The health services you are entitled to in the UK will depend on where you normally live.

If you normally live in New Zealand and you are visiting the UK on holiday or business, you are covered by the reciprocal agreement between Britain and New Zealand.  The UK Department of Health and the New Zealand Ministry of Health websites have additional information

There are two enquiry lines for overseas visitors on (+44) 207 210 4850 or (+44) 113 2545819 or you can email overseasvisitors@dh.gsi.gov.uk  

A few tips for visitors:

• Even with the reciprocal agreement, we recommend comprehensive travel insurance anyway
• Tell the doctor you want to be treated 'on the NHS' and not 'privately'
• Take your passport when you go to see a doctor
• If you have an existing condition that will probably need treating while you're in the UK, we suggest getting prior advice from the helplines listed above

If you are going to live, work or study in the UK, you will be regarded as a UK resident and will generally be entitled to the same treatment on the National Health Service as other residents. The Department of Health website has more details. Choose the left-hand tab that applies to you.

To be eligible for a European Health Insurance Card  for travelling in EU countries you must be a  permanent resident of the UK (this normally means that you have legitimately lived in the UK for at least the preceding 183 days prior to your application).

For more information about health services in the UK, see the Department of Health website.

Information about taking medicines is also available from our website.

If you want to find out about welfare benefits in the UK, you can call (+44)800 882200 or email bel-customer-services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk