Accessing the NHS as a Skilled Worker in the UK has become one of the most reassuring parts of moving to Britain, offering peace of mind that healthcare support will be there when it’s needed most. For many new arrivals, the process can seem daunting at first. Still, the system is designed to ensure that visa holders are welcomed into the same healthcare framework that millions across the country rely on every day. Thanks to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), introduced as part of the visa process, Skilled Workers and their families are able to register with a local GP, visit A&E if emergencies arise, and access hospital care much like permanent residents. While there are still small areas where costs may apply, such as prescriptions or dental treatment, the essential message is a positive one: coming to work in the UK means gaining dependable healthcare access through the NHS, a service widely recognised as one of the most trusted institutions in the world.
What NHS Services Are Covered?
Once the Immigration Health Surcharge is paid, you are entitled to use the NHS much like a permanent UK resident, from the day you arrive until your visa ends. This means you can visit a GP, attend Accident & Emergency if needed, receive hospital care, and access maternity services, along with most other standard NHS treatments. However, just as UK residents do, you’ll still need to cover certain costs yourself—such as prescriptions in England, routine dental care, eye tests, and some specialist or private services. In essence, the IHS ensures you are part of the same healthcare system, with a few everyday charges that apply to everyone.
How to Register with a GP (General Practitioner)?
1. Find a local GP surgery
- Use the official NHS service finder tool to locate nearby GP practices.
2. Contact the GP practice
- Call, email, or sometimes register online to request to join as a new patient.
3. Complete registration forms
- Most practices will ask you to fill in a GMS1 form.
- You’ll usually need proof of identity (e.g. passport) and a recent proof of address.
4. Access NHS services
- Once registered, you’re entitled to NHS GP services, including consultations and referrals, without paying at the point of use (covered under your Immigration Health Surcharge).
5. Check for extra costs
- Standard NHS GP services are free, but optional services or private extras may carry additional charges—your practice can confirm if anything falls outside NHS coverage.
Evolution of NHS Access for Visa Holders & Where Costs May Still Arise
History & Changes:
- IHS was introduced in 2015 to ensure migrants contribute financially to NHS care.
- In February 2024, the surcharge rose from £624 to £1,035 per year, a 66% increase.
Recent developments:
- In June 2025, a tragic case highlighted the policy’s rigidity: a UK citizen’s late wife passed away before arriving in the UK; the Home Office refused to refund the £3,105 IHS paid, citing standard policy limitations.
- Healthcare workers (Health and Care Worker visa holders) and their dependants are exempt from paying the IHS. In some cases, eligibility for refunds exists if the surcharge was paid in error or if circumstances change.
- If the visa is refused or withdrawn — or if you overpaid by submitting duplicate payments — the IHS can be refunded.
- However, if you voluntarily leave the UK early, you generally cannot claim a refund for the unused period.
What You Need to Know?
| Category | Details |
| IHS Rate (2025) | £1,035/year (standard); £776/year (student/under-18 years YMS) (Reduced). |
| Covered Services | GP visits, A&E, and hospital care. |
| Excluded Costs | Prescriptions, dental, eye tests, and certain private services. |
| Exemptions | Health & Care Worker visa holders and their dependants, visitors (<6 months), asylum seekers, ILR applicants, and some others. |
| Refund Conditions | Visa refused/withdrawn, duplicate payment, IHS paid in error. No refund for early departure or death before entry. |
| GP Registration Process | Locate practice → complete GMS1 form → provide ID and proof of address → register for NHS services |
Practical Steps for Skilled Workers in 2025
- Account for the IHS when budgeting: It’s a non-negligible cost—typically £3,105 for a 3-year visa.
- Pay via the GOV.UK IHS portal during the visa application.
- Save your IHS reference number — you’ll need it for applications and potential refunds.
- Register with a GP promptly after arriving to access NHS care.
- Check charges for prescriptions or other services, as they remain payable even with IHS.
- Be aware of your refund eligibility, particularly if your circumstances change post-payment.
Take Away!
For skilled workers entering the UK, NHS access through the IHS isn’t just a formality—it’s a genuine support system that ensures you and your family can settle in with peace of mind. From GP consultations to hospital care, you’re stepping into one of the world’s most trusted healthcare frameworks, giving you the confidence to focus on your career and life in the UK. Yes, a few costs like prescriptions or dental fees remain, but these are shared by all residents, so you’ll never feel singled out. What truly matters is that the IHS opens the door to care when you need it most. Keep yourself updated on exemptions, refund rules, and practical tips so you can make the most of your entitlement. And for ongoing insights, real experiences, and clear updates tailored to workers like you, make sure to follow Skilled Worker Mag—your go-to guide for thriving in the UK.
