UK NHS Healthcare Guide for Immigrants 2025/2026
From calculating your mandatory NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) before applying for your visa to registering with an NHS GP on arrival, understanding NHS dental charges, and knowing your entitlements as an IHS-paying immigrant — this guide covers it all.
What is the NHS IHS Surcharge & How is it Calculated?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee paid upfront when making most UK visa applications. It gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay on the same basis as UK residents — free GP visits, A&E, hospital treatment, and most NHS prescriptions (standard prescription charge applies in England).
Calculation Formula
IHS is charged per year of the visa granted (not applied for). If your visa is for 3 years and 6 months, you pay for 4 full years at the applicable rate. Part-years of 6 months or more are rounded UP to the next full year.
When Must You Pay?
IHS must be paid in full at the time of your online visa application before submitting it. It cannot be paid in instalments. Failure to pay means your application will not be accepted. If your application is refused, the IHS fee is refunded (minus a small admin fee).
Who is NOT Required to Pay?
Health and Care Worker visa applicants and their dependants; individuals applying for ILR/Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement — no IHS once you have ILR); British citizens or those with British right of abode; some asylum seekers and humanitarian protection holders; and some diplomats.
NHS Entitlements After Paying IHS
Once you have paid the IHS and are in the UK, you are entitled to: free GP consultations; free A&E treatment; free NHS hospital treatment; free NHS maternity care; free NHS mental health services. You are NOT automatically entitled to free NHS dentistry or optometry — these are means-tested or follow the same NHS/private charges as UK residents.
How to Register with an NHS GP in the UK
You can register with an NHS GP surgery (General Practitioner) near where you live. You do not need to show immigration documents or prove your visa status to register with a GP — you only need to show proof of your UK home address. However, the GP may request your NHS number if you have previously been registered.
Step 1: Find a Surgery
Use the NHS online GP Finder at nhs.uk/find-a-gp and enter your postcode to find surgeries accepting new NHS patients near your address. Not all surgeries have capacity — you may need to contact several.
Step 2: Register Online or In Person
Most surgeries now offer online registration via the NHS App or their own website. Alternatively, visit the reception desk with proof of address (recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill).
Step 3: GP Registration Form
Complete a GMS1 registration form (online or paper). You will need to provide: full name, date of birth, current UK address, and previous GP details if applicable. No immigration documentation is required.
Step 4: Use NHS App
Download the NHS App (iOS and Android) to access your GP services digitally — book appointments, request repeat prescriptions, view your medical record, and access your COVID vaccination status. The App also links to NHS 111 online for non-urgent medical advice.
NHS Service Charges for IHS-Paying Immigrants (England)
| NHS Service | Charge for IHS Payers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GP Consultations (all types) | FREE | No charge — same as UK residents |
| A&E / Emergency Treatment | FREE | No charge for emergency care |
| Hospital Outpatient Appointments | FREE | Consultant referrals via GP |
| NHS Prescription (England) | £9.90 per item (2025/26) | Free in Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland. Free in England for under 16s, 60+, maternity, low income. |
| NHS Dental Treatment (England) | £26.80 / £73.50 / £319.10 (Bands 1–3) | NHS dental is means-tested but available. Free for under 18s, pregnant, new mothers. |
| NHS Eye Test (England) | ~£23 privately / Free for eligible groups | Free for those on benefits, diabetes, glaucoma, under 16s, or 60+. |
| NHS 111 Helpline | FREE (24/7) | Non-emergency medical advice — call 111 or use online triage |
| NHS 999 Emergency | FREE | Life-threatening emergencies only |
- • GOV.UK NHS Healthcare Surcharge (IHS): gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
- • NHS GP Finder: nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/find-a-gp
- • NHS App Download: nhs.uk/nhs-app
- • NHS Prescription Charges 2025/26: nhs.uk/nhs-prescription-charges
- • GOV.UK Health and Care Worker Visa (IHS Exemption): gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa