Information for international students

If your course of study is for six months or more, you (and any accompanying dependants) will qualify for treatment under the National Health Service (NHS), from the beginning of your stay, on the same basis as anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK.

The NHS is the UK's state health service, which provides treatment for UK residents through a wide range of health care services. Primary healthcare services are free, though you will have to pay nominal charges for prescribed medicines.

Although it is possible to take out health insurance that gives access to private healthcare, the majority of people living in the UK use the National Health Service. If you expect to receive visitors during your time here (e.g. family, friends), please encourage them to take out medical insurance cover.

Check the UKCISA guidance sheet on keeping healthy.