Can visa holders access A&E in the UK?

Yes. A&E (Accident and Emergency) treatment is free for everyone in the UK regardless of immigration status. This covers emergency diagnosis and treatment in the A&E department itself. However, if you are admitted to hospital as an inpatient following A&E attendance, charges may apply if you have not paid the immigration health surcharge.

Is NHS 111 available to visa holders?

Yes. NHS 111 is a free health advice service available to everyone in the UK. You can call 111 for urgent medical advice when it is not a life-threatening emergency. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can direct you to the most appropriate care.

Do I need to pay for emergency treatment?

A&E treatment itself is always free. If you have paid the immigration health surcharge, all NHS treatment including emergency treatment and follow-up care is free. If you have not paid the IHS (for example, you are a visitor), you may be charged for treatment beyond the initial A&E attendance.

What should I do in a medical emergency?

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies (chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, serious injuries). Go to A&E for urgent conditions that are not immediately life-threatening. Call NHS 111 for urgent but non-emergency medical advice.

Emergency Healthcare for Visa Holders in the UK

A&E treatment is free for everyone in the UK. Visa holders who have paid the immigration health surcharge get free NHS care including emergency treatment. This guide covers when to call 999, when to go to A&E, when to call NHS 111, and your rights.

When to Call 999

Call 999 immediately for life-threatening emergencies:

Chest pain or suspected heart attack
Severe difficulty breathing
Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
Stroke symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
Loss of consciousness
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Serious accidents or injuries

Ambulance services are free. Do not hesitate to call because of your immigration status. No one will check your visa status at the scene of an emergency.

When to Go to A&E

Go to A&E (Accident and Emergency) for:

Broken bones or suspected fractures
Deep cuts or wounds requiring stitches
Severe burns
Head injuries with loss of consciousness
Severe abdominal pain
Suspected poisoning

A&E treatment is free for everyone under the NHS overseas visitor charging regulations. No one will be turned away from A&E.

When to Call NHS 111

Call NHS 111 when you need urgent medical help but it is not a 999 emergency:

You are unsure where to go for treatment
You think you need to go to A&E but are not sure
You need medical advice outside GP hours
You need a dental emergency service

NHS 111 is free from any phone and is available 24/7. Interpreters are available if you need to communicate in another language.

Your Rights as a Visa Holder

If you have paid the immigration health surcharge, you are entitled to the same NHS care as a UK resident. This includes all emergency and non-emergency treatment.

Even if you have not paid the IHS:

A&E treatment is always free
GP consultations are free
Treatment for certain conditions (including COVID-19, TB, and HIV) is free
Maternity care is provided but may be charged afterwards

Urgent Care Centres

Many areas have Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) or Walk-in Centres that handle conditions less serious than A&E but more urgent than a routine GP appointment. These treat minor injuries and illnesses such as sprains, minor burns, and infections.

Check the NHS website to find your nearest UTC.

Mental Health Emergencies

If you or someone else is in a mental health crisis, call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life. Otherwise, contact NHS 111 or your local crisis team. Many areas have a 24-hour mental health helpline.

Mental health support is available through the NHS. See our guide on community support groups for additional resources. For dental emergencies, see our guide on finding a dentist.

After Emergency Treatment

After emergency treatment, you may be referred for follow-up care with your GP or a specialist. If you have paid the IHS, this is free. If not, you may receive a bill for non-emergency follow-up treatment.

Keep records of any emergency treatment you receive, as it may be relevant to future immigration applications, particularly if health issues caused absences from work or affected your ability to meet visa conditions.

Further Resources

For NHS entitlement guidance, visit GOV.UK. See also our guides on NHS access after citizenship, cost of living, council tax, and citizenship requirements.