I've been told I'll be charged for NHS care
Some people who aren't 'ordinarily resident' in the UK can be charged for hospital care. But many services are free for everyone, and urgent treatment must never be refused because you can't pay upfront.
The interactive version is available in 6 languages and Easy Read.
Your rights
- Free GP and nurse consultations for everyone.
- Free A&E treatment for everyone, up to the point you're admitted to a ward.
- Free treatment for certain infectious diseases, sexually transmitted infections and family planning (excluding termination and fertility treatment).
- Exemptions for refugees, asylum seekers, victims of modern slavery, and those receiving treatment because of domestic or sexual violence.
- Urgent or 'immediately necessary' treatment must be given even if you can't pay first.
What to do next
- Don't stay away from treatment you need. Get the treatment, then deal with the bill.
- Ask the hospital's Overseas Visitors Manager for the decision in writing.
- Check the exemptions. Many people are wrongly charged.
- Get help from organisations such as Doctors of the World or a law centre.
Say this
“Please tell me in writing why you think I'm chargeable, and which exemption you have considered.”
The law behind it (England)
- NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015exempt services, exempt people, urgent treatment
- Human Rights Act 1998Articles 2 and 3
Elsewhere in the UK
- Scotland
- In Scotland, separate regulations apply, and some groups (such as people seeking asylum) are fully exempt.
- Wales
- In Wales, separate regulations apply, with broader exemptions.
- Northern Ireland
- In Northern Ireland, separate regulations apply. Ask the Trust about exemptions.
Easy Read
What you need to know
- Some people from outside the UK may have to pay for hospital care.
- Seeing a GP is free for everyone.
- A&E is free for everyone.
- Urgent care must not be stopped because you cannot pay first.
What you can do
- Do not stay away from care you need.
- Ask for the reason in writing.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.