Refunds of the IHS
From 1 January 2022, full-time EU students with an EHIC issued by a European Country will be able to claim for a reimbursement of the Immigration Health Surcharge you paid for your student visa but only if you do not work or intend to work in the UK.
If you are planning to work or are working in the UK you are not entitled to a refund. You cannot re-pay the IHS if you begin working and you will also lose your right to treatment on an EHIC, so you will have no medical cover in the UK in this instance. The costs of receiving treatment could be in excess of the amount of IHS you pay and any debts to the NHS could lead to a ban from the UK. You should consider whether it is worth taking the risk of not being able to receive medical treatment in the UK if you plan to remain long-term.
Unpaid work does not count in this instance.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-health-surcharge-for-eu-students-in-the-uk
The page also advises you access to the wider range of healthcare you benefit from will be limited, so you are advised to check whether it is more beneficial to keep your IHS in place if you have long-standing medical issues.
You should note that an EHIC only provides medically necessary treatment. Therefore, it will not cover areas such as medical evidence required for deferrals or exceptional circumstances. Again, we strongly recommend you consider whether it is more of a risk to reclaim your IHS payment than keep it in place.
We understand that a refund of this money in the current financial climate may seem more beneficial, but the implications of doing this can be long-term for your health, your studies and any furture plans you may have to remain in the UK.
Health Insurance whilst in the UK
Up to date information on how your ability to access healthcare may be affected by Brexit can be found on the following web page:
UKCISA: Healthcare in the UK for EU, EEA and Swiss students
Current situation post-EU Exit
If you successfully apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, you will have the right to access UK healthcare.
The government have advised the following:
If you began studying in the UK on or before 31 December 2020, you may use your EHIC for medically necessary healthcare until the end of your course in the UK. You must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if your course extends beyond 30 June 2021.
EHIC covers the requirement for Comprehensive Sickness Insurance if you only intend to access your right of free movement on a temporary basis. EHICs have an expiry date so you must ensure that you have a valid card throughout your studies.
Healthcare for EU Citizens Living in the UK
You cannot apply for your EHIC in the UK. Without it you could be charged for using the NHS, unless you have alternative medical insurance with sufficient cover.
You will need to check with your own country on your eligiblity for EHIC depending on the period of time you will be resident in the UK.
If you have lost or forgotten your EHIC, you may be able to obtain a 'provisional replacement certificate'.
If you are a dual national but are not ordinarily resident in the EU country of your dual nationality, you are unlikely to be eligible for an EHIC. In this case, you will need to obtain Comprehensive Sickness Insurance to cover any health care if you plan to enter the UK using your EU/EEA nationality rather than a student visa. Once you successfully apply for the EU Settlement Scheme you will have access to the NHS.
We are unable to recommend medical insurance, but you must obtain this before travelling to the UK. You can find government information on Comprehensive Sickness Insurance at UKVI