Most people moving to the UK on a visa of more than six months pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives them access to the National Health Service. Many wealthier families also take out private medical insurance for faster access to specialists and treatment.
The Immigration Health Surcharge
The surcharge is paid upfront, for the whole length of your visa, as part of your application. For most applicants it is £1,035 per person per year. Each family member pays it separately. See visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Using the NHS
- Register with a local GP (general practitioner) soon after you arrive. Your GP is your first point of contact and refers you to specialists.
- NHS treatment is generally free at the point of use. In England there are standard charges for prescriptions and for dental treatment.
- Emergency care is available through A&E departments, and NHS 111 gives urgent advice by phone or online.
Private healthcare
- Private medical insurance covers private consultations and treatment, usually with faster access than the NHS. Policies vary widely in what they cover, especially for pre-existing conditions.
- Private GP services offer same-day or next-day appointments for a fee or a subscription.
- Private hospitals are concentrated in London, particularly around Harley Street and Marylebone, with networks across the country.
Private cover sits alongside the NHS rather than replacing it. You still pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, and the NHS still provides emergency care.
What the health surcharge costs your family
| Family | Per year | 5-year visa |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult | £1,035 | £5,175 |
| Couple | £2,070 | £10,350 |
| Couple with two children | £3,622 | £18,110 |
Children under 18 pay a reduced rate of £776 a year. Some people do not pay the surcharge at all, including those on visit visas and some health and care workers. If a visa application is refused, the surcharge is refunded.
Registering with a GP: step by step
- Find practices near your home using the NHS website. Practices only register people within their area.
- Register online or at the practice. You do not need proof of address or immigration status to register, though practices may ask for identification.
- Get your NHS number, which you will receive after registration and which links you to your records.
- Bring your medical history, including vaccination records for children and details of any ongoing treatment and prescriptions, translated if needed.
Do this within your first couple of weeks, before you need it. Children will also need to be registered.
Dentists, opticians and prescriptions
- NHS dentists are hard to find in many areas, and NHS dental treatment carries set charges. Many relocating families use private dentists.
- Prescriptions in England have a standard charge per item. Children, people over 60 and some others get them free. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Eye tests are usually paid for privately by adults, and free for children.
Choosing private medical insurance
- Underwriting: “moratorium” policies exclude recent pre-existing conditions for an initial period, while “full medical underwriting” sets exclusions up front. Disclose your history carefully.
- Hospital lists: cheaper policies exclude some central London hospitals.
- Outpatient limits: check what is covered for consultations, scans and therapies.
- Maternity, mental health and chronic conditions: often limited or excluded on standard UK policies.
- International cover: if you travel a lot or may move again, an international private medical insurance plan may suit better than a UK-only policy.
- Employer schemes: many employers provide private cover. Check whether your family is included.
In an emergency
- Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies.
- Call 111 or use NHS 111 online for urgent advice that is not life-threatening.
- Urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres handle minor injuries and illnesses without an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Does private insurance mean I can skip the surcharge?
No. The surcharge is compulsory for most visa applicants, whatever private cover you hold.
Can I see a private specialist without a GP referral?
Some private specialists accept self-referrals, but most insurers require a GP referral (NHS or private) to cover the costs.
Are visitors covered by the NHS?
Generally not, except for emergency treatment in A&E. Visitors should have travel insurance.
Sources: GOV.UK: paying for healthcare as part of your immigration application; NHS: how to register with a GP surgery.
Talk to a regulated adviser
Every route has its own traps. A specialist can check your plan before you commit time and money to it.
Business and private client firmsBrowse all solicitorsLast checked: 2 November 2026. General information, not medical or financial advice. See our disclaimer.