NHS healthcare UK
Last updated: March 5, 2026
NHS Healthcare UK: Practical Guide for Dutch Emigrants
Moving to the United Kingdom from the Netherlands involves understanding how the National Health Service (NHS) works and what you need to do to access healthcare services. This guide covers key information on NHS healthcare, costs, registration procedures, and practical tips to help you navigate the system smoothly.
What is the NHS?
The NHS is the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK, providing most healthcare services free at the point of use to residents. It covers hospital care, GP (general practitioner) visits, emergency treatment, and many other services. The NHS is primarily funded through general taxation.
Eligibility for NHS Healthcare
As a Dutch citizen moving to the UK, your eligibility for NHS healthcare depends on your immigration and residency status:
- If you have settled status or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you are entitled to free NHS care.
- If you are a temporary resident (e.g., on a work visa, student visa, etc.), you are generally eligible for free NHS care if you are "ordinarily resident" in the UK. Ordinarily resident means you live in the UK on a lawful and settled basis.
- Visitors or short-term travelers are generally not eligible for free NHS treatment and may be charged for care.
For the most accurate information, consult the UK government’s official NHS eligibility guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-entitlement-to-healthcare-leaflet
Registering with a GP (General Practitioner)
The first step to accessing NHS healthcare is registering with a local GP surgery. GPs are your primary contact for non-emergency medical issues and referrals.
How to register:
- Find a GP near your home through the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp - Contact the surgery and ask if they are accepting new patients.
- Complete a registration form (GMS1 form), usually available at the surgery or online.
- Provide proof of address (utility bill, tenancy agreement) and ID (passport, residence permit).
- Once registered, you can book appointments and access NHS services.
Important:
- Registration is free.
- You do not need proof of immigration status to register, but healthcare charges may apply depending on your status.
- If you become seriously ill or injured before registration, visit an A&E department.
What NHS Services are Free?
Most NHS services are free for eligible residents, including:
- GP consultations and referrals
- Hospital treatment (inpatient and outpatient)
- Emergency care at Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments
- Maternity services
- Mental health services
- Vaccinations on the NHS schedule
- Prescriptions (in some parts of the UK; see below)
Prescription Charges and Exemptions
In England, most NHS prescriptions require a charge of £9.65 per item (as of June 2024). However, there are important exemptions:
- Children under 16, or under 19 in full-time education: free prescriptions
- Pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months, with a valid maternity exemption certificate
- People aged 60 or over
- People with certain medical conditions
- Low-income individuals holding specific certificates
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for all NHS patients.
Check the latest prescription charges and exemptions here:
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/prescription-costs/
NHS Dental Care and Optical Services
NHS dental and optical services are available but may involve charges:
- NHS dental treatment costs vary depending on the treatment band, ranging from £23.80 to £282.80 (England, as of 2024).
- Optical services (eye tests and glasses) are generally not free but may be subsidized for certain groups.
Dental and optical care is not automatically free for all NHS patients. Check eligibility and charges here:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/
Emergency and Urgent Care
- For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 or go to the nearest A&E.
- For urgent medical advice that is not an emergency, call NHS 111 or use the online NHS 111 service.
- Walk-in centres and urgent treatment centres provide care for minor injuries and illnesses without an appointment.
Healthcare Surcharge for Visa Holders
If you are moving to the UK with a visa valid for more than 6 months (work, study, family visas), you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This allows you to access NHS services without additional charges.
- The current IHS is £624 per year per adult and £470 per year per child (subject to change).
- Paying the IHS means you do not pay for most NHS treatments during your visa.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
Practical Tips
- Register with a GP as soon as you arrive to avoid delays.
- Carry your NHS number once assigned; it helps with appointments.
- Understand that NHS waiting times can be long; plan accordingly.
- Use NHS 111 for non-emergency advice instead of A&E.
- Keep your personal details (address, phone) updated with your GP.
- If you require regular medication, arrange a repeat prescription with your GP.
- If you have private health insurance, check how it works with NHS services.
Common Mistakes
- Not registering with a GP immediately: This delays access to routine healthcare and referrals.
- Assuming all NHS care is free: Prescription charges, dental care, and optical services can incur costs.
- Ignoring the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Failure to pay it when required can lead to visa refusal or NHS charges.
- Going directly to A&E for minor issues: This clogs emergency services and may result in long waits.
- Not updating your GP with address changes: This can interrupt your healthcare and prescriptions.
- Failing to check NHS eligibility status: Some visitors and short-term residents must pay for NHS care.
- Assuming NHS prescriptions are free in England: Most prescriptions require a charge unless exempt.
For the latest and most detailed information, always check official UK government websites and NHS resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/healthcare-health-surcharge
By understanding these practical aspects of NHS healthcare, Dutch emigrants can better prepare for living in the UK and accessing essential health services without unexpected costs or complications.