The UK has a public healthcare system called the NHS (National Health Service).
Key principle: Healthcare is mostly free at the point of use: You don’t get a bill every time you see a doctor or go to hospital.
The NHS is funded mainly through taxes and National Insurance paid by workers.
What You Get for Free (or Almost Free): Once you’re eligible, the NHS covers:
Free services
- GP (doctor) appointments
- Hospital treatment (including surgery)
- Emergency & A&E care
- Maternity care
- Mental health services
- Care for long-term conditions (diabetes, asthma, etc.)
You do not need private insurance to access these services.
What You Might Pay For:
Some services have fixed, low charges in England and in particular dental care (often free in Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland).
England only (important)
- Prescriptions: ~£9.90 per item
- Dental care (NHS): (Please note, not too many NHS dentists remain)
- Check-up: ~£28
- Fillings / extractions: ~£75
- Complex treatment: ~£300+
- Eye tests: ~£25 (often free via employer benefits)
- Glasses/contact lenses: You pay for these
Many people use private dentists due to NHS availability, which costs more but offers faster access.
As a New Arrival: Are You Eligible?
If you are moving on a visa: Most people moving to the UK on a work, family, or study visa must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This gives you full access to the NHS, just like a UK resident.
Current cost (approx):
- £1,035 per adult per year
- £776 per child per year
You pay this upfront as part of your visa application.
Once paid:
✔️ GP visits
✔️ Hospital treatment
✔️ Emergency care
✔️ Ongoing treatment
All included.
What the NHS Does Not Cover Well:
This is where some people choose private healthcare:
- Faster access to specialists, shorter waiting times for non-urgent surgery, wider choice of dentist and more flexible appointment times.
Private Healthcare:
Private healthcare in the UK is optional, not essential.
Typical private costs:
- GP appointment: £50–£100
- Specialist consultation: £150–£300
- Private health insurance: £50–£150 per month (age & coverage dependent)
Many employers offer private medical insurance as a benefit.
How You Actually Access Care:
- Register with a local GP (doctor) once you have an address.
- GP is your first point of contact.
- GP refers you to specialists or hospital care if needed.
- Emergency? Go straight to A&E (ER) or call 999.
The Reality of Waiting Times:
This is the main downside people mention:
- GP appointments: usually days to weeks, specialist referrals: weeks to months and emergency care: prioritised by urgency.
Serious and urgent cases are treated quickly — routine issues can take longer.
What This Means for You:
✔️ World-class healthcare without surprise bills
✔️ Low ongoing costs once you’re in the system
✔️ Immigration Health Surcharge covers almost everything
✔️ Private healthcare is optional, not essential
⚠️ Waiting times can be longer than in fully private systems
