Healthcare in the UK for Canadians: The NHS, GPs, and What You Need to Know

The NHS is one of the best things about living in the UK. GP visits are free, hospital care is free, and you won't get a surprise bill after an emergency. Coming from Canada's provincial system, the structure will feel familiar but the details are different. Here's what Canadians need to know.

The Immigration Health Surcharge

Before you can use the NHS, most visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. As of 2024, this is GBP 1,035 per year of your visa (GBP 776 for students and youth mobility). You pay this upfront for your entire visa duration.

Once you've paid the IHS, you're entitled to use the NHS on the same basis as a UK resident. GP visits, hospital treatment, A&E, maternity care, mental health services - all free at the point of use.

Registering with a GP

Your first step once you have a UK address is to register with a GP (General Practitioner) surgery. This is your primary care doctor, similar to a family doctor in Canada. In the UK, you must register with a practice in your area and see doctors at that practice.

To register, visit the GP surgery's website or go in person. You'll fill in a GMS1 registration form. You'll need your name, date of birth, address, and NHS number (if you have one - you won't as a new arrival, and they'll create one for you). You do NOT need proof of address or immigration status to register.

What's Free on the NHS

Almost everything is free at the point of use:

• GP appointments (no co-payment, unlike Canadian provinces with some walk-in fees)
• Hospital treatment, including surgery, specialist appointments, and emergency care
• Maternity care (prenatal, delivery, and postnatal)
• Mental health services (through GP referral)
• Ambulance services (completely free, unlike most Canadian provinces)
• Sexual health and family planning services

What's NOT Free

Some things have charges, similar to what you might expect:

If you take regular prescriptions in England, look into a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). It costs GBP 31.25 for 3 months or GBP 111.60 for 12 months and covers unlimited prescriptions. If you need more than 3 prescriptions in 3 months, it saves money.

Dental Care

NHS dental care exists and is much cheaper than Canadian dental (a checkup is GBP 26.80 vs CAD $200-$400 in Canada). The catch is that finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can be very difficult in some areas. Many people use private dentists, which are more expensive but still often cheaper than Canadian dental fees.

If you had employer dental coverage in Canada, you'll notice the difference. Some UK employers offer private dental insurance as a benefit, so ask about this when negotiating your package.

Key Differences from Canadian Healthcare

• No provincial cards - there's no OHIP/MSP/AHCIP equivalent card to carry. Your NHS number is linked to your GP registration
• GP gatekeeping - you generally can't see a specialist directly. Your GP refers you. This is similar to Canada but more strictly enforced
• Waiting times - NHS waiting lists for non-urgent specialist care and elective surgery can be long. If you're used to Canadian wait times, you'll find the NHS comparable in some areas and longer in others
• No hospital parking fees - actually, UK hospitals do charge for parking. This is a common complaint
• 111 and 999 - call 111 for non-emergency medical advice (like Telehealth), and 999 for emergencies (like 911). Both are free

Before You Leave Canada

• Get a full dental checkup and any treatment done while you still have your Canadian dental coverage
• Ask your doctor for a detailed summary of your medical history and current medications
• Get an eye exam and update your glasses or contacts
• Bring a 3-month supply of any regular medications with your prescriptions
• Check if your provincial health insurance covers you abroad for any period (some provinces provide limited coverage for the first few months after departure)

Information in this guide is based on publicly available details from the NHS, HMRC, and UK government health resources as of August 2026. Healthcare policies and costs change, so always check current details with your provider.