Healthcare in the UK is provided through the National Health Service (NHS), which is mostly free for UK residents. However, Zimbabwean immigrants on visas are often required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application.
The IHS gives you access to NHS services like doctor visits, hospital treatment, and emergency care at no extra cost. For most visa types, the IHS fee is around £624 per year. You must pay this upfront when you apply for your visa.
Private healthcare is also available in the UK but comes at a higher cost. It’s important to register with a General Practitioner (GP) once you arrive so you can access care when needed. Always carry your biometric residence permit (BRP) when visiting a hospital or clinic.