Public coverage, migrant eligibility, and private insurance options.
National Health Service (NHS) — universal
The NHS provides comprehensive, free-at-point-of-use healthcare including GP services, hospital treatment, A&E, and most specialist care. Prescriptions cost a flat £9.90 per item in England (free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
Workers on a Skilled Worker Visa pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — currently £1,035/year, paid upfront with the visa. After paying IHS, you have full NHS access from day one of arrival. Healthcare workers on the Health and Care Worker Visa are exempt from IHS.
Private health insurance (Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality) is popular for faster specialist access and dental/optical. Average cost: £60–120/month for a single adult. Many NHS employers provide employer-funded dental/optical plans.
Common provider examples
Examples from the sourced guide; compare coverage independently.
Official source
Verified: March 2025
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