Medical care in the UK: terms of treatment, insurance, medical tourism

The United Kingdom has one of the world’s most renowned healthcare systems, built around the National Health Service (NHS). Foreigners who come to the country to work, study, or seek medical treatment—including citizens of Georgia and Thailand—face requirements for registering with a doctor, paying a medical fee, and choosing insurance coverage.

In this article, we’ll break down how the British healthcare system works, which services are provided free of charge, how much private treatment costs, and what foreign patients should know before their trip.

Planning to seek treatment in the UK but not sure where to start?

Visit World’s guide to seeking treatment abroad provides a step-by-step process—from choosing a clinic to applying for a visa and obtaining insurance.

How does the healthcare system in the UK work?

The foundation of healthcare in the UK is the National Health Service (NHS). It comprises four separate bodies: NHS England, NHS Wales, NHS Scotland, and Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland (HSC). Each operates in its own part of the United Kingdom, adhering to common operating principles.

To access public healthcare, a resident must register with a family doctor—a General Practitioner (GP). The GP serves as the first point of contact with the system: they prescribe basic treatment, issue referrals to specialists (consultants), and refer patients for diagnostic tests.

Waiting lists in the NHS can be long, so some residents of the country also use the services of private clinics. This allows them to undergo diagnostics more quickly or receive scheduled treatment. For foreigners moving to the UK for an extended period, particularly citizens of Ukraine, Moldova, and Lithuania, international health insurance is a relevant option.

Everything you need to know about the ETA for the UK in 2026—find it here.

What the NHS Covers: Free Services and Services That Require Payment

Most basic medical services in the UK are provided free of charge at the point of service. Free NHS services include:

• consultations with a family doctor;
• inpatient care at public hospitals;
• care in emergency departments (A&E);
• services at minor injuries units;
• visits to walk-in centers without an appointment.

A number of services remain fee-based or require a partial copayment. Patients are responsible for the cost of dental care, optometry, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.

Prescription medications are also subject to a fee—in most cases, this is a fixed amount per item.

Certain categories of citizens are eligible for benefits: children, pregnant women, patients with specific diagnoses, and the elderly. The terms of these benefits vary depending on the part of the United Kingdom.

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Registering with a Family Doctor: The First Step for Foreigners

Registering with a GP is a mandatory step for any resident of the country. You can choose a doctor who practices within your local area. To register, you typically need to provide your passport, proof of address, and a document confirming your immigration status.

After registration, the patient receives an NHS number—a unique identifier used in all healthcare facilities. Without it, access to routine procedures becomes difficult, and some services become unavailable.

It’s important to note that GPs do not provide emergency care. For acute conditions, call the 999 emergency service or visit the A&E department at a hospital.

About Erasmus+ for the UK starting in 2027—read more in this article.

Immigration Health Surcharge: A Medical Fee for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals applying for a visa valid for more than six months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This fee entitles them to use NHS services on the same basis as local residents for the duration of their visa.

The amount of the surcharge depends on the applicant’s category and the duration of the visa. Students, children under 18, and participants in certain programs pay a reduced rate. Current rates are published on the official gov.uk portal and are periodically reviewed by the British government.

Irish citizens are exempt from paying the IHS under the Common Travel Area agreement. Certain categories of applicants from EU countries and Switzerland may, under specific conditions, be eligible for reimbursement of the fee if their medical care is funded by their country of origin.

Medical Tourism: Categories of Foreign Patients in the UK

British clinics accept two types of international patients. The first category includes “overseas visitors”—tourists or business travelers who fell ill during their stay in the country and require emergency care. The second category consists of “international patients”—people who traveled to the UK specifically for elective treatment.

International patients typically pay for services themselves (self-pay) or receive funding from their home country’s government or embassy. Often, a companion—a relative who assists with logistics and post-procedure care—travels to the country with the patient.

According to PHIN, over the past five years, approximately 59% of international patients have come to the UK from countries on the Arabian Peninsula. Next are citizens of Ireland (about 7%), Nigeria (4%), Cyprus (2%), and the United States (2%).

London remains the most popular region for treatment—about 91% of international patients come here.

By the way, citizens of 85 countries must have an ETA to enter the UK.

Visa Requirements for Medical Treatment in the UK

Foreign nationals planning to travel to the United Kingdom for private medical treatment can obtain a special visa valid for up to six months. This visa entitles the holder to undergo consultations, examinations, or procedures at private clinics or at public hospitals under intergovernmental agreements.

To obtain such a visa, the applicant must confirm:

1. the existence of a medical condition requiring treatment or consultation in the United Kingdom;
2. a prior agreement with a clinic or doctor regarding the procedures to be performed;
3. sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of treatment and accommodation;
4. the intention to leave the country upon completion of treatment;
5. the absence of infectious diseases that pose a threat to public health.

The current list of required documents and requirements is published on the official gov.uk website. Before submitting your application, be sure to check for the latest updates, as the rules change periodically.

About the UK’s new visa rules for 2026–2027 — read more at the link.

Cost of Private Medical Treatment in the UK

Prices for private medical care in the UK vary depending on the type of procedure, the chosen clinic, the specific specialist, and the region. Clinics in London are traditionally more expensive than those in other regions.

For patients paying for treatment out of pocket, it’s important to factor in additional expenses: airfare, accommodation near the clinic during recovery, transportation, interpreter services, and a companion. In many cases, the cost of these living expenses is comparable to the cost of the procedure itself.

You can get a preliminary cost estimate using the PHIN online calculator, which displays consultants’ fees. Additional costs for the hospital, anesthesia, medications, and tests require a separate inquiry with your chosen clinic.

Remember! Planning treatment in the United Kingdom requires attention to many details: visa requirements, clinic selection, insurance coverage, and financial calculations. To streamline this process, the Visit World portal has prepared a guide to receiving treatment abroad. It includes step-by-step instructions on choosing a country, preparing documents, securing insurance, and preparing for your trip.

Order the guide from Visit World and get reliable information to help you plan your treatment abroad!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed the top countries with the best healthcare in the world in 2026.