Can visitors use the NHS in London?
Emergency treatment in an accident and emergency department is provided to anyone, and other NHS care may be chargeable for people who are not ordinarily resident. Visa applicants for longer stays normally pay the immigration health surcharge.
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How it works
Entitlement depends on residence status rather than nationality, and hospitals assess it before non-urgent treatment. Travel insurance and, where applicable, a reciprocal healthcare card cover costs that the NHS charges for.
Commonly mixed up with
Free at the point of use applies to residents; a visitor can be invoiced afterwards for treatment that was not an emergency.
Can visitors use the NHS in London?
| Knowledge, London | Legal, visa and entry |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Emergency treatment in an accident and emergency department is provided to anyone, and other NHS care may be chargeable for people who are not ordinarily resident. Visa applicants for longer stays normally pay the immigration health surcharge. |
| How it works | Entitlement depends on residence status rather than nationality, and hospitals assess it before non-urgent treatment. Travel insurance and, where applicable, a reciprocal healthcare card cover costs that the NHS charges for. |
| Commonly mixed up with | Free at the point of use applies to residents; a visitor can be invoiced afterwards for treatment that was not an emergency. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Is A and E free?
- Emergency department treatment is provided without upfront charge.
- Do I need insurance?
- Travel insurance is advisable because non-urgent care can be charged.
- What is the health surcharge?
- A fee paid with most longer visa applications.
- Can I see a GP?
- Registration rules for visitors are published by the NHS.
- Where are the rules?
- The NHS publishes guidance for visitors and new residents.
Sources
More in this track
- What is the UK ETA and who needs one?
- Which UK work visa routes exist?
- What passport validity does the UK require?
- How long can a visitor stay in the UK?
- How do family members join someone in the UK?
- What is the right to rent check in England?
- Can you drive in the UK on a foreign licence?
- What consumer rights apply when you buy in the UK?
- What happens at the UK border on arrival?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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