Healthcare & the NHS: A Guide for New Arrivals

How the NHS works

The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare that's free at the point of use for UK residents, funded through general taxation and National Insurance contributions. Most day-to-day care starts with your local GP (General Practitioner), who can refer you to specialists or hospital care when needed.

Registering with a GP

As soon as you have a fixed address, register with a local GP surgery — you don't need to wait until you're unwell. You'll typically need proof of address and ID, though practices can't legally refuse you for lacking these in most circumstances. Registration is usually done online or in person, and gives you access to routine appointments, prescriptions and referrals.

What's free and what isn't

• GP appointments and most NHS hospital treatment: free at the point of use for UK residents
• Prescriptions: a flat charge per item in England (free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), with exemptions for certain conditions and age groups
• Dental and optical care: partially charged, with NHS dentists sometimes having long waiting lists in some areas

The Immigration Health Surcharge

Most visa applicants pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application, which then gives access to NHS services on broadly the same basis as a UK resident. Check current rates on GOV.UK as part of your visa application.

Should I get private health insurance too?

Many expats, particularly those used to fast access to specialists, choose to take out private health insurance alongside the NHS — useful for shorter waiting times for non-urgent treatment, private hospital rooms, or if your employer offers it as a benefit. It's not compulsory, and most people rely on the NHS as their primary care route.