Insurance requirements for studying in United Kingdom
Insurance information for United Kingdom
If you are going to study and live in the United Kingdom, you want to be fully prepared before starting your adventure. Among other things, you want to make sure your insurance covers everything you need, without paying too much.
Students from EU/EEA countries
Students from EU/EEA countries, who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, may use the European Health Insurance Card (see FAQ EHIC). This is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country. Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance. EHIC does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
However even when the EHIC is valid you will still have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application (the cost is around 470 GBP (2024)
EU Students staying in the UK with an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid in the UK will be able to ask a refund for this surchargeGet an immigration health surcharge refund if you're a student from the EU or Switzerland - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Before you get an IHS refund, you are entitled to the same NHS healthcare coverage as a UK citizen. If you get a refund, the healthcare coverage you get will change. You will only be able to use your EHIC to access ‘medically necessary treatment’ during your stay.
Students from outside the EU/EEA
International students, who will be in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months, will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the visa application. Failure to pay the surcharge, if you are required to do so, will result in the visa being refused.This Immigration Health Surcharge will give you access to the National Health Service while pursuing their degree in the UK. This cost around 470 GBP (2024). Students from outside the EU will not be able to apply for a refund.
No worries, we've got you covered. Together with our partner Aon, we are going to make sure you get the perfect insurance package. Your study abroad adventure will be awesome, but insured for all risks, including health care.
Is this enough?
It is important to understand that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not always enough, Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance, and that the local offered health insurance will probably not cover:
- (Additional) medical costs not covered by NHS
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- Worldwide cover
You will need an insurance policy also covering, but also arranging for you, for example:
- You returning home if a close relative is seriously ill or dies;
- Up to two close relatives visiting you in if you fall seriously ill;
- Your medical repatriation to your home country for hospitalization or rehabilitation treatment;
- or in the worst possible situation, returning a body home for burial.
- Tuition Fee Insurance for international students what is it and why its useful
Free quote from Aon
Via our partner Aon, you can easily discover details that apply to your specific situation. To get advice and insight in the costs of insurance, you can freely request an instant quote.
About United Kingdom
British universities are renowned worldwide for their excellence in research and education. They consistently rank highly in international evaluations, attracting students from diverse backgrounds. Studying in the UK offers a multicultural environment that fosters personal growth and opens doors to prosperous career opportunities. The teaching methodology promotes innovative thinking, encouraging individual exploration and collaboration through interactive discussions and creative assignments.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance
(European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu))
An EHIC gives the student the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
When you are in possession of a valid EHIC during your study period in United Kingdom, it only provides coverage for emergency medical expenses. Please note that this does not include any costs for medical evacuation, physical therapy, acupuncture or emergency dental expenses. You are also not covered for your personal possessions, liability, legal aid, emergency assistance and extra travel expenses.
The validity of the EHIC depends on your home country and your insurer in your home country. It may not cover the full period of studies. Please verify the validity of your EHIC with your insurer in your home country for your study period abroad in United Kingdom.
However, the coverage of the European Health Insurance Card or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially in case of repatriation and specific medical intervention. In that case, a complementary private insurance might be useful.
Taking out an additional insurance during your study abroad in United Kingdom is specially needed for the risks that are not covered for with your EHIC. This to be certain that you are properly insured during your study period.As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country like United Kingdom.
