Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Overseas visitors to England, including anyone living in the UK without permission, will not be charged for:
- testing for coronavirus (even if the test shows you do not have coronavirus)
- treatment for coronavirus – including for a related problem that affects some children called multisystem inflammatory syndrome
- vaccination against coronavirus
No immigration checks are needed.
See GOV.UK: NHS entitlements for migrants for information in other languages.
Unplanned treatment on a temporary visit to England
If you're visiting England from a non-EEA country, even if you're a former UK resident, you'll be charged for NHS secondary care at 150% of the standard NHS rate, unless an exemption from the charge category applies to either you or the treatment.
You should make sure you're covered for healthcare through personal medical or travel insurance for the duration of your visit.
You'll need to pay the full estimated cost in advance if the treatment you need is non-urgent, otherwise the treatment will not be provided.
If you're a non-EEA national and you fail to pay for NHS treatment when a charge applies, any future immigration application you make may be denied.
Some NHS services or treatments are exempt from charges so that they're free to all (although prescription, dentistry and other charges may still apply).
These include:
- accident and emergency services – not including emergency treatment if admitted to hospital
- family planning services – this does not include termination of pregnancy or infertility treatment
- treatment for most infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- treatment required for a physical or mental condition caused by torture, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence or sexual violence – this does not apply if you have come to England for the purpose of seeking that treatment
Furthermore, there are certain categories of people who are exempt from charges.