Nearly a million certificates providing free NHS services have been issued to asylum seekers over the past five years, according to newly released Government data.
The HC2 certificates, designed for low-income residents, grant access to complimentary prescriptions, dental treatment, eye examinations, wigs and reduced-price spectacles.
Freedom of information requests to the NHS Business Services Authority revealed that 920,199 of the 1.56 million certificates distributed across Britain went to asylum seekers – representing 59 per cent of the total.
The certificates also cover travel expenses for medical appointments and provide vouchers worth up to £233 for eyewear.
The certificates offer comprehensive healthcare benefits unavailable to most British residents who pay for services.
Recipients receive unlimited dental treatment, free prescriptions and eye examinations, along with wigs and fabric supports for medical conditions.
Individuals seeking asylum qualify automatically if they receive section 95 support through the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which provides accommodation and financial assistance.
Other asylum claimants may apply based on their support levels.
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Nearly a million certificates providing free NHS services have been issued to asylum seekers over the past five years, according to newly released Government data
The scheme operates regardless of immigration status, requiring only proof of minimal or no earnings.
Asylum seekers must renew their certificates biannually, whilst other UK residents renew annually.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said the figures “are another illustration of the costs of illegal immigration”.
He said: “Those crossing the Channel invariably claim asylum, and then receive housing, bills paid, free money and full healthcare despite never having paid a penny in tax and having entered the country illegally. No wonder illegal immigrants from across Europe are flocking to the UK.”
Steve Barclay, the former health secretary, called the situation “an abuse of taxpayer funds”.
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Thursday’s statistics showed 25,000 migrants have crossed the Channel by boat in 2025, reaching this threshold earlier than any previous year
The Conservative MP for North East Cambridgeshire said it was “completely wrong that asylum seekers are receiving beneficial access to health treatment compared to the taxpayers who fund it”.
He added: “It is outrageous that some health bosses are pushing their own Left-wing political agenda, wasting taxpayer funds, and reducing the funds available for treating local residents, and that NHS England, who is operationally responsible for these services, is once again failing to do its job.
“The Health Select Committee should summon those responsible for these programmes before Parliament to hold them to account for this abuse of taxpayer funds.”
The data emerges as Britain experiences record asylum claims, with 317,000 applications submitted in the past five years – double the figure from 2015 to 2019.
Thursday’s statistics showed 25,000 migrants have crossed the Channel by boat in 2025, reaching this threshold earlier than any previous year.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said the figures ‘are another illustration of the costs of illegal immigration’
Dr Sean Phillips, head of health at the Policy Exchange think tank, questioned the distribution of certificates.
He said: “When we recall, asylum seekers make up less than one per cent of the total population for the majority of HC2 certificates to be issued to this group feels completely unbalanced, even unfair, given the levels of hardship felt more widely across the country.”
An NHS spokesman said: “The NHS is legally required to provide healthcare services to asylum seekers, including access to help with health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.”
A Government spokesman said: “We are fixing the chaotic asylum system we inherited and have returned over 35,000 people, including failed asylum seekers, immigrants and foreign national offenders to ultimately relieve pressures on nationwide services.
“These certificates do not give access to NHS services ahead of people who don’t have one. The highest number of certificates issued in the last five years were under the previous administration.”