Healthcare and insurance

As an incoming student, it is essential to understand the UK healthcare system and insurance requirements to ensure a safe and healthy stay in London.

Healthcare & health insurance

In the UK universal state healthcare is provided by the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS provides everyday healthcare and emergency treatment, as well as subsidised dental and optical treatment.

If you are a student from outside the UK and you need medical treatment, you can use the NHS subject to certain conditions, as detailed below. The NHS website provides information on the services available. We advise all international students to read this information carefully for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information.

Find out more about accessing UK healthcare as an international student

Immigration Health Surcharge

Most people coming to the UK for more than six months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), to contribute to the running costs of the NHS. From 6 February 2024, the charge for students applying for Student visas is £776 per 12 months. This is paid upfront when you apply for your visa for the full duration of the permission granted. If you are using a different type of visa to come to the UK, for example a spouse visa, the charge is currently £1,035 per year. 

Please note that the IHS will only cover you to use the NHS and not cover you for things like repatriation costs in the event of a serious accident, or any private (non-NHS) medical treatment, lost or stolen property, or travel problems. Therefore, we also recommend that you consider taking out an insurance policy to cover your time in the UK.

Find out more about the IHS

Private health insurance

Waiting times for NHS services can sometimes be long, so some people in the UK choose to take out private medical insurance, which allows them to use private hospitals.

Some students may wish to take out additional healthcare cover policy that gives the option of seeking private rather than NHS care. Fast and effective treatment through a private provider might be more appropriate for an injury that could affect your career, such as physiotherapy for Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Health insurance for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals

There are different arrangements for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals depending on when you arrived in the UK.

If you begin your residence in the UK on or after 1 January 2021

Most EU, EEA and Swiss students beginning courses at the RCM are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge like other international students.

If you hold a valid EHIC (see below) and do not intend working in the UK at any point during your studies, you may be eligible for a reimbursement after your visa is granted. For further details visit the UK Government website. Note that this means you will not be able to accept any paid performance work placements if an opportunity is offered during your studies.  We recommend that students consider carefully before applying for a reimbursement.

If you arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020

You will be eligible to access NHS services in the UK whilst studying on the same basis as UK nationals, provided you hold Settled or Pre-Settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme and have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or other form of comprehensive health insurance. Further information on healthcare for EU/EEA nationals after the transition period ends is available on the UKCISA website.

Please note that the EHIC is not an alternative to private medical and travel insurance. For example, an EHIC will not cover you for repatriation costs in the event of a serious accident, lost or stolen property or any private (non-NHS) treatment. Therefore, we also recommend that you consider taking out an insurance policy for your time in the UK.

Information on how to obtain an EHIC in your home country is available on the European Commission’s website.

Health insurance for students on short programmes

If you are coming to the UK for less than six months, for example on a single term exchange or on the NAFA international placement, you will not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. However, you must have a valid health insurance policy to cover your stay, as you will be charged if you need medical treatment.

EU, EEA and Swiss students can access some NHS services through their EHIC card or similar reciprocal arrangements with their home country. See the  NHS website for full details. Please note that the EHIC is not an alternative to private medical and travel insurance. For example, an EHIC will not cover you for repatriation costs in the event of a serious accident, lost or stolen property or any private (non-NHS) treatment. Therefore, we also recommend that you consider taking out an insurance policy for your time in the UK.

Insuring your home and possessions

You should ensure you have adequate insurance to cover your time living and studying in London. The nature and amount of insurance you need will depend on your circumstances.

You will need to insure your home in London and its contents. Students who live in Prince Consort Village have contents insurance included in their rent.

You are also strongly advised to insure any instruments and other valuable possessions you are bringing to the UK, including laptops and mobile phones.

In addition, you may wish to consider insurance against unexpected costs that are not covered by the Immigration Health Surcharge or EHIC, such as returning home in the event of serious illness.

Some insurers will combine both medical and travel insurance, often as a “Study Abroad” policy. This has the added benefit of cover against loss of baggage, tickets, passport, cancellations and delays for your journey home and back again.

The Student Services team can provide further advice about the various insurance policies that exist in the UK.