Your Community
Navigating a new country while dealing with HIV can feel overwhelming. You may face language barriers, fear of deportation, uncertainty about your rights, or distrust of authority based on past experiences. These fears are understandable. This page aims to give you clear, honest information so you can access the care you need and deserve.
“I live in a rural area and didn’t have access to any local support. The online peer support changed everything. I finally found people who understood — and I didn’t have to travel anywhere to find them.” - Online peer support participant
Type your paragraph here
People seeking asylum in the UK — including those whose claim has not yet been decided — are entitled to free NHS healthcare. This includes HIV testing, HIV treatment, and ongoing HIV care.
Failed asylum seekers are also entitled to free HIV treatment on the NHS. HIV is specifically listed as a condition that must be treated free of charge, regardless of immigration status.
You do not need to have settled status, leave to remain, or a National Insurance number to access HIV treatment. Do not let fear about your immigration status stop you from getting care.
Type your paragraph here
NHS healthcare is confidential. Your medical records — including an HIV diagnosis — are protected by strict confidentiality rules. NHS staff are not allowed to report you to the Home Office or immigration authorities because you have sought medical care.
Your HIV status will not be shared with immigration authorities without your consent. If you are worried about this, you can speak to a patient advocate, a charity, or a legal adviser who can reassure you about your rights.
Type your paragraph here
Knowing your HIV status is important for your health and wellbeing. HIV testing is free and confidential. You can access testing even if you have no documentation or an uncertain immigration status.
If you have come from a country with high HIV prevalence, you may be offered a test as part of routine care. This is standard practice and is offered with care, not judgement.
Type your paragraph here
If you were receiving HIV treatment in another country, it is very important to continue your treatment without interruption. Stopping treatment — even for a short time — can allow HIV to become active again and can cause the virus to develop resistance to medications.
When you first arrive or register with a service, tell them you are on HIV medication. Many services have protocols for ensuring continuity of treatment for people in your situation. Emergency supplies can sometimes be provided while a longer-term prescription is arranged.
If you do not yet know your HIV status, getting tested as soon as possible allows you to access treatment if needed and to protect your health.
Type your paragraph here
You have the right to an interpreter when accessing NHS services. If English is not your first language, ask for an interpreter — NHS services are required to provide one at no cost to you.
Many HIV charities and community organisations produce information in multiple languages and employ staff who speak languages other than English. Don't hesitate to ask for materials or support in your own language.
Type your paragraph here
If you are HIV-positive and seeking asylum, your HIV status may be relevant to your claim — particularly if accessing HIV treatment in your country of origin is difficult, dangerous, or impossible.
This is a complex legal area. It is strongly recommended that you seek specialist legal advice. Organisations like the Terrence Higgins Trust, Positively UK, and Migrants' Rights Network can provide guidance or refer you to legal advisers who understand both HIV and immigration law.
In some cases, a person's HIV status and lack of access to treatment in their home country has been a factor in successful asylum or humanitarian protection claims. A solicitor with relevant experience can help you understand your options.
Type your paragraph here
Living with HIV while going through the asylum process is an enormous amount to carry. Many people in this situation experience high levels of anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma — both from the journey they have taken and from the uncertainty of their situation.
Your mental health matters. Please try to access support if you can. Some HIV charities offer peer support specifically for migrants and refugees living with HIV. Speaking to someone who has been through a similar experience can be invaluable.
Yes. All asylum seekers — including those whose claim is pending or has been refused — are entitled to free HIV treatment on the NHS. HIV is specifically exempt from immigration health surcharge rules. Do not let fear stop you from accessing treatment.
You can still access NHS services without ID. A GP must register you as a patient, and sexual health clinics will see you without documentation. If you face barriers, contact a local HIV charity or migrant support organisation for help.
No. NHS services are bound by strict confidentiality. Your HIV status and the fact that you are accessing treatment cannot be shared with immigration authorities. The NHS and the Home Office are separate.
You should be able to access equivalent or better medication. Tell your HIV doctor what you were taking, and they will ensure you can continue treatment. Continuity is very important — don't stop taking your medication while waiting for a new prescription.
Your fears are understandable. But NHS staff are not allowed to report you to immigration authorities. You could also contact an HIV charity first — they can accompany you or advise you, and many have experience supporting people in your situation.
Yes. People in immigration detention are entitled to healthcare including HIV medication. If you or someone you know is in detention and not receiving their HIV medication, contact a legal adviser or charity urgently.
myth 01:
Asylum seekers are not entitled to NHS treatment.
Truth
Asylum seekers are entitled to full NHS care, including HIV treatment — regardless of whether their claim has been decided. HIV treatment is specifically free for all, regardless of immigration status.
myth 02:
Accessing HIV care will affect my asylum application negatively.
Truth
There is no evidence that accessing HIV care harms an asylum application. In some cases, HIV status may actually be relevant to a protection claim. Seek specialist legal advice.
myth 03:
If I tell a doctor I have HIV, they will report me to immigration.
Truth
This is false. NHS medical information is confidential. Doctors cannot and will not share your HIV status with immigration authorities.
myth 04:
HIV treatment in the UK will be different and may not work for me.
Truth
Modern antiretroviral treatment is highly effective for people from all backgrounds. Your doctor will take your full health history into account and find the right treatment for you.
You have rights. You deserve care. Whatever journey brought you here, you matter.