Ordinarily Resident in Northern Ireland
To be eligible for free health and care services, you must be ‘Ordinarily Resident’ in Northern Ireland. This means you must be lawfully living here with a settled purpose.
To satisfy this requirement, you generally must:
- Have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (or an equivalent settled status).
- Provide proof of your settled purpose (e.g., a contract of employment or evidence of long-term study).
- Provide proof of a Northern Ireland address (e.g., a utility bill or tenancy agreement).
Eligible Visitors and Exemptions
Certain visitors to Northern Ireland are exempt from healthcare charges under the Health and Personal Social Services Provision of Health Services to Persons Not Ordinarily Resident Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015. These include:
- Workers & Students: Those moving here for employment or recognized courses of study.
- Asylum Seekers: Individuals with active claims or those granted refugee status.
- Reciprocal Agreements: Visitors from countries with healthcare agreements with the UK/NI.
- Vulnerable Groups: Victims of human trafficking or those here for exceptional humanitarian reasons.
- Service Personnel: NATO forces, HM UK Forces, and Crown Servants.
- Special Categories: Diplomats, UK Pensioners living abroad (on long-term visits), and missionaries.
- Detainees: Those in legal custody or detention.
Emergency Medical Care
If you require immediate, life-threatening medical assistance:
- Dial 999: The call is free. Ask for the Ambulance Service.
- Provide Details: Tell the operator what has happened and your exact location.
- Hospital Transport: If required, an ambulance will take the patient to the nearest hospital with an Emergency Department (A&E).
If your condition is urgent but not life-threatening and you are able to travel, please make your own way to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department or contact the local GP Out-of-Hours service.