How to Register with the NHS as an International Student in the UK

What the NHS Costs You as an International Student

You must pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if you are applying for a Student visa for a stay longer than six months. The charge is £776 per year of permission applied for, increased from £470 on 6 February 2024 . You pay this fee during your visa application, not at registration.

For stays under six months, you are not eligible for NHS services at all. You'll need private medical insurance instead.

If your stay includes a partial year (less than six months), you pay an additional £388 for that period. For example, a full three-year degree costs approximately £2,328 in IHS fees total (£776 × 3). A three-year degree with an additional partial year costs £2,716.

The surcharge applies equally to all students, whether you use NHS services or not. It cannot be waived by holding private health insurance.

Who Is Eligible to Use the NHS

You are eligible if you meet both conditions:

• You hold a valid Student visa
• Your course lasts longer than six months

There are limited exceptions. If you are a government-sponsored student or your course is partially funded by the UK government at 35% or more, you may qualify even for shorter stays in Scotland.

Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) with valid visas qualify for full NHS treatment without paying the surcharge.

Dependants on your visa—spouses, partners, or children—must pay the IHS individually and register separately with a GP. As of January 2024, only students on research-based postgraduate programmes (PhD or research master's degrees) can bring dependants on a Student visa. Undergraduate and taught master's students can no longer bring family members.

How to Register with a GP

Registration is free and available to you regardless of immigration status. The process takes 3-5 working days.

Step-by-Step Registration

1. Find a GP Surgery

   Use the NHS website to find a GP near your university using your postcode. Your university can also recommend local practices. Ask which surgeries are accepting new patients.

2. Contact the Surgery

   Phone, email, or visit in person. Tell them you are an international student and want to register.

3. Gather Required Documents

   • Your passport
   • A letter from your university confirming you are a full-time student (called a "confirmation of enrolment")
   • Proof of address (tenancy agreement, utility bill, or bank statement)

4. Register and Complete Forms

   Most surgeries now offer online registration. Some still require an in-person visit. You'll complete a Patient Registration Form (PRF1) with your personal details and medical history.

5. Receive Your NHS Number

   Once registered, the surgery provides you with an NHS number within a few days. This number proves you are eligible for NHS services.

Register as soon as you arrive, ideally within the first two to four weeks. This prevents delays if you need urgent care. Many GP surgeries in student-heavy areas have long waiting lists, so act quickly.

What the NHS Covers and What It Doesn't

Once registered and eligible, you access NHS services free at the point of use, except for these:

Prescriptions in England cost £9.90 per item, regardless of the drug's actual cost. You can save money with a prescription prepayment certificate if you need multiple medications.

Dental care through the NHS is available but heavily restricted. Many NHS dental practices are not accepting new patients. You may need to use private dentistry instead.

Timeline and Processing

Register during your first two weeks in the UK. Most GP surgeries aim to complete registration within 3-5 working days, though this varies by location. Once your registration is processed, the surgery contacts you with your NHS number.

You can book appointments through the NHS app once you have your NHS number. The app also lets you order prescriptions and view your medical records online.

For non-emergency medical issues, call NHS 111 to speak with an advisor or book a same-day appointment. For emergencies, dial 999.

Key Policy Changes Affecting You in 2024-2025

The Immigration Health Surcharge increased significantly in February 2024. Students applying from 6 February 2024 onward pay £776 per year instead of the previous £470. This increase applies to all new Student visa applications from that date forward.

From January 2024, international students can no longer bring spouses, partners, or children on Student visas unless they are enrolled in research-based postgraduate programmes (PhD or research master's). This policy change significantly reduced the number of dependant visas issued to student families in 2024-2025.

These changes mean international student visa applications fell by 13% in the year ending June 2024 compared to the previous year. If you plan to bring dependants, confirm immediately whether your course qualifies before applying for visas.

Real-World Example: A Student's Timeline

A full-time international student from India applying for a three-year undergraduate degree in London pays:

• Immigration Health Surcharge: £2,716 (£776 × 3 years)
• GP registration: Free
• Typical prescription costs per year: £40-£100 (if needed)

Once arriving in the UK, the student registers with a local GP within the first two weeks, receives an NHS number by week three, and can access free GP care, hospital treatment, and emergency services for the duration of the course. Dental and eye care require separate payment or private providers.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Immigration Health Surcharge rates
• UKCISA: International Students' Healthcare
• GOV.UK: Student Visa Family Members
• University of Westminster: Immigration Health Surcharge
• Cambridge University: Healthcare for International Students
• UCL: Accessing Healthcare in the UK
• Free Movement: Complete Guide to the Immigration Health Surcharge