Most students on a visa of more than six months pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the visa application, which gives access to the NHS broadly on the same basis as a UK resident. So separate medical insurance is usually not required - but there are gaps worth covering.
What the surcharge gives you
Access to NHS services - GP appointments, hospital treatment, emergency care - largely without charge at the point of use. It is paid up front for the whole length of your visa, which makes it a significant single cost at application time. Current rates are published on gov.uk.
What it does not cover
- Prescription charges in England (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ).
- Dental treatment, which carries NHS charges even at NHS rates.
- Eye tests and glasses, in most cases.
- Anything outside the UK, including travel home.
What you must actually do on arrival
Register with a GP in your first weeks. This is the step students most often skip, and it is the one that matters - without a registered GP, routine care means a walk-in centre and non-urgent problems get left. Registration is free and your university will usually run a session on it.
For emergencies, call 999. For urgent but non-emergency advice, NHS 111.
Where private insurance still makes sense
- Travel insurance for the journey and for trips home - the NHS does not cover you abroad.
- Contents insurance for your belongings, which is a separate risk and often overlooked.
- Dental cover, if you expect treatment - many students schedule dental work during visits home instead.
- Cover for the gap before your visa starts or after it ends.
For dependants
Each dependant pays their own health surcharge. For a family this is a substantial addition to the application cost - factor it in early.
The practical advice
Do not buy a comprehensive private medical policy in the belief that you have no healthcare access. You have paid for NHS access already. Spend the money instead on travel and contents cover, and on registering with a GP promptly.
Next step
See what's the cost of studying in the UK as an Indian student for the full budget picture, or contact LSBUK about our programmes.