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

Coming from New Zealand's public healthcare system, the NHS will feel familiar in many ways. Healthcare is free at the point of use, funded through taxes, and you don't need insurance for most things. But there are important differences, and you'll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge before you can access it. Here's the full picture.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

As a visa holder, you'll pay the IHS as part of your visa application. As of 2024, it's GBP 1,035 per year (GBP 776 for students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants). This covers your full NHS access for the duration of your visa. You pay upfront for the entire visa period.

Once you've paid the IHS, you're treated exactly the same as a UK resident for NHS purposes. No extra charges, no insurance needed, no bills after treatment.

Registering with a GP

Your first step after arriving is registering with a GP (General Practitioner) surgery near your home. This works very similarly to enrolling with a medical centre in NZ:

• Find a local GP surgery accepting new patients (search on the NHS website)
• Fill in a registration form (GMS1) with your details and medical history
• Bring your passport and proof of address
• You do not need your NI number or proof of immigration status to register

What's Free on the NHS

• GP appointments - completely free, unlike NZ where you pay a co-payment of NZD 50-70 per visit. This is a big difference
• Hospital treatment - A&E (emergency), inpatient care, surgery, and specialist appointments are all free
• Maternity care - all antenatal, birth, and postnatal care is free, similar to NZ
• Mental health services - available through the NHS, though wait times can be long. Your GP can refer you, or you can self-refer to IAPT (talking therapies) in England
• Sexual health clinics - free contraception, STI testing, and treatment without needing to register with a GP

Prescriptions

In England, prescriptions cost a flat GBP 9.90 per item (as of 2024), regardless of the actual cost of the medication. If you take regular medication, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) saves money - GBP 31.25 for 3 months or GBP 111.60 for 12 months, covering unlimited prescriptions.

In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are completely free. This is one reason some Kiwis choose to live outside England.

For comparison, NZ charges NZD 5 per prescription item for most people, so the English charge is higher. But the PPC makes it predictable if you're on multiple medications.

Dental Care

NHS dentistry is not free for adults (same as NZ). There are three charge bands in England:

• Band 1 - GBP 26.80 for check-ups, X-rays, and scale and polish
• Band 2 - GBP 73.50 for fillings, extractions, and root canals
• Band 3 - GBP 319.10 for crowns, dentures, and bridges

Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can be difficult in some areas. Many people end up going private, which costs significantly more. Get on a waiting list early.

Key Differences from NZ Healthcare

• GP visits are free - in NZ you pay NZD 50-70 per visit. In the UK, it's completely free. This is one of the biggest positive differences
• No ACC equivalent - NZ's ACC scheme covers accident-related injuries regardless of fault. The UK has no equivalent. Workplace injuries may be covered by employer liability insurance, and you can make personal injury claims through the courts
• Longer wait times - the NHS is under significant pressure, and wait times for non-urgent specialist appointments and elective surgery can be months. This is one area where many people consider private insurance
• 111 and 999 - call 999 for life-threatening emergencies (same as NZ's 111 for emergencies). Call NHS 111 for urgent but non-emergency medical advice (similar to Healthline in NZ)

Private Health Insurance

Private insurance isn't necessary for basic healthcare, but some Kiwis take it out for:

• Faster access to specialist appointments and elective surgery
• Choice of specialist and hospital
• Private rooms during hospital stays
• Dental and optical cover

Many UK employers offer private health insurance as a benefit. Providers include Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality. Individual plans start from around GBP 30-80/month depending on your age and coverage level.

Before You Leave NZ

• Get a full dental check-up and any treatment done before you leave. NHS dental access is limited
• Get an eye test and update your glasses or contact prescription
• Ask your NZ GP for a summary of your medical records to take with you
• If you're on medication, get a 3-month supply and a letter from your doctor listing your prescriptions
• Check your vaccination records are up to date

Information in this guide is based on publicly available details from the NHS, UK government, and PHARMAC resources as of August 2026. Healthcare policies and charges change, so always check current information.