When you visit England, you’ll normally have to pay for all NHS treatment unless you’re exempt from charges.
Different rules apply if you’re moving to England permanently or returning to live in England permanently. For more information, see Am I entitled to NHS treatment when I move to England?
What does exempt from charges mean?
This means that someone who is an overseas visitor to the UK is entitled to full NHS hospital treatment free of charge under regulations.
The Department of Health (DH) provides guidance about overseas visitors hospital charging regulations (PDF 499 kb) that includes:
- people entitled to full NHS hospital treatment free of charge
- people entitled to some NHS hospital treatment free of charge
- visitors from EEA (European Economic Area) countries
- countries that have a healthcare agreement with the UK
NHS hospital treatment in England
If your country has a healthcare agreement with the UK, you may not have to pay for NHS hospital treatment when you visit the UK. For example, you won’t have to pay if you need treatment straight away for a condition that starts after you arrive in the UK. Your country’s authorities will have details of what the agreement covers.
If you don’t normally live in the UK and you’re not exempt from charges, you must pay for any NHS hospital treatment that you need during your stay.
Private health insurance
If you think you’ll have to pay for treatment, you’re strongly advised to take out health insurance before you travel. Your insurance should cover the length of time you’ll be in the UK. You cannot buy this insurance from the NHS.
Proving your entitlement
Hospitals are responsible for checking who should pay for NHS hospital treatment.
The hospital will ask you for evidence to confirm whether you should pay. You may be asked to provide proof that you’re on a short-term visit, using your passport or identity card, or travel documents
Emergency treatment
Regardless of how long you’re staying or your nationality, you’re entitled to free emergency NHS treatment from:
- a primary care practice, such as a GP surgery
- an A&E department
- an NHS walk-in centre
However, unless you’re exempt from charges, you’ll have to pay NHS charges if you’re:
- admitted to hospital as an in-patient (this includes high dependency units and other emergency treatment, such as operations), or
- registered at an outpatient clinic
Read the answers to more questions about NHS services and treatments.
Further information:
