Important: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Overseas visitors to England, including anyone living in the UK without permission, will not be charged for:
- testing for COVID-19 (even if the test shows you do not have COVID-19)
- treatment for COVID-19 – including for a related problem that affects some children called multisystem inflammatory syndrome
- vaccination against COVID-19, including boosters
No immigration checks are needed.
Unplanned treatment on a temporary visit to England
If you're visiting England from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), 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.
Make sure you're covered for healthcare through personal medical or travel insurance for all of your visit.
You'll need to pay the full estimated cost in advance, unless this would prevent or delay treatment that a clinician determines is urgent. If so, you can pay afterwards.
Future immigration applications may be denied if you are subject to immigration control and do not pay for NHS treatment when a charge applies. Debts for NHS treatment of £500 or more, that have been unpaid for at least 2 months, will be reported to the Home Office.
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 abortion 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 and abuse or sexual violence – this does not apply if you have come to England for the purpose of seeking that treatment
There are also certain categories of people who are exempt from charges.
Find out more about visitors who do not need to pay for NHS treatment