Access to healthcare

Information for current students about accessing healthcare and health insurance in the UK.

Private health insurance

If agreed, the transition period (starting on the date on which the UK leaves the EU and ending on 31 December 2020, or possibly after) will mean that EU and UK citizens will continue to enjoy many of the same rights as at present, including reciprocal health insurance. However, if the UK leaves the EU with no deal, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will no longer be valid, and you will need to arrange private health insurance.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) have published information about healthcare in the UK for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, and useful information on Brexit and what it means for students and their family. 

Visiting a doctor or dentist in the UK 

All full-time students in Scotland have access to the NHS until one month after their programme ends, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. Information about healthcare is available from our New Students website. 

Students studying on a 6-month programme, who enter on a standard visitors visa, are not eligible for NHS healthcare and must ensure that they have adequate private health cover.