NHS Act 2006 / FCA-Regulated Private Health Insurance
UK Health Insurance: Private vs NHS Guide 2026
Complete guide to UK health cover: NHS entitlement rules, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS £1,035/yr), and private health insurers (Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva) with policy comparison.
Overview
The NHS, established by the National Health Service Act 2006, provides free-at-point-of-use care to all UK residents. Immigrants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for students — as part of any visa application lasting more than 6 months. Private health insurance, regulated by the FCA, offers faster referral times (average 2 weeks vs 18 weeks NHS) and access to private hospitals.
Key Facts & Statutory Reference
| Item | Detail | Statutory / Official Source |
|---|---|---|
| NHS Entitlement | All UK residents (ordinary residence test) | NHS Act 2006 s.1 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/yr (adult) / £776/yr (student) | Immigration Act 2014 s.38 |
| NHS IHS Exemption | EU Settlement Scheme pre-settled/settled status holders | Appendix EU |
| FCA Regulation | All private health insurers must be FCA authorised | Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid upfront as part of the online visa application process before submitting. The surcharge confirmation is uploaded with the visa application.
New UK residents can register with an NHS GP by visiting the surgery in person with proof of address. There is no national waiting list — registration is accepted by any GP with capacity.