NHS Surcharge: What You Need to Know
NHS surcharge jumped from 470 to 776/year for students in Feb 2024. Must pay upfront. What it covers and what it doesn't.
Key Information
NHS surcharge jumped from 470 to 776/year for students in Feb 2024. Must pay upfront. What it covers and what it doesn't.
In February 2024, the UK government increased the Immigration Health Surcharge from £470 to £776 per year for students (standard rate went from £624 to £1,035). That's a 66% increase overnight. The surcharge had already been raised from £300 just a few years before. Many students who had budgeted based on the old rate found themselves £300+ short.
GP visits, hospital treatment, A&E (except if you're charged for missed appointments). Prescriptions in England cost £9.90 each (free in Scotland, Wales, NI). Dental and eye care are NOT covered — you'll pay separately. Mental health services have 6-month+ waiting lists. Many students never use the NHS at all during their 1-year Master's.
Dental care (a checkup costs £25-65 privately). Eye tests (£25-30). Prescriptions in England (£9.90 each). Cosmetic treatments. Some specialist treatments may have long waits. Private healthcare. You're paying £776/year for a service that many young, healthy students barely use.