Money · Spending

How much does the UK spend on the NHS and health?

The UK government spent £258 billion on health in 2025-26: 19% of all government spending and 8.4% of GDP, about £3,706 for every person in the UK.

SPENT

£258bn

On health, 2025-26.

SHARE OF SPENDING

19%

Of £1,360bn total government spending.

PER PERSON

£3,706

A year, across 69.5 million people.

Spending on health over the last few years

Figures are in cash terms, not adjusted for rising prices, and for the whole UK public sector. See all spending →

Financial year	Spent	Share of GDP	Share of spending	Change on the year before
2025-26	£257.5bn	8.4%	18.9%	+6.2%
2024-25	£242.4bn	8.3%	18.8%	+9.2%
2023-24	£222.0bn	8.0%	18.0%	–

See how MPs have voted on health →

What it cannot tell you. This is public spending on health across the whole UK, which includes the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, public health and health research. It does not show whether the money is enough, how it is used, or private health spending.

Questions people ask

How much does the UK spend on health?

£258 billion in 2025-26, which is 19% of government spending and 8.4% of GDP.

Is this just the NHS?

It is the Treasury’s ‘health’ heading, which is mainly the NHS but also covers public health and related services across the UK. Health is devolved, so each nation sets its own budget.

Is this adjusted for inflation?

No. The figures are in cash terms, so a rise can partly reflect higher prices. See the inflation page for how fast prices have risen.

Sources: HM Treasury, Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA), and the ONS, 2025-26. Latest published outturn; it can be revised. Updated every night.