How does the NHS work? Who gets free care, GP referral to a specialist, choosing a hospital, waiting times and interpreters
Published: Last checked: October 20265 min read
Short answer
GP care and A&E are free to everyone in England; hospital treatment depends on being ordinarily resident, and visa holders who paid the Immigration Health Surcharge are covered while the visa lasts. Referral choice, waiting time rights and free interpreters are explained here.
In short
- This post is general information, not medical or legal advice. It is based on the NHS, NHSBSA and GOV.UK pages as they were on 18 October 2026 and applies to England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
- The NHS (National Health Service) is the state-funded health system: GP, pharmacy, dentist, optician, hospital and emergency care.
- Most services are free when you use them; some items such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and glasses carry charges or depend on help-with-costs rules.
- According to GOV.UK, hospital treatment is free for people who are ordinarily resident in the UK. Visa holders who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) can use the NHS in a similar way to an ordinarily resident person while their visa is valid.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- GOV.UK: NHS entitlements, migrant health guide
- NHS: NHS services
- NHS: Your choices in the NHS
- NHS: Guide to NHS waiting times in England
- NHS: NHS App
- NHS England: Guidance for commissioners, interpreting and translation services in primary care
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