With the Rest of World

Current Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangements with Rest of World (RoW) Countries

Rest of World (RoW) countries are those countries other than EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

The UK Government has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some RoW countries.

The nature of these agreements mean that you will often be treated as though you are a resident of the country you are visiting. You will not have to pay for treatment that the agreement entitles you to a long as you can prove that you are a UK citizen or a lawful resident of the country.

Please visit the UK Government reciprocal healthcare pages for further details on UK Healthcare Agreements with RoW Countries.

It is important to note that not every agreement will be the same in every country and you should check their arrangements. For example, visitors travelling to the UK will generally only be entitled to immediate medical treatment free of charge and agreements will not usually apply when travelling to the UK for planned healthcare.

Certain RoW Countries provide necessary healthcare to UK GHIC or UK EHIC holders. Please see Get Healthcare Abroad with a UK GHIC or UK EHIC for details.

Further details can be found at Foreign Travel Advice.

Travelling to the UK from other RoW countries

The arrangements between the UK and RoW countries have not changed as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU.

Visitors to the UK for periods up to 6  months likely to be charged for non-emergency treatment unless exempt. The costs are payable to the Local Health Board.  Here is a list of LHBs in Wales.

Visitors to the UK for a period of more than 6  months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at time of applying for a visa:  Paying for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application.

Other useful links:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-residents-visiting-the-eueea-and-switzerland-healthcare.

https://www.gov.uk/eu-eea. (Countries in the EU and EEA).


Last Updated: 13/04/2022 07:49:26