In all four nations of the UK, refugees and asylum seekers with an active application or appeal are fully entitled to free NHS care. The situation for refused asylum seekers is more complicated and is not the same across all nations.
Assessing entitlement to free NHS care can be complex. As a doctor, it is not your role to determine whether patients are eligible for free NHS treatment. However, you will play a key role in identifying when a patient requires care which cannot be delayed, or which is exempt from charge.
Primary care
Refugees, asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers can register for and receive primary care free of charge in the same way as any other patient in any nation of the UK.
In England, Scotland and Wales, this is because immigration and residency status have no bearing on a patient’s entitlement to register with a GP practice.
In Northern Ireland, entitlement to NHS care, including primary care, is generally based on ordinary residence. However, refugees and those who have made a claim for asylum, including refused asylum seekers, have a specific exemption.
Secondary care
All refugees and asylum seekers with an active application or appeal can access the full range of secondary care services free of charge in any nation of the UK.
In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, any person who has previously made a formal application for asylum, regardless of the outcome, is entitled to access secondary care free of charge.