Frequently asked questions for life in the UK and new arrivals, plus trusted links
Short, sourced answers to the questions our community asks most. Newest first.
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Private medical insurance does not replace the NHS; it usually excludes pre-existing and chronic conditions, and A&E and GP care stay free anyway. Premiums depend on age and area. Employer-provided cover is taxable. Visitors may want travel insurance to avoid NHS charges.
The NHS offers pneumococcal and yearly flu vaccines at 65, shingles at 70 to 79 and RSV at 75 (some at-risk 65 to 74-year-olds from September 2026). Cervical screening is for ages 25 to 64, breast 50 to 71, bowel 50 to 74. The NHS Health Check is for ages 40 to 74.
Routine childhood vaccines in England are free and GP registration needs no proof of ID, address or immigration status. The schedule starts at 8 weeks with the 6-in-1, MenB and rotavirus; MMRV is at 1 year. Children from abroad can catch up on missed vaccines via their GP.
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.
The IHS is the health fee paid with a visa application: usually £1,035 a year, £776 for students, under-18s and Youth Mobility. It gives free NHS use from the date the visa starts; prescriptions, dental and eye costs are separate. Refusals and double payments are refunded.
Buying a home in England takes about 5 months on average, longer in a chain. An offer is not legally binding until contracts are exchanged; after exchange, pulling out means compensation or losing your deposit. The steps are preparing, offering, conveyancing, tax, exchange and completion.
Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency; use NHS 111 (online, app or phone, with free interpreters) when it is urgent but not life-threatening; A&E is for serious injuries and is free to everyone. For 7 minor conditions Pharmacy First lets a pharmacist treat you directly.
What you can borrow depends on income, outgoings and credit score; lenders stress-test for rate rises and job loss. A Mortgage in Principle is not binding. Nothing bars foreign nationals from buying, but lenders may want a bigger deposit depending on visa status. Fees and approval steps explained.
In England SDLT is 0% up to £125,000, then 2%, 5% from £250,000, 10% from £925,000 and 12% above £1.5 million. First-time buyers pay nothing up to £300,000 (no relief if the price exceeds £500,000). Additional homes pay +5%, non-residents +2%. Worked examples included.
First-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty up to £300,000. The Lifetime ISA adds a 25% bonus on up to £4,000 a year (for homes up to £450,000); the government plans to replace it with a First Time Buyer ISA. Shared Ownership and First Homes lower the deposit or price.