So What Does This Look Like For International Students?

As an international student, you actually do receive some of the benefits of the NHS. But you will not have all of them – you may be charged for some treatments and you may also have to pay for some of your costs before you receive care (unless it’s urgent, of course).

Special note for EEA Citizens Who Have EHIC. If you are a student from the European Economic Area (EEA), then you need to make sure that you have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This will help to cover some of the charges you may have accrued otherwise. Now, because England has a different system than those in the EEA, you may still be charged. The EHIC is also not an alternative to travel insurance; there are some very expensive costs (most including transportation and theft) that travel insurance will cover that EHIC does not. Make sure you have both before leaving for England to study.

There are several categories of health services that you need to be aware of when looking at the NHS. Here are some of the things that you will have to consider.

General Practitioner Services. These services require you to register with a general practitioner (GP) as a patient. If you are only staying in the UK for a semester (up to three months), you can register as a temporary patient. They do not have to take new patients, and you may have to try a few practices before you find one that will take you. If you cannot register, there are also walk in centers and GP-led health centers, which are usually open 365 days a year and for extended hours. Many GP services from NHS providers are free, even if you’re a citizen of another country. If you need to find a GP practice or walk-in clinic, the NHS has a specialized search that you can use.

Hospitals. This is where your NHS benefits as an overseas student may get confusing. Hospital treatment is free if you are a citizen of England. There are also cases where an overseas student can get treatment free of charge:

§ Any treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).

§ Treatment for most infectious/contagious diseases.

§ Accident and emergency department care.

§ Minor injuries care.

§ Emergency care at a walk-in clinic.

§ Compulsory psychiatric treatment

§ Treatment imposed by court orders

§ Family planning (not including abortion and maternity treatment)

Now, you may be able to get other health care for free as well, but it is dependent on your paperwork. If you are living in England for an extended period of time (for example, your entire university career), then you may be eligible for more than what is listed above. If you are in England for at least 6 months and/or you work for a employer based in the United Kingdom, you can be eligible for free hospital treatment as well. To be eligible, make sure that you have your paperwork on hand to prove that you will be in the country for more than six months (rental agreement, visa, passport, etc).

If you are admitted to the hospital for an extended period of time or you have to have a procedure of some type, you may have to pay some charges. This will be settled by you and the hospital during your time of admission. If you don’t pay, then you can have immigration issues later on (you may be denied visas and such). Pay as quickly as you can and make sure everything is settled.