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, including secondary healthcare, without further charges.
In Scotland, the following healthcare services are free for everyone, regardless of immigration status:
The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Regulations 1989 set out which NHS services are chargeable.
Most secondary healthcare services, including hospital treatment, are chargeable to people who are not ordinarily resident in the UK, unless an exemption applies.
A person is usually considered ordinarily resident if they:
In practice, this means that many people who have leave to remain and are not in the UK as visitors can access secondary healthcare without charge.
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.
Some people who are not ordinarily resident are still exempt from charges, for example:
A person may be charged for secondary healthcare if they:
Some primary care services may also be chargeable to people who are not ordinarily resident and are not in an exempt group. These include:
Further information on NHS charges in Scotland is available on the NHS Inform Scotland website.
The NHS Low Income Scheme can help with the cost of healthcare, including:
The scheme is available to people on a low income, including people who receive certain benefits.
A person can apply regardless of their immigration status. If a person cannot access qualifying benefits, for example because of the NRPF condition, they may still be able to access this support. To apply for help, see NHS Scotland’s webpage on the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Page updated: 17 June 2026
