’t mandatory for international students coming to the UK.
Unlike health insurance, you’ll buy travel insurance from your country of residence before leaving for the UK. If it’s likely you’ll visit your home country at different times during your studies abroad, consider an annual multi-trip insurance plan, which can be less expensive than buying multiple single-trip plans.
Remember, different travel insurance plans cover different things. So, if you decide to buy a plan, take the time to find one that suits you. Not sure which option to choose? Ask your college or university’s international student office for ideas and reputable providers.
Tip: Some credit cards include travel insurance. Before you buy a plan, ask your bank if you’re already covered through your credit card!
Health Insurance in the UK
Many international students in the UK should factor the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) into their budget. Below, we’ll explore what the IHS costs and covers, how IHS refunds work, and basic information on private health insurance. As the IHS amount is regularly updated, check the UK government’s website for the most current information before you apply.
Immigration Health Surcharge
If you’re going to study in the UK for six months or longer, you must pay the IHS when you apply for your visa. The IHS funds the UK’s healthcare system, and by paying, you’ll gain access to the National Health Service (NHS) at no additional cost starting on the day your student visa begins. This means that you can visit a family doctor or hospital for free. That said, you’ll still need to pay for some health services, including prescriptions, dental treatment, assisted conception, or eye tests.
As of January 2026, the yearly IHS amount for international students is £776. If you have family members applying to join you on a dependent visa, they must also pay the same IHS fee. If your visa includes part of a year (for example, if your course is 18 months long), your IHS amount may be prorated for the partial year.
Remember: The IHS is a separate charge from the student visa application fee.
Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge
You can use a credit or debit card to pay the IHS when applying online for your student visa. During the application, you’ll be asked for your course dates, plus the start and end dates on your certificate of sponsorship, if applicable. Include details of any dependents joining you in the UK, or anyone you’re applying to join in the UK if they’re not UK citizens or don’t have EU settled status.
After entering this information, you’ll be sent an email with an IHS reference number. This number will also appear on-screen after the payment is processed. This reference number can only be used once. If you reapply for a student visa, you’ll need a new one.
IHS Refunds or Reimbursement
If your visa application is rejected, your IHS fee will be refunded in full. You’ll also get a full IHS refund if you withdraw your visa application before a decision is made. (Note: Your student visa application fee is non-refundable.)
International students will automatically receive a partial IHS refund if their visa is approved for a shorter period than requested. If a dependent on your student visa application is refused a visa, you’ll also be refunded their IHS charge.
Are you from the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein? If you’re planning to study full-time in the UK for more than six months, and won’t be working during your studies, you may be eligible for full or partial IHS reimbursement. Learn more about your options on the National Health Service website.
As you prepare to travel to the UK, stay organized with our pre-arrival checklist for international students.
Private Medical Insurance
International students and their dependents are not allowed to buy private health insurance instead of paying the IHS. However, you may buy private insurance in addition to the IHS.
Private healthcare can be helpful if you want coverage for expenses like:
- Private medical treatment
- Expenses related to returning to your home country for medical treatment
- Loss of fees if you’re unable to finish your course
Every student’s use case for insurance will be different. If you think private insurance coverage would be helpful, research different insurance options to find which coverage suits you best.
Now that you understand how the IHS works, and how health and travel insurance in the UK can support you, take the next step: search for courses in the UK on the free ApplyBoard platform.