The NHS and registering with a GP

Your path in the NHS usually begins with the GP, the gateway to follow-up: he examines you, prescribes treatment and refers you to specialists (referral) in hospitals if needed.

• For urgent non-life-threatening cases you call NHS 111 or visit an Urgent Treatment Centre or Walk-in Centre.
• And for life-threatening emergencies you call 999 or go to the A&E department.
• And there are pharmacies, dentists and opticians contracted with the NHS.
• Basic care is free, and a charge is paid for prescriptions in England (about 9.90 pounds per prescription), dental care and eyeglasses, and prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• And some categories enjoy exemption (children, the elderly, low-income people and pregnant women).

Most who apply for a visa to reside for more than six months (work, study and family) pay the IHS fee for the whole visa period in advance, at about 1035 pounds a year for an adult and about 776 pounds for students, children and some categories (numbers change so check).

• It is paid online during the application, and gives you a reference number (IHS reference number).
• Some categories are exempt such as refugees, asylum seekers, victims of trafficking and health professionals entitled to a Health and Care Visa.
• And your right to the NHS becomes similar to a resident's without additional insurance, but charges may be paid for some services such as prescriptions and dental care.
• If you do not pay the required IHS your application may be refused or you may be charged for treatment at full prices.
• And if you stay temporarily less than six months get travel insurance.

Register with a nearby GP as soon as possible, do not wait for illness.

• Search for surgeries (GP surgeries) in your area via the NHS site Find a GP and make sure they accept new patients.
• You can register directly by filling a GMS1 form or online or at the surgery.
• The surgery has no right to refuse your registration because you do not have proof of address, an immigration document or an NHS number, since these are not legal conditions, but they may ask for information to help you.
• After registering you get an NHS number (a ten-digit number) by post or from the surgery, and you can use it in the NHS App to book appointments, order prescriptions and view your record.
• And mention any chronic disease or medicine and your need for an interpreter.

Free in the NHS: GP visits, hospital treatment, emergencies, family planning, most blood tests and scans by referral, maternity and childbirth care, vaccinations, and health tests for infectious diseases such as TB, HIV, hepatitis and Covid.

• Charges are paid for some items: prescriptions in England (you can buy a Prescription Prepayment Certificate that saves if you need many medicines), dental care (fees by band about 26, 73 and 320 pounds), glasses and eye tests, and medical devices.
• Some categories are exempt: those under 16 or under 19 in education, over 60, pregnant women and those who gave birth in the last year, those receiving some benefits, and low-income holders of an HC2 certificate.
• Check exemption before paying.

You can choose private care through insurance (Bupa, AXA and Vitality) or direct payment to avoid long waiting lists, but it is optional and costly, and an employer may provide it. Emergency care in the NHS remains available to everyone regardless of status.

• Refugees, asylum seekers, victims of trafficking and children have the right to care without charges, and can register with a GP without requiring papers.
• Irregular migrants have the right to primary care at a GP and emergencies, and hospitals may charge for some services but urgent treatment is not withheld, and their status is not usually reported to immigration.
• And services and support in many languages via free NHS interpreters exist, so ask for them.
• And charities such as Doctors of the World and the Refugee Council help.

What is the NHS?