The healthcare system in the UK is known as the National Health Service (NHS), and it provides publicly funded healthcare services to residents of the United Kingdom. Here are key aspects of health and care in the UK:

• Universal Healthcare: The NHS offers universal healthcare coverage, providing medical services, treatments, and medications to all UK residents, regardless of their ability to pay.
• Primary Care: Primary care is the first point of contact for most patients and is typically provided by General Practitioners (GPs). Patients can register with a GP practice and receive medical consultations, referrals, and prescriptions.
• Specialist Care: The NHS also provides specialist care through hospitals and specialist clinics, catering to various medical conditions and treatments.
• Emergency Services: The NHS offers emergency medical services, accessible through the emergency number 999, for immediate assistance in life-threatening situations.
• Free at the Point of Use: In most cases, NHS services are free at the point of use, meaning patients do not have to pay for consultations, treatments, or hospital stays.
• Prescription Charges: Prescription medications may incur charges, but certain groups, such as children, elderly, and low-income individuals, may be exempt from prescription fees.
• Social Care: Social care services, such as support for the elderly and disabled, are separate from the NHS and may involve local authorities' provisions.
• Private Healthcare: While the NHS is the primary provider of healthcare in the UK, some individuals opt for private healthcare services, which involve payment for specific treatments and medical services.
• Public Health Initiatives: The UK government actively promotes public health initiatives, including vaccination programs, health awareness campaigns, and disease prevention measures.
• Healthcare Workforce: The NHS employs a diverse range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff.

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application.

Whether you need to pay depends on the immigration status you’re applying for.

When you can start to use the NHS

You can start using the National Health Service (NHS) when both:

• you’ve paid the healthcare surcharge (or are exempt from paying it)
• your visa or immigration application is granted

From 1 February 2022 the NHS Surcharge for Skilled Worker and Tier 5 applicants is calculated based on the length of their visa, not their CoS, which may result in higher fees

What is the NHS Surcharge?

The National Health Service (NHS) Surcharge is paid as a part of the visa application and grant the visa holder access to free health services in the UK.

Who has to pay the NHS Surcharge?

All (European and non-European) applicants, and each of their dependants, must pay the NHS Surcharge when applying for a visa.

The NHS Surcharge does not apply to:

• Visitor visa categories (such as Business Visitor, General Visitor (tourist), and Academic Visitor - even if over 6 months)
• Visas to enter the UK (applications submitted overseas) which are issued for less than 6 months duration

These visa holders will be charged for any NHS treatment they receive (at a rate of 150% of the cost of treatment) and should therefore ensure that they have adequate travel and health insurance.

Do I still need to pay the NHS Surcharge if I have private medical insurance?

Yes. The NHS Surcharge must still be paid as a part of the visa application even if you have, or take out, private medical insurance.