Before you leave, you need to be well prepared. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the administrative procedures involved in obtaining your student visa, as well as the importance of taking out student insurance in the UK for your stay.
We’ll also compare the IHS option, which is compulsory for some students, with Mondassur international health insurance, which offers more comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs.
How to become a student in the UK
Since the Brexit, the conditions for becoming a student in the UK have changed. So there are new rules concerning visas, residency rights and access to health services.
It’s important to find out what steps you need to take to study in the UK, taking into account the consequences of Brexit for students.
Which visa to choose?
Standard Visitor Visa
This visa is for you if you’re an 18-year-old student and you want to study in the UK for 6 months or less. It’s ideal for English courses, for example.
The conditions for obtaining it are :
- Apply online via the official UK government website
- Enrolment in a short-term study program at an accredited institution
- Proof of program registration
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses on site
- Pay £127 for visa
Short-Term Study Visa
This visa is designed for short-term study programs lasting between 6 and 11 months. It is specially designed for students who do not plan to work during their stay.
The conditions for obtaining it are :
- Apply online on the official UK government website
- Proof of enrolment in an English language program or short-term study program at an accredited institution.
- Proof of sufficient funds, and of a stay not exceeding 11 months.
- Pay £186 for a visa.
Student Visa (formerly Tier 4)
Finally, the Student visa is for students aged 16 or over. You must be studying full-time at an accredited institution in the UK. This visa is for you if you are enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral program.
The conditions for obtaining it are :
- Apply online via the official UK government website
- Have an offer of admission from a British government-approved institution
- Prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses on site
- Have a sufficient level of English (often via a test such as IELTS)
- The visa costs £524 for applications made from outside the UK.
Can I work in the UK on a student visa?
Not all student visas for the UK allow you to work during your stay. With a Student Visa, you can work up to 20 hours a week during course periods. You can also work full-time during university vacations. However, there are restrictions on certain types of work, particularly for doctors or dentists in training.
On the other hand, with a Short-Term Study Visa and a Standard Visitor Visa, work is strictly forbidden. These visas are designed for short-term stays and do not allow you to work. You won’t be able to do any paid work or volunteer work.
What is the IHS?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is compulsory for students coming to the UK on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4). It enables them to access NHS healthcare during their stay.
However, the IHS is not mandatory if you have a Short-Term Study Visa or a Standard Visitor Visa.
However, we strongly recommend that you take out student insurance in the UK. This will ensure that you are fully covered during your stay.
The IHS offers basic cover for essential medical care in the UK, but it has its limitations. This is particularly true of dental, optical and specialist care.
Why take out international health insurance in the UK?
At Mondassur, we offer you extensive cover, including care not covered by the NHS. We also offer worldwide protection with the same level of cover (depending on the country of destination).
What’s more, with Mondassur, you have access to private hospitals and the best medical facilities and doctors in the country. This is not possible with the NHS.
The IHS does not always reimburse all medical expenses. For example, hospitalization costs, prescription drugs or non-emergency health care may be partially covered. With Mondassur, you can be covered for up to 100% of actual costs.
So, taking out international student insurance is strongly recommended. Mondassur lets you choose the cover that best suits your needs (hospitalization, dental care, optical care, maternity, etc.). IHS is more limited in this area.
Is a health insurance certificate required for a UK student visa?
None of the student visas for the UK we have mentioned require proof of health insurance.
However, although the IHS is compulsory if you have a Student Visa, it does not cover all treatment. It is therefore essential to take out student insurance in the UK. In fact, some universities, such as Cambridge, Exter and Sheffield, may require or advise you to take out international health insurance, such as Mondassur.
Finally, if you have a Short-Term Study Visa or a Standard Visitor Visa, you will not be obliged to benefit from IHS. Private health insurance is therefore extremely important to protect you.
