- Published on February 22, 2026
- Bishnu K.
Secure your UK study abroad experience by understanding insurance requirements. Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) with your student visa grants National Health Service (NHS) access for essential medical care. Complement this with travel insurance to cover flight delays, lost luggage, and emergencies, ensuring total peace of mind while studying in the UK.
Health Insurance in the UK
For most international students, health insurance isn’t something you shop around for privately—it is integrated directly into your visa application process.
If you are studying in the UK for six months or more, you are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when you apply for your student visa.
The Cost: As of January 2026, this surcharge is £776 per year.
The Benefit: Paying this fee grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) from the very day your visa starts. This means you can visit a general practitioner (GP) or go to the hospital without paying extra fees for the visit.
The Exception: While the NHS covers most medical needs, be aware that there are still costs for specific services, such as dental care and prescriptions.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Refund
You will generally receive an automatic refund of your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in several specific situations. A full or partial refund is granted if:
Your visa application is rejected, or you withdraw it before a decision is made.
Your visa is approved for a shorter duration than you requested.
A dependent listed on your application is refused a visa.
Please note that while the IHS fee is refundable, the student visa application fee is not.
Travel Insurance in the UK
While the NHS covers your health once you arrive, it does not cover your journey there or your personal belongings. This is where travel insurance comes in.
Although it is not mandatory for your visa, getting travel insurance is a really smart move. It provides a safety net for issues the NHS cannot fix, including:
Flight delays or cancellations.
Lost or stolen luggage.
Medical emergencies that occur while you are in transit.
Unexpected disruptions on your way to the UK.
When to buy it: You should usually purchase this in your home country before you leave.
Pro Tip: If you plan to travel home during your breaks or visit other countries during your studies, looking into a multi-trip plan can save you money compared to buying single policies for every trip.
Think of it this way: Health insurance is required, but travel insurance is optional.
However, having both gives you total peace of mind. By sorting these out early, you ensure that your focus remains exactly where it should be—settling in and enjoying your UK university experience.