Can EU Citizens with Permanent Residency in the UK Use the NHS for Free?

NHS in the United Kingdom is a publicly funded healthcare system that provides healthcare services to residents of the UK. One of the primary questions that arises in this context is whether EU citizens who have permanent residency in the UK can use the NHS for free. This article aims to clarify the legal status and eligibility for these citizens.

Free at Point of Use

NHS is indeed free at the point of use, which means that the service is provided without any charge upon receiving it. However, there are some instances where people might incur additional costs. These charges are typically for prescription medications, dental care, and some other services.

Regardless of the charges, seeing a doctor or visiting a hospital in the UK feels genuinely free. Patients do not receive bills after treatment, making the healthcare experience seamless.

Eligibility for NHS Services

Resident Entitlement

If someone is a resident in the UK, they are entitled to receive treatment from the NHS. This applies to everyone regardless of their nationality or the reason for their residency. Even in emergency situations, hospitals and healthcare providers are required to treat patients without regard to their residency status or documentation.

Non-Resident Emergency Treatment

Non-residents who find themselves in an emergency situation in the UK are typically given the necessary treatment. The primary focus is on saving lives and ensuring that urgent medical needs are addressed, irrespective of the patient's residentship status.

EU Citizens with Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency and NHS Benefits

EU citizens with permanent residency in the UK have full and free access to NHS services. This applies regardless of their EU status. In the UK, a person with permanent residency is granted the opportunity to work and live in the country, and they are also entitled to all the services provided by the NHS.

For example, my wife falls into this category. Anybody with permanent residency in the UK, whether or not they have taken UK citizenship, can access all NHS services without any additional fees. Similar cases include a work colleague who moved to the UK 30 years ago and did not obtain UK citizenship for 20 years. He was able to enjoy full and free NHS services as soon as he was granted permanent status.

Annual Fee for Visa Holders

Some individuals who reside in the UK under a visa might be required to pay an annual fee. This fee ranges from around ￡1,000 per year. However, this does not affect the core entitlement to NHS services for those with permanent residency.

Sometimes, people are not aware of their eligibility because they have different understandings of their visa status. It is crucial to understand that being a resident and having permanent residency in the UK automatically ensures access to NHS services without additional charges.

What About Brexit?

Post-Brexit Uncertainty

Historically, the NHS has been accessible to everyone, including those just passing through the UK. The Brexit impact on this has been a significant topic of debate. Currently, the situation is clear for EU citizens with permanent residency. However, the situation could change depending on future policy decisions by the UK government. As of now, there is no plan to deny NHS access to EU citizens with permanent residency status.

The "Brexiter Tories," as some refer to them, have not specified their exact plans concerning this issue. Without definitive information, it is best to assume that the current terms of access will remain in place until further notice. UK citizens who are residents may also benefit from similar arrangements, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residency or citizenship.

Conclusion

In summary, EU citizens with permanent residency in the UK have access to the NHS for free at the point of use. The system is designed to provide healthcare services equitably to all residents, regardless of their citizenship or visa status. If you are a resident, you are entitled to these services. The key is to ensure that you have the correct documentation for permanent residency to fully benefit from NHS services.