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Health & welfare for NRIs in UK

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) visiting or living in the UK are generally eligible to use the NHS, but may need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) depending on their visa type and the length of their stay. For most visas that allow for a stay of over 6 months, the IHS is required, and you will be eligible for free NHS hospital treatment, but may still need to pay for some services like prescriptions or dental care.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

If you have a visa that allows you to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you are likely required to pay the IHS as part of your visa application. 

Visa Validity:

  • Your entitlement to free NHS treatment will typically start from the date your visa is granted and will last until the visa expires. 

Exemptions:

  • There are certain categories of individuals who are exempt from paying the IHS, including those applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain, health and care workers, and dependents of certain armed forces members. 

Short-Term Visitors:

  • If you are visiting the UK for less than 6 months, you should have personal medical insurance to cover your healthcare needs. 

Paying for Treatment:

  • If you are not ordinarily resident in the UK and need to pay for NHS treatment, you may be charged at 150% of the national NHS rate. 
  • If you’re visiting UK for more than 6 months, you’ll need to pay the immigration health surcharge, unless you’re exempt from paying it. The full amount will be paid upfront for the duration of your visa

How to register with NHS?

Here are the steps to register with GP surgery in locality you live, to access NHS services.

GP surgeries are usually the first contact if you have a health problem. They can treat many conditions and give health advice. They can also refer you to other NHS services.

Find a GP Surgery:

  • Use the NHS website or the NHS App to search for GP surgeries in your area.
  • Consider factors like location, hours of operation, whether GP surgery is accepting new patients and online registration options.

Download and Complete the Registration Form:

  • Download the registration form from the surgery’s website or obtain one from the surgery.
  • Fill in all the required details, including your name, address, date of birth, and NHS number (if you have one).

Submit the Registration Form:

  • You can submit the form in person at the surgery or through the post or online.
  • Some surgeries also offer online registration through the NHS App or their website.

Registration Appointment:

  • You may be asked to attend a registration appointment to confirm your details and get your NHS number.
  • You’ll likely be asked to provide proof of address and identity documents, such as a passport or utility bill.

Temporary Registration:

  • If you’re visiting or living in the area for a short period (less than 3 months), you can register as a temporary resident.
  • You’ll need to fill out a GMS3 form and submit it to the surgery.

Children Registration:

  • Children under 16 need to be registered by their parent or guardian. This usually means filling in a separate form. You may also be asked to provide a form of ID to prove that you’re their parent or guardian.
  • If you have a personal child health record (red book) from the birth of your child, it will help to provide this.

You can refer to NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/ for more details.