Health and Insurance in the UK

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Health and Insurance in the UK as a Malaysian Student

A Malaysian national is considered a non-EEA national (European Economic Area). This requires Malaysian students intending to study in the UK to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when you submit your visa application. Paying the IHS will entitle you to use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK during your time of stay there.

How much does insurance cost?

The UK Governments website states:

The exact amount you pay depends on the length of your visa.

"A visa may last longer than your course of study or period of employment.

You’ll have to pay:

  • £776 per year for students, their dependants, and those on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £1,552 for a 2-year visa
  • £776 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application
  • £1,035 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,105 for a 3-year visa"


However, the charges for optical and dental treatment under the UK National Health Service are higher than what it usually costs in Malaysia, so try and visit the dentist or optician before you leave for the UK, or when you are back home on holiday.

When you have time, you might like to take advantage of your student status and travel cheaply in Europe, but then UK healthcare would not cover your travels, so you should purchase travel insurance for more assurance. You may also need visas for some countries in Europe.

Do not take unnecessary valuables with you such as jewellery. Make sure your possessions are insured.

To find out more, visit the UK government’s official guide at: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application