If you are coming to Scotland to study full-time, and you live in Scotland lawfully, you can get healthcare from the NHS from the day you arrive until one month after your course finishes.
You may also get healthcare from the NHS if you are a part-time student and you are also working in Scotland.
Accessing healthcare
If you are from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and you need care, you may be asked to show:
— your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
— a letter from your university or college which confirms that you have a place on a full-time course – the letter should say when your course starts and how long it lasts for
If you are not from the EEA or Switzerland and you need care, you may be asked to show:
— your student visa
— a letter from your university or college which confirms that you have a place on a full-time course – the letter should say when your course starts and how long it lasts for
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare for overseas students and their families is free for the most part. There are, however, some treatments that may incur a cost.The Scottish Government provide further information about health costs and entitlement.
Families of overseas students
If you are registered as an NHS patient your partner and children might also qualify for healthcare. If you have children they must be aged under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education.
Staff at the GP surgery will ask you to fill in a form to register your family. You may need to show your marriage or civil partnership certificate, and birth certificates for your children to complete the registration process.
Family from the EEA or Switzerland
If you have other members of family from the EEA or Switzerland they can also get healthcare from the NHS.To do so they must have an EHIC and register with a GP.
Family not from the EEA or Switzerland
If you have other members of family not from the EEA or Switzerland they may be entitled to healthcare if they have been allowed to join you in Scotland.
To do so, an EEA family permit is issued overseas to nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who are family members of EEA nationals.
The UK Border Agency has more information on the EEA family permit.
Helpline for overseas students
The UKCISA provide an advice line for overseas students on 020 3131 3576.The advice line is open Monday to Friday from 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Healthcare for People Coming to Scotland to Study (Factsheet)
This information is also available as a factsheet, which has been translated into different languages and formats – including audio and large print.