Live permanently in the UK

This information reflects the changes to UK immigration and healthcare access for 2026. These updates are particularly relevant if you or a family member lives with a bleeding disorder, as proof of residency and digital status are now central to accessing specialist NHS care.

Living permanently in the UK

If you are a British citizen, you have an automatic “right of abode,” meaning you can live and work here without restrictions. If you have been living abroad and return to settle in the UK, you can pass the “ordinary residence” test immediately. However, if you live abroad permanently, you are no longer considered an ordinary resident.

Proving your status digitally

From 26 February 2026, the way you prove your right to live in the UK has changed.

  • If you apply for a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode after this date, you will receive a digital certificate.
  • You can view and share your status online to prove your right to work, rent, or access long-term NHS care.

Settlement and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Indefinite Leave to Remain is often called “settlement.” It allows you to stay in the UK permanently and apply for British citizenship.

  • The 2026 Changes: The government has introduced stricter thresholds for some settlement routes. Most applicants now need to show they have paid National Insurance for at least three years.
  • EU Citizens: If you or a family member is from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you should use the EU Settlement Scheme to prove your settled or pre-settled status digitally.
  • Waiting Periods: The standard qualification period is currently 5 years for most routes, though the government has proposed increasing this to 10 years for many categories starting in Autumn 2026

Your right to reside

You have a legal right to live in the UK if you:

  • Are a British or Irish citizen.
  • Have settled or pre-settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme.
  • Have Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain (ILR).
  • Hold a digital certificate of entitlement for the right of abode.

If you have a temporary visa or family permit, you can stay in the UK for the duration of that permit, but you do not yet have a permanent right to reside.

Accessing healthcare with a bleeding disorder

Accessing specialist care for a bleeding disorder (such as at a Haemophilia Centre) depends on your residency status.

Registering with a GP

Anyone in the UK can register with a General Practitioner (GP) and receive primary care for free, regardless of immigration status. You do not need to show a passport or proof of address to register, though it is helpful to have them. Your GP is your gateway to specialist care; they must refer you to a bleeding disorder specialist for ongoing treatment.

Hospital and specialist treatment

To receive free hospital treatment and specialist medication, you must be “ordinarily resident” or exempt from charges.

  • The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): If you are on a temporary visa, you likely paid the IHS as part of your application. In 2026, this is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 for children and students. Paying this gives you access to NHS hospital services on the same basis as a settled resident.
  • Prescription Charges: Most adults in England pay for prescriptions. However, if you have a chronic health condition, you may be eligible for a medical exemption certificate. You can apply for this through your doctor to get your prescriptions for free.
  • Low Income Support: If you are on a low income, you can complete an HC1 form to apply for help with health costs (an HC2 certificate), which covers dental work and travel to hospital appointments.

Returning to the UK

If you had lived in the UK with ILR but stayed away for more than two years, your settled status may have lapsed. You will need to apply for a Returning Resident visa before you can move back and access the NHS as a resident again.

Disclosure: The information on this page is provided by GOV.UK and NHS.UK and is for general guidance only. Rules can change quickly, so always check the official government website for the most current legal requirements before travelling to the UK. The Haemophilia Society cannot assist with individual Settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications. Always consult a legal professional for immigration advice.