Overseas visitors

If you are not a resident in the UK, even if you have a British passport, or have paid national insurance contributions and taxes in this country in the past you may have to pay for treatment.

The NHS is a state funded organisation which provides free hospital treatment to people who are legally living in the UK on a permanent basis.

How can I prove that I am entitled to free hospital treatment?

To receive free hospital treatment, you will need to provide evidence that you are legally living within the UK.

All patients who are treated at our trust, whatever their nationality and living status, are required to provide correct information when registering their details. If you are living in the UK on a settled basis then you should be prepared to provide evidence.

What happens if I need to attend the accident and emergency department (A&E)?

You will not be charged for treatment that you receive in the A&E department. However, this does not include emergency treatment given in any other department in the hospital.

I am just visiting the UK. Do I definitely have to pay for treatment if I become unwell?

No. There are a number of circumstances under which you might still be entitled to free healthcare:

• if you are visiting the UK and you normally live in a country that has a bilateral healthcare agreement with the UK, you might be entitled to free healthcare if you become unwell during your visit to the UK
• if you are visiting the UK and you normally live in a country that is a member of the European Economic Area healthcare arrangement, you will be entitled to free healthcare, provided that you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card does not entitle you to pre-planned treatment – only emergency treatment
• if you have come from abroad to take up employment or studies in the UK, you might be entitled to free hospital treatment. However, it will not be enough to show your ‘right to work’. You need to be able to show evidence that you are actually working for a UK-based employer. If you are in full-time study, you need to be able to show that you are attending a full time course of not less than six months duration
• if you are a refugee or an asylum seeker whose formal application to the UK Border Agency is still being considered, you will not have to pay hospital charges. A refugee is someone who has been granted asylum in this country. If you are a refugee or an asylum seeker you will still have to pay for all prescribed medications

If I am not eligible for free treatment, what will I have to pay for?

You will be charged for any treatment given to you, by any member of staff in any of our services, both in the hospital or in the community. Exceptions may apply under certain circumstances, but we will discuss this with you if it applies to you.

How will I know if I have to pay?

The overseas visitors team can provide you with more detailed information if you are unsure whether you are entitled to free hospital treatment. You will be asked to provide evidence of entitlement – the overseas visitors team can advise you of what documents are acceptable.

The Windrush Scheme

People who arrived in the UK many years ago and do not have documentation confirming their immigration status have faced difficulties in proving their right of abode. Patients who feel they are affected by this should contact the Windrush Scheme

Useful information

• Information for those visiting or moving to England