More than half of the NHS “free” healthcare support certificates given to people on low incomes over the past five years have gone to asylum seekers. These certificates, known as HC2, help people who cannot afford healthcare costs. They allow them to get free prescriptions, dental care, eye tests, and even wigs if needed. They also help pay for glasses or contact lenses and can cover travel costs when attending medical appointments.
New data released by the NHS Business Services Authority through freedom of information requests shows that out of 1.56 million HC2 certificates given out across the UK in the last five years, about 59% went to asylum seekers. That means around 920,000 of these certificates were given to people seeking asylum.
Chris Philp, a senior opposition politician, said that many people who cross the English Channel claim asylum once they arrive in the UK. He argued that they then receive support such as housing, paid bills, financial help, and full access to healthcare, even though they have not contributed through taxes and may have entered the country illegally. He suggested this could be one reason why more migrants are coming to the UK from across Europe. He also described the figures as another example of the financial pressure caused by illegal immigration.
In response, an NHS spokesperson explained that the health service is required by law to provide care to asylum seekers. This includes giving them access to help with healthcare costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme, which is available to anyone who qualifies based on their financial situation.
The scheme itself is not only for asylum seekers. Anyone living in the UK can apply for an HC2 certificate if they can prove they have little or no income. For asylum seekers, they usually qualify if they are receiving support under Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which provides basic financial help and accommodation while their asylum claim is being processed.
A government spokesperson said that having an HC2 certificate does not mean someone gets faster or better access to NHS services than others. They also pointed out that the highest number of these certificates were actually issued during the previous government’s time in power. The spokesperson added that efforts are being made to fix problems within the asylum system and reduce pressure on public services. They said more than 35,000 people, including failed asylum seekers and foreign offenders, have been returned from the UK as part of these efforts.
Former Health Secretary Steve Barclay disagreed with the situation, saying it is unfair for asylum seekers to receive benefits like this when taxpayers are the ones funding the system.
A source from the Department of Health and Social Care added that the data mainly shows how many certificates were issued, not the exact number of individuals who received them, and that the highest numbers were seen in 2023.
These figures come at a time when the number of migrants crossing the English Channel continues to rise. More than 25,000 people have already made the journey so far in 2025, reaching this level earlier in the year than ever before since records began in 2018. In just one day, 898 people crossed in 13 small boats.
