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Home/Blogs/Canadian Teachers/The British National Health Service (NHS): A Guide for Overseas Teachers

The British National Health Service (NHS): A Guide for Overseas Teachers

The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system. It provides healthcare that is largely free at the point of use for people who are legally resident in the UK.

If you are coming to the UK on a work visa (such as a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa , Ancestry Visa or Skilled Worker visa) and have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application, you are entitled to use NHS services in much the same way as a UK resident.

Below is some information on what is and isn’t included in terms of care and how to get started when you arrive in the UK. Just remember you will not be covered when you leave the UK, so make sure you get travel insurance for the periods you are on holiday in Europe and beyond. Teach in consultants will always recommend you talk with your current Dr if you are currently on a specific medication and check it is available in the UK.

  1. What the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Covers

By paying the IHS, you can access:

  • NHS hospital treatment
  • GP (doctor) appointments
  • Emergency care and A&E services
  • Maternity care
  • Mental health services
  • Treatment for pre-existing conditions

There is no need for private health insurance unless you want faster access or services not covered by the NHS.

  1. Registering with a GP (Doctor)

Once you arrive in the UK, one of your first priorities should be to register with a local GP surgery.

How to register:

  • Find a GP surgery near your home (usually through the NHS website or local recommendations).
  • Complete a registration form (GMS1) – this can often be done online.

Provide:

  • Proof of address (e.g. tenancy agreement or utility bill)
  • Photo ID (passport)
  • Your visa share-code showing your right to work and medical care.

Registration is free, and you do not need to be ill to register.

Once registered:

Your GP is your main point of contact for healthcare

  • They can prescribe medication
  • They refer you to hospital specialists if needed

  1. What NHS Services Are Free

With IHS paid, the following are free at the point of use:

  • GP appointments
  • Hospital treatment (including surgery)
  • Accident & Emergency (A&E)
  • Maternity and antenatal care
  • Mental health services
  • Treatment for chronic or long-term conditions

  1. Prescription Costs (England)

In England, prescriptions are not free for most adults.

  • Standard cost: around £10 per item (price can change slightly each year)
  • Each medication item is charged separately
  • You may be eligible for free prescriptions if you:
  • Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
  • Have certain long-term medical conditions
  • Are on a low income (via the NHS Low Income Scheme)
  • If you need regular medication, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) can save money by covering unlimited prescriptions for a set period.
  1. What Is NOT Fully Covered by the NHS

Some services are partially covered or not free, including:

  • Dental care
  • NHS dental treatment requires patient contributions
  • Costs depend on the treatment band
  • Many people choose private dentists due to availability
  • Eye care
  • Eye tests and glasses are usually paid for
  • Some people qualify for free tests or vouchers
  • Prescriptions (England)
  • As noted above, most adults pay per item

Other exclusions

  • Cosmetic (non-medical) procedures
  • Some fertility treatments
  • Private hospital rooms or non-essential services
  1. Private Healthcare (Optional)

Some teachers choose private healthcare for:

  • Shorter waiting times
  • Private dental or optical care
  • Specialist consultations
  • This is optional, not required.
  1. Important Reassurance
  • You will not be charged again for NHS care because you have already paid the IHS
  • Using the NHS does not affect your visa status
  • Pre-existing conditions are fully covered
  • The NHS is based on clinical need, not ability to pay

We always recommend you talk with your current Dr is you are medication and check it is available in the UK.

This information was correct as of February 2026, but always check with NHS and IHS web pages for the most up to date information.

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