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Student
Health Insurance

For those about to head off to university, there is no doubt a lot to think about.

But one area of your life that may get overlooked as a result of the excitement is your health.

Expensive medical costs and long NHS waiting times that could interrupt your studies could massively impact what should be one of the best times of your life.

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Protecting Your Health

Insurance plans for students studying at university are designed to cover medical costs for
an affordable price, so you can rest assured that you can focus on making great memories.

In this guide, we’ll take you through who should consider getting health insurance cover, the types of health insurance policy and what the benefits are for both UK and international students.

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How To Get Student
Health Insurance

Health insurance is necessary to cover the cost of medical treatments at any private medical facility or clinic. While UK students have access to NHS care, the waiting times can be lengthy which can interrupt your studies and put a hold on your everyday life while you await treatment. Student insurance in UK can do more than just offer shorter waiting times for specialist treatment though – it can also provide you with a wider choice of treatments and medications that aren’t available on the NHS, as well as provide more convenience in the form of better hospital accommodation and appointments at a time and place to suit you.

International students studying in the UK may qualify for NHS care if they have a Tier 4 visa and are studying for six months or longer in the UK, but for those outside of this criteria, private medical insurance is the only way to ensure you will receive medical care when you need it most. It can offer protection against the costs incurred if you need to return to your home country for treatment, as well as a loss of fees if you’re unable to complete your course due to illness.

For both UK and international students, there are several providers of insurance for students in the UK, with Bupa, AXA and Vitality some of the biggest names in the insurance industry. You can use a comparison site to compare insurance providers and policies to narrow down your search and then apply with the provider you choose. If you are an international student studying abroad and already have insurance in your home country, you may want to check if it can be extended to cover your stay in the UK. It’s important that you review the terms and conditions of the policy you choose before purchasing and that you understand the intricacies of what is and isn’t covered.

Which Health Cover Should I Choose?

There are two core components to health cover – inpatient and outpatient care. Products can vary considerably between providers but for most products, inpatient care is included. So, should you develop a serious condition and need to stay in hospital, this sort of plan would cover these costs. Outpatient cover has the biggest bearing on how a policy is priced, as this includes scans, consultations with specialists and diagnostic tests. Basic plans may not include outpatient care, while comprehensive policies will include this in full. Many providers offer policies which allow individuals to mix and match elements to suit their needs.

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How Much Does Student Health Insurance Cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the cost of a medical insurance policy. The fee varies depending on a host of factors, from your personal circumstances to your age and where you live. The older you are, the higher your premiums will be as health problems become more of a common occurrence. The rates of private hospitals will also vary depending on location, so your address can actually impact the cost as well – those living in London, for example, will likely have higher costs than elsewhere in the country. If you’re a smoker, your insurance fees will be higher, due to the health risks associated with this, and your medical history can also play an important role.

However, if you’re a contractor working through your own limited company, your business can pay for your insurance. Paying for your health insurance through your limited company is considered a P11D benefit, so you will be taxed as an individual accordingly. If you choose to pay your contractor insurance yourself, you can do so out of post-tax income and there will be no tax considerations to worry about if you do this. It’s worth discussing the different options with your accountant to ensure you’re aware of all the tax implications before choosing a health insurance policy.

Why Is Health Insurance
Important for International Students?

Having international student health insurance provides students with access to a high-quality service in hospitals, emergency rooms, private clinics and more. While NHS care covers many health problems, the waiting times are long and often inconvenient to those who need to get well quickly.

Private health cover means you won’t need to worry about the bill at the end of a hospital stay or after a procedure, and also ensures you can stay in a comfortable, private room while you’re being treated. Medical cover is one of the main requirements for international students applying for a visa, so it should be a priority for students choosing to study in the UK. However, international students studying abroad for longer than six months aren’t the only ones who will benefit from private cover – local residents will also have access to these benefits while they’re away from family.

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The Importance Of Insurance

When it comes to health insurance, students should have a policy in place before they head off to university, particularly those studying abroad. It provides you with cover against medical costs and also ensures you can be diagnosed and treated more quickly and conveniently if you become unwell or injured. There are several insurance providers in the UK that offer policies to suit the needs and budgets of students. For the international student health insurance is a necessity, but it is also something to consider if you’re a UK native as well. The great benefit of a private health policy is that you can still take advantage of NHS services, such as in the case of needing emergency treatment, but with the added bonus of avoiding long waiting times when you need to be seen quickly.