NHS & School Access for Dependents

If you are coming to the UK on a family visa (or already have one), you may be wondering what healthcare and education your dependents will be entitled to. Whether you are bringing a spouse, partner, or children, understanding these rights is essential for planning your life in the UK. This guide explains how NHS access works for visa holders, what the Immigration Health Surcharge covers, how to register children in UK schools, and what documents you will need to prove your eligibility.

For a complete overview of the documents you will need for a family visa, see our UK Spouse Visa Checklist 2025 .

Your journey to the UK starts here with the right visa.

What NHS Services Can Visa Dependents Access?

Visa dependents who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application are entitled to access the NHS in the same way as a permanent UK resident . The IHS is paid upfront for the duration of the visa (e.g., £3,105 for a 33‑month visa) and covers the entire family included in the application.

Services Covered by the IHS

• GP (general practitioner) consultations – You can register with a local GP and see a doctor free of charge
• Hospital treatment – Most hospital services, including A&E, maternity care, and specialist appointments
• Emergency treatment – Even if you have not paid IHS, emergency care is free
• Mental health services – Provided through the NHS
• Ambulance services
• Community health services – Health visitors, district nurses, etc.

Services Not Covered

• Prescriptions – In England, prescriptions usually incur a charge (£9.65 per item in 2026). Exemptions apply for children under 16, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions
• Dental treatment – NHS dental treatment is subsidised but not free. Charges vary by treatment band
• Optical services – Eye tests and glasses are not free, though some groups are eligible for help
• Some specialist services – Certain fertility treatments, private rooms, and non‑emergency travel may not be covered

How to Register with a GP

Once you arrive in the UK, you should register with a local GP surgery as soon as possible. You will need:

• Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa share code
• Your passport
• Proof of address (e.g., tenancy agreement, utility bill)

You can find a GP surgery near you on the NHS website . Registration is free and does not require proof of immigration status beyond your BRP or share code, though surgeries may ask to see it.

What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

The IHS is a mandatory payment for most visa applicants coming to the UK for more than 6 months. For family visas, the current IHS rate is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children under 18.

When you apply for a family visa from outside the UK, you pay the IHS upfront for the entire visa period. For a 33‑month spouse visa, this is approximately £3,105 for an adult. Dependents included in the application pay their own IHS fees.

If your visa is refused, the IHS is refunded automatically. If your visa is granted, the IHS cannot be refunded except in very limited circumstances (e.g., you leave the UK permanently before the visa expires).

For more information on IHS and visa costs, see our ILR Fees 2026: Costs & Priority Services guide.

Can Dependents on a Visitor Visa Access NHS Services?

Dependents visiting the UK on a Standard Visitor visa are not entitled to free NHS treatment, except for emergency care. They should have private medical insurance covering their stay .

Visitor visa holders:

• Cannot register with a GP for ongoing care
• Must pay for any non‑emergency treatment
• Emergency treatment is free, but follow‑up care may be charged
• Maternity care is not free for visitors

If you plan to bring your family for a short visit, ensure they have adequate travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

What School Access Do Dependent Children Have?

Children of family visa holders have the right to attend state schools in the UK. Education is free for all children aged 5 to 16 (and for further education up to 19 in certain circumstances) .

Key Points for School Access

• No visa restriction – Dependent children on family visas can attend school without any additional permission
• Age – Children start primary school in the September after their 4th birthday. Education is compulsory from age 5
• School places – You apply to the local council for a school place. Proof of address is required, and you may need to show your child’s passport and BRP

How to Enrol Your Child in School

• Find your local council – Use the GOV.UK school finder to locate schools in your area
• Apply for a place – Contact the council’s admissions team. They will advise on the application process
• Provide documents – You will typically need: Your child’s passport and BRP (or eVisa share code) Proof of address (tenancy agreement, council tax bill, utility bill) Proof of age (birth certificate) Vaccination records (recommended)

If you have recently arrived and are still looking for accommodation, you can still apply for a school place using a temporary address. Once you have a permanent home, you can request a transfer .

School Attendance and Visa Conditions

Children of family visa holders have no restrictions on school attendance. They can attend any state school (maintained, academy, or free school). Private schools are also open to dependents, but fees are payable by parents.

Important: If you hold a visa that does not allow you to bring dependents (e.g., Student visa with restrictions), the child’s right to education may be different. For family visa holders, there is no issue.

Can Dependents on a Visitor Visa Attend School?

Children visiting the UK on a Standard Visitor visa cannot attend state school. They may attend independent (private) schools for short courses (up to 6 months) as part of a study visit, but this is not intended for long‑term education.

If you intend to settle in the UK with your child, you must apply for a family visa, not rely on visitor status.

What About Maternity Care for Dependents?

If you are pregnant and hold a family visa, you are entitled to full NHS maternity care, including antenatal appointments, scans, delivery, and postnatal care. You should register with a GP and a midwife as soon as possible after arrival .

For visitor visa holders, routine maternity care is chargeable. Only emergency delivery services are free. It is essential to have private medical insurance if you plan to give birth while visiting .

What Documents Should You Keep to Prove Access Rights?

To access NHS services or school places, you may need to show proof of your immigration status. It is recommended to keep:

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – if you hold a physical card
• eVisa share code – generated from your UKVI account to prove your status
• Passport – with entry clearance vignette
• Home Office decision letter – confirming grant of leave

If you have not yet received a BRP or your eVisa is not set up, you can still access NHS care; the provider may accept your passport and visa vignette as proof .

For school admissions, the council will need to see your child’s immigration status. Providing a share code is the simplest method.

For more guidance on digital status, see the official GOV.UK eVisa page .

What If a Dependent’s Visa Expires While in the UK?

If a dependent’s visa expires while they are in the UK, they must make a fresh application before the expiry date to remain lawfully. While an application is pending, their status is protected under Section 3C leave, and they continue to have access to NHS and education.

However, if the visa expires and no application is made, the dependent becomes an overstayer and loses the right to free NHS care (except emergencies) and may be removed from school rolls. It is essential to keep all visas up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do my children need to pay the IHS?

Yes. Children under 18 included in a family visa application must pay the IHS at the child rate (£776 per year) .

Can I use the NHS if my visa application is pending?

If you have submitted a visa extension application before your previous leave expired, you are covered by Section 3C leave and retain access to NHS services .

What if I cannot afford school uniform or meals?

Children of visa holders are entitled to free school meals if the family meets the income threshold (e.g., receiving certain benefits). Check with your local council .

Can I register with a GP before I have a BRP?

Many GP surgeries will accept your passport and visa vignette as temporary proof while you wait for your BRP. It is best to call the surgery to ask what they require .

Do I need to pay for prescriptions?

In England, most adults pay a prescription charge. Children under 16 are exempt. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone .

What happens if my child is born in the UK?

A child born in the UK to parents who hold family visas is not automatically British. The child will have the same immigration status as the parents. You should apply for a dependent visa for the child within 3 months of birth to avoid complications.

Securing Healthcare and Education for Your Family

Bringing your family to the UK is a significant step, and understanding their rights to NHS care and schooling helps you settle with confidence. The Immigration Health Surcharge ensures that your dependents can access the same NHS services as UK residents, while school places are open to dependent children without additional immigration barriers.

At Andrew Williams Solicitors , we help families navigate the visa process and understand their rights once in the UK. Whether you are preparing a family visa application or need advice on accessing services after arrival, our team is here to help.

Ready to bring your family to the UK? Contact us today to arrange a consultation and let us help you build your future together in the UK.

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