Entitlement to NHS Treatment

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide

Access to NHS services in the UK is primarily determined by whether an individual is ordinarily resident, meaning they are lawfully living in the UK on a settled basis. Those not ordinarily resident may be subject to charges for certain NHS services, with specific exemptions.

Services Available to All Individuals:

Regardless of residency status, the following NHS services are free to everyone:

•Emergency Treatment: Immediate care in an emergency situation (excluding follow-up treatment).

•Treatment of Specific Communicable Diseases: Services related to the diagnosis and treatment of certain communicable diseases.

•Compulsory Psychiatric Treatment: Mental health treatment mandated by law.

Eligibility for Other NHS Services:

Access to additional NHS services depends on residency status and specific agreements:

•EU Nationals:

•Visitors: Short-term visitors from the EU can access medically necessary healthcare during their stay in the UK, provided they hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). Without these, they may be charged for NHS treatment. 

•Residents Post-2021: EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens moving to the UK on or after January 1, 2021, for more than six months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. Payment of the IHS grants access to NHS services on the same basis as UK residents. 

•Non-EU Nationals:

•Short-Term Visitors (Less Than 6 Months): Individuals from non-EU countries visiting the UK for less than six months are generally not entitled to free NHS healthcare, except for the services listed above. They would need to seek private healthcare and cover the costs of any treatment received.

•Long-Term Residents: Non-EU nationals coming to the UK for more than six months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This payment allows access to NHS services on the same terms as UK residents.

Important Considerations:

•Proof of Eligibility: NHS providers may request documentation to establish eligibility for free healthcare. This can include proof of lawful residency, valid EHIC or PRC for EU visitors, or evidence of IHS payment for non-EU nationals.

•Exemptions: Certain groups are exempt from NHS charges, including refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of human trafficking. Additionally, treatment for specific conditions, such as those resulting from torture, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, or sexual violence, is provided free of charge. 

•Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements: The UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some non-EU countries, allowing visitors to receive certain NHS treatments either free or at reduced cost. It’s advisable to check if such an agreement exists with your home country before seeking treatment.

For comprehensive and up-to-date information, please refer to the official UK government guidance on NHS entitlements for migrants.