Do visa holders get free NHS treatment?

If you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), you are entitled to NHS treatment on the same basis as a UK resident. This means most hospital and GP treatment is free. However, you still pay standard charges for prescriptions (£9.90 per item in England), dental treatment, and eye tests — the same charges that apply to British citizens.

What does the Immigration Health Surcharge cover?

The IHS (£1,035 per year for most visa holders, £776 for students and Youth Mobility) covers access to NHS services including GP appointments, hospital treatment, emergency care, mental health services, and maternity care. It does not cover prescription charges, dental charges, or private treatment.

Are there any NHS services that are always free, even without IHS?

Yes. A&E treatment (but not ongoing treatment), treatment for certain communicable diseases (including tuberculosis), family planning services, treatment for conditions caused by torture, FGM, or sexual violence, and compulsory psychiatric treatment are free to everyone regardless of immigration status or IHS.

What happens if I cannot afford NHS charges?

If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which helps with prescription costs, dental charges, and optical costs. You can also buy a prepayment certificate (PPC) for prescriptions, which caps your annual cost at approximately £112. Note: the NHS Low Income Scheme may be classified as a public fund — check your NRPF conditions.

Will I be charged if I use A&E?

Initial A&E treatment is free for everyone, regardless of immigration status. However, if you are admitted to hospital from A&E or need follow-up treatment, you may be charged if you have not paid the IHS and are not otherwise exempt.

NHS Charges for Visa Holders: Complete Guide 2026

The UK's National Health Service is funded by taxation and is largely free at the point of use. Visa holders who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge are entitled to NHS care on the same basis as British citizens. However, there are still charges for prescriptions, dental care, and optical services. This guide explains what is free, what costs money, and how to manage NHS charges as a visa holder.

The Immigration Health Surcharge

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is paid as part of your visa application. The current rates are:

Standard rate: £1,035 per year
Student and Youth Mobility rate: £776 per year

The IHS is paid upfront for the entire duration of your visa. Once paid, you are entitled to NHS treatment on the same basis as a permanent UK resident. You do not need private health insurance (though some people choose to have it for shorter waiting times or specific treatments).

What Is Free with IHS

GP consultations and treatment
Hospital treatment (including surgery and inpatient care)
Emergency care (A&E)
Maternity care (antenatal, delivery, postnatal)
Mental health services
Specialist referrals
Diagnostic tests and imaging

Standard Charges (Same as British Citizens)

Even with IHS, you pay the same standard charges as British citizens for:

Prescriptions. £9.90 per item in England. Free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
NHS dental treatment. Band 1: £26.80 (check-up). Band 2: £73.50 (fillings, extractions). Band 3: £319.10 (crowns, bridges, dentures).
Eye tests. Approximately £25 (free for under-16s, over-60s, and certain medical conditions).
Wigs and fabric supports.

Reducing Your Costs

Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). If you need regular prescriptions, buy a PPC for approximately £112/year (or £31.25 for 3 months). This caps your prescription costs regardless of how many items you need.
Free prescriptions. Some people get free prescriptions: under-16s, over-60s, pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions (diabetes, epilepsy, etc.), and those on low incomes.
HC2 certificate. If you are on a low income, you can apply for full help with health costs. However, check whether this is classified as a public fund.

Services That Are Always Free

Certain NHS services are free to everyone, regardless of immigration status or IHS:

A&E treatment (initial attendance and treatment)
Treatment for specified communicable diseases (TB, COVID-19)
Family planning (contraception, termination of pregnancy)
Treatment for conditions arising from torture, FGM, domestic violence, or sexual violence
Compulsory psychiatric treatment under the Mental Health Act

Registering with a GP

You should register with a GP as soon as you arrive in the UK. This is your gateway to NHS services. GP practices cannot refuse to register you because of your immigration status, nationality, or language. Registration is free.

Next Steps

Register with a GP promptly after arrival. Consider a prescription prepayment certificate if you need regular medication. For the full list of NHS charges, see the GOV.UK NHS charging guidance and the NHS help with health costs page.