NHS treatment

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, NHS healthcare is provided through Health and Social Care (HSC) services. 

NHS treatment is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes. It can be accessed regardless of immigration status, including by a person who has the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition.

However, a person’s immigration status may affect whether they have to pay for some types of treatment. If a person has paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, they can usually access most healthcare services without additional charges.

Free services

Some services are free for everyone, regardless of immigration status or residence. These include:

• accident and emergency care, before being admitted to hospital
• family planning services
• treatment for sexually transmitted infections
• treatment for certain infectious diseases
• treatment for a person detained in hospital under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986
• prescriptions

Hospital treatment and other chargeable services

Most healthcare services are chargeable to people who are not ordinarily resident, unless an exemption applies. Charges are set out in the Provision of Health Services to Persons Not Ordinarily Resident Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.

A person is usually considered ordinarily resident if they:

• live in Northern Ireland
• have valid permission to stay
• are in Northern Ireland for a settled purpose

People who are not ordinarily resident are classed as overseas visitors and may have to pay for NHS treatment unless they are in an exempt group or have already paid for access through the Immigration Health Surcharge.Where treatment is immediately necessary, it must be provided without delay, even if the person cannot pay at the time. Charges may be applied afterwards.

Chargeable services can include:

• GP services (although emergency treatment must still be provided and some discretion may apply)
• dental services
• ophthalmic (eye care) services
• pharmaceutical services
• hospital care provided by a Health and Social Care Trust that is not exempt

Some people who are not ordinarily resident are exempt from charges, including:

• people with leave to remain for more than 12 months
• people with permission to stay for work or study where the Immigration Health Surcharge has been paid
• refugees and people seeking asylum
• victims, or potential victims, of trafficking or modern slavery
• children in care

For the full list of exempt groups, see the regulations.

Help with health costs

Some people may be able to get help with healthcare costs, including:

• dental treatment
• sight tests
• glasses or contact lenses
• travel costs for treatment

A person may qualify based on their income, age, medical condition or benefit status.

People who are not exempt may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. To apply, a person must complete an HC1 form.

Further information is available on the Northern Ireland government website.

Page updated: 17 June 2026