Can visitors use the NHS for free?

No. Visitors are not entitled to free NHS treatment. Emergency A&E treatment is provided regardless of visa status, but you may be charged afterwards. All other NHS treatment is chargeable at 150% of the NHS rate.

Do visitors pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

No. Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and are therefore not covered by the NHS. This is different from Student and work visa holders who pay IHS and get NHS access.

Should I buy travel insurance for my UK visit?

Yes, strongly recommended. Travel insurance should cover medical treatment, hospital stays, and repatriation. Without insurance, you could face significant bills for any medical treatment in the UK.

Visitor Visa and the NHS 2026

UK visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and are not entitled to free NHS treatment. Some emergency services are provided regardless of status, but most treatment will be charged. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

What Is Free

Certain NHS services are available to everyone in the UK regardless of visa status:

Emergency A&E treatment. If you attend an Accident and Emergency department, you will be treated. However, you may be charged for the treatment afterwards, including any follow-up care.
GP consultations. Some GP practices will see visitors, but this is at the practice's discretion. You may be charged as a private patient.
Sexual health services. Free for everyone.
Treatment for certain infectious diseases. Including COVID-19 treatment.

What Is Charged

Most NHS treatment for visitors is charged at 150% of the standard NHS rate. This includes:

Hospital admissions and surgery
Outpatient appointments
Prescriptions and medications
Maternity care

These charges can be significant. For example, a hospital stay with surgery could cost thousands of pounds. For visitors coming specifically for medical treatment, see our medical treatment visitor guide.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to the UK. Your policy should cover:

Medical treatment and hospital stays
Emergency repatriation
Trip cancellation
Personal belongings

Check that your policy covers the UK specifically and has adequate medical cover (at least £1 million is recommended). Some Visitor Visa applications are strengthened by showing you have travel insurance, as it demonstrates responsible planning.

Comparison with Other Visa Types

Visitors have the least NHS access of any visa category. Compare:

Student visa holders: Pay IHS and get full NHS access. See our student visa NHS guide.
Skilled Worker visa holders: Pay IHS and get full NHS access. See our Skilled Worker visa guide.
Visitors: No IHS, no NHS coverage.

For more on the IHS, see our Immigration Health Surcharge guide.

Next Steps

Related guides:

For official information, see the GOV.UK Standard Visitor visa page and the NHS guidance on overseas visitors.