UK healthcare system explained for internationals

Can internationals access the NHS? A complete guide to using the NHS as an international resident in the UK. Discover how much Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) you need to pay

Jale

5 minute read

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17 Sep 2024

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Moving

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is one of the most popular healthcare systems in the world. If you're moving to the UK as a student or working professional, it’s important to know how the healthcare system works and what NHS charges for non-UK residents you might face.

This article will cover everything you need to know about accessing healthcare in the UK, from the health insurance requirements for UK student visas to how to register with a doctor in the UK.

The NHS offers free or subsidised healthcare to residents of the UK. This includes UK citizens, residents, and people living in the UK for over 6 months on a valid visa. If you're moving to the UK from abroad, you’ll most likely be eligible for NHS services, but there’re key points you need to be aware of:

• Non-UK residents staying for more than 6 months will need to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application.
• As of December 31, 2020, even EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens need to pay this surcharge if they plan on staying for more than 6 months.
• If you're only visiting the UK for less than 6 months, you’ll need private UK health insurance for non-residents, as many NHS services will incur a charge.

How much is the immigration health surcharge?

The IHS fee is required to access the NHS if you’re staying longer than 6 months. The current rates are:

• £470 per year for students (including those applying for a health insurance for UK student visa), under-18s, and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants.
• £624 per year for most other visa categories.

This charge is paid upfront, meaning if you're coming for a five-year visa, you’ll need to pay the full 5 years’ worth of surcharge upon your visa application.

For those staying less than 6 months, private UK health insurance for foreigners is recommended, as hospital and specialist services will incur additional fees at 150% of the NHS rate.

While many NHS services are free, some do incur costs, especially for non-UK residents. Here's a quick breakdown of what’s free and what you may need to pay for:

If you're on a visa that requires the IHS, most of these services will be covered. However, dentistry and optometry services typically have additional fees.

If you’re an international student, whether from an EU or non-EU country, you don't need to get health insurance for a UK student visa. However, you'll have to pay the surcharge if you study for more than 6 months. Once paid, you’ll have access to NHS services just like a UK resident. This includes GP consultations, hospital care, and emergency services.

There’s no mandatory UK health insurance cost for international students. Once you pay the IHS, you will have access to public healthcare. The IHS is relatively affordable for students at £470 per year.

Top tips for students:

• Register with a GP as soon as you have a permanent address in the UK.
• Use the NHS app to manage your appointments and health records.
• Consider private health insurance for any services not covered by the NHS.

For professionals moving to the UK on a work visa, either from the EU or a non-EU country, the IHS fee is £624 per year. This gives you full access to NHS services during your stay in the UK, but private UK health insurance for foreigners may be required if you plan on using private healthcare services or need specialised treatments.

Like students, international professionals must also register with a GP to access medical treatments. You should do this as soon as you arrive in the UK.

Once you've paid the IHS, you can register with a GP (family doctor) to start accessing NHS services. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find a GP practice near your home. You can use the NHS website to locate GPs in your area.
2. Complete a registration form, available at the GP practice.
3. Provide proof of identity and address when registering.
4. Once registered, you’ll be able to book appointments for consultations or treatments.

It’s essential to register as soon as possible because you may face waiting times for non-urgent treatments. Also, GPs may refuse to register new patients if their practice is full or if you're outside their catchment area.

The NHS provides free emergency care for anyone, including visitors. This includes treatment in accident and emergency (A&E) departments and ambulance services. However, any follow-up care that isn't considered an emergency will incur a cost if you're a visitor or haven’t paid the IHS.

For less serious sitatuions that need urgent attention but aren't life-threatening, you can visit a walk-in urgent treatment centre, which is also free for everyone.

NHS dental services are not free but are heavily subsidised. There are three bands of treatment, and each comes with a different cost:

• Band 1: £23.80 – Basic care, including an examination and advice.
• Band 2: £65.20 – Includes Band 1 treatments plus fillings and extractions.
• Band 3: £282.80 – Includes Band 1 and Band 2 treatments, along with crowns, dentures, and bridges.

You can find an NHS-registered dentist through the NHS website. Be aware that some dentists may only take private patients, in which case you’ll need UK health insurance for foreigners.

Travel insurance for short-term visitors

If you're visiting the UK for less than 6 months, whether for Erasmus or a conference, you'll need insurance for a UK student visa or appropriate visitor insurance. Travel insurance is essential because while some services, like emergency care and walk-in centres, are free, you'll be charged for hospital treatments and specialist care. These charges can be expensive, so having insurance will give you peace of mind.

When traveling to the UK, always carry your travel insurance details with you.

The NHS app and your NHS number

Once you’ve registered with the NHS, you’ll receive an NHS number, a unique 10-digit code used to identify you within the system. You can find this number on any NHS correspondence or by visiting the NHS website.

Additionally, the NHS app is a convenient tool for managing your health. You can book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and check your symptoms using the app.

Whether you’re moving to the UK as a student or a working professional, understanding how to access healthcare is vital. While the NHS offers free services to most UK residents and those who have paid the IHS, having UK health insurance for non-residents or visitors ensures you're covered for unexpected healthcare costs. Remember to register with a GP as soon as possible, know where your nearest urgent treatment centre is, and consider private insurance for additional peace of mind.

With the right preparation, you can fully take advantage of the UK’s healthcare system and feel secure during your time abroad.