Do international students pay for NHS prescriptions and dentists?
What the Immigration Health Surcharge covers and what still costs money: prescription charges by UK nation, prepayment certificates, NHS dental bands and eye tests.
Reviewed 28 September 2026 · 1 min read
Short answer: Prescriptions cost £9.90 per item in England and are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; a prepayment certificate (£32.05 for three months, £114.50 for a year) is cheaper after three items. NHS dental treatment is charged in bands from £27.40 and eye tests from about £25. GP appointments and hospital care are covered by the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Covered by the surcharge
GP appointments (including phone and video), hospital treatment including A&E and specialist referrals, maternity care, mental health services through your GP, and most vaccinations. You paid the £776-a-year surcharge with your visa; register with a GP to use it.
Still charged
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Prescription, England | £9.90 per item |
| Prescription, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland | Free |
| Prepayment certificate, England | £32.05 for three months, £114.50 for a year |
| NHS dental treatment | Banded fees from £27.40 |
| Eye test | From around £25; glasses are private |
Two practical points
- If you take regular medication, the prepayment certificate pays for itself after three items in three months.
- Many NHS dentists are not taking new patients; register early, before you need one. The GP and NHS guide covers registering without proof of address.
Sources
General information, not regulated immigration advice. Rules change; check the source before you act, and speak to an IAA-registered adviser about your case.