The NHS is one of the UK's most complex and misunderstood systems. As a saffa, you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) upfront. Here is how to actually use it.
What the IHS covers
- You paid £1,035/year per adult, £776/year for under-18 dependants upfront with your visa.
- Once paid, you access NHS services on the same basis as any UK resident.
- Covered: GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency care and most NHS services.
- NOT covered: most NHS dental treatment, NHS optical (eye tests and glasses), some prescription charges in England.
Registering with a GP
Your GP is the starting point for almost all NHS healthcare. Register in your first week.
- Find your nearest GP at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
- Registration is free and takes 10-15 minutes online or in person
- You do not need to show proof of address, ID or your visa to register. A surgery cannot refuse you on these grounds.
- GP registration is address-based: you must live within the practice's catchment area
- Your NHS number arrives by post within a few weeks. Download the NHS App once you have it.
NHS dental
Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients is genuinely difficult in 2026, especially in London.
- NHS dental bands (2026): Band 1 check-up £26.80, Band 2 fillings £73.50, Band 3 crowns £319.10
- Use nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist and call practices directly
- Private dental plans (Denplan, Bupa Dental): approximately £15-£30/month as an alternative
Prescriptions in England
- Each prescription item: £9.90 (2026)
- Prepayment certificate (PPC): £32.05 for 3 months or £114.50 for 12 months — unlimited prescriptions
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: prescriptions are FREE
The NHS GP referral system means you cannot walk into a specialist. Your GP refers you. Waiting times for NHS specialist referrals can be weeks to months. Many saffas use private medical insurance (Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality) for faster specialist access while using the NHS for GP and emergencies. Private medical insurance starts from approximately £50-£150/month.
Information correct as of August 2026. NHS charges and prescription fees change annually. Always verify at nhs.uk. Saffa does not provide medical advice.