The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is one of the most well-known public healthcare systems in the world, and most legal residents get access to it — with some important caveats for newcomers.
The NHS and Immigration Health Surcharge
Most visa applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application — typically £1,000+/year depending on visa type — which then grants access to NHS care on largely the same basis as UK citizens, free at the point of use.
Wait Times
The main drawback of the NHS is wait times for non-urgent specialist care, which can extend to months in some cases — this is the primary reason many expats and higher earners in London supplement with private insurance.
Private Insurance
Private health insurance runs roughly £40–100/month depending on age and coverage, offering faster access to specialists and a wider choice of providers, commonly used alongside NHS access rather than instead of it.
Registering with a GP
New residents should register with a local General Practitioner (GP) as their first point of contact for non-emergency care — this can typically be done online or in person shortly after arrival with proof of address.
Emergency Care
Call 999 or 112 for emergencies. NHS Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments are free at the point of use for genuine emergencies regardless of insurance status.
The Bottom Line
The NHS provides a genuine safety net once you’ve paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, but many expats add private insurance for faster non-emergency care given typical NHS wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tourists get free NHS care?
No — short-term visitors are generally charged for non-emergency NHS care, which is why travel insurance is recommended for anyone visiting without a visa that includes the health surcharge.