Proving that I am entitled

NHS hospitals have a duty to identify and charge overseas patients for hospital treatment they receive. Hospitals are required to check documentary evidence of entitlement to prove that you are ordinarily resident in the UK.

How can I prove that I am entitled to free hospital treatment?

If you cannot provide the documents you may have to pay a deposit equal to the estimated cost of your treatment before you receive an appointment or treatment.

Maternity services, or treatment which the doctor or nurse thinks is immediately necessary or urgent, will not be withheld. However charges will still apply and you will receive an invoice after your treatment.

To help us check if you are entitled to free healthcare, you will need to bring three separate documents to your appointment – one to prove your identity, one to prove your address, and a copy of your residence permit or a valid share code that can be checked by the Overseas Visitors Team.

The following documents can be used as proof of identity:

  1. Current signed passport
  2. Residence permit (BRP card) or a valid share code issued by the Home Office
  3. Valid UK photo-card driving licence
  4. EU or Swiss national identity photo-card
  5. Valid armed forces or police photographic identity card
  6. Photographic disabled blue badge
  7. Citizen card

The following documents can be used as proof of address. They must contain your current address and be dated within the last six months:

  1. Recent original utility bill such as gas, electric, water, landline (mobile not acceptable) no more than three months old
  2. Council tax bill for the current year
  3. Bank statements showing UK transactions during the last six months
  4. Recent original mortgage statement from a recognised lender
  5. Current council or housing association rent book or tenancy agreement
  6. Notification letter from the Department for Work and Pensions confirming your right to benefits or a state pension