NHS Access for Swiss Citizens Moving to the UK: A Guide to Healthcare Entitlements

Understanding NHS Access for Swiss Nationals in the UK

Relocating to the UK involves careful planning, and one of the most important considerations is access to healthcare. For Swiss citizens and residents moving to the UK, understanding how the National Health Service (NHS) operates is essential to ensuring proper medical care for yourself and your family. With different visa categories and regulations affecting healthcare entitlements, navigating the NHS can sometimes be complex.

This guide provides an overview of NHS access for Swiss nationals relocating to the UK, covering key aspects such as eligibility, visa implications, and the role of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Who Is Considered a Migrant in Terms of NHS Access?

For healthcare purposes, a "migrant" in the UK typically refers to a foreign national who has applied for a visa to live in the UK for six months or more. This includes those relocating for work, study, business, or family reunification.

Examples of visa categories relevant to Swiss citizens moving to the UK include:

• Partner and Family Visas

• Long-Term Work Visas and Short-Term Work Visas

• Business Visas and Global Business Mobility Visas

• Global Talent Visas

• Student and Graduate Visas

Visitors to the UK, including those on short-term stays, do not have full NHS access unless specific exemptions apply.

What Is the NHS?

The NHS is the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system, providing free medical care to those considered "ordinarily resident." This means individuals living in the UK on a lawful, settled basis.

NHS Services Available to Swiss Nationals Moving to the UK

Swiss nationals who become ordinarily resident in the UK are entitled to full NHS services, including:

• Primary care: General Practitioner (GP) visits, accident and emergency (A&E) treatment.

• Secondary care: Specialist consultations, hospital treatment, and outpatient services.

Most visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which contributes to NHS funding and grants access to the full range of NHS services.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Fees

As of 2025, the IHS fees are:

• £776 per year for students, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and children under 18.

• £1,035 per year for most other visa holders aged 18 or over.

Swiss nationals moving to the UK on long-term visas must pay the IHS at the time of their visa application to gain full NHS access.

Exceptions to the Immigration Health Surcharge

Some individuals are exempt from paying the IHS but still receive full NHS access, including:

• Health and Care Worker Visa holders

• EU Settlement Scheme applicants

• Indefinite Leave to Remain applicants

• Asylum seekers and refugees

• Ukrainians under the UK’s Ukraine Scheme

Healthcare Access for Swiss Nationals on Fiance or Proposed Civil Partner Visas

If you move to the UK on a Fiance Visa or Proposed Civil Partner Visa, you are not required to pay the IHS initially and, therefore, do not have full NHS access. However, once you switch to a Spouse Visa or Civil Partner Visa, you will need to pay the IHS and will then have full NHS entitlements.

Seeking Immigration Advice

Understanding NHS access as part of your UK immigration journey is crucial. For expert legal advice on UK visa applications, the IHS, or any other UK immigration matters, contact our team of specialist UK immigration lawyers at +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form.