⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare that is free at the point of use for UK residents, funded through general taxation. If you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) with your visa, you can use the NHS on the same basis as a resident from the day you arrive. This guide covers how to access the system — not medical advice.
The golden rule: start with a GP
A GP (general practitioner) — your local family doctor — is the front door of the NHS. Nearly everything goes through them: check-ups, prescriptions, referrals to specialists, and mental health support. Emergency departments are for emergencies only; turning up with a non-urgent problem means a very long wait and you'll likely be redirected to a GP anyway.
Registering with a GP
Find practices near your postcode on nhs.uk ("Find a GP").
Contact the practice to register — many offer online registration via a GMS1 form.
Bring photo ID and proof of address if you have them. Practices are not allowed to refuse registration for lack of ID, proof of address, or immigration documents — though some reception staff don't know this, so be politely persistent or try another practice.
Registration typically takes a few days; you'll be issued an NHS number.
Register as soon as you arrive — don't wait until you're ill. You don't need a permanent address to register.
Which service for which problem
Pharmacy: the first stop for minor ailments — pharmacists can advise on and supply many medicines without a prescription.
GP appointment: ongoing or non-urgent issues; book by phone, online, or through the NHS App.
NHS 111: urgent medical help and advice, 24 hours a day — call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. They assess your situation and direct or book you into the right service.
A&E (Accident & Emergency): serious emergencies only, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, or suspected broken bones.
999: life-threatening emergencies — ask for an ambulance.
The free NHS App lets you book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and view your health records — set it up early.
Prescriptions and charges
In England, each prescribed medicine item carries a fixed prescription charge — currently £9.90 per item (frozen for 2026/27). Many people are exempt: under-16s, 16–18s in full-time education, people aged 60 and over, pregnant women and new mothers, people with certain medical conditions, and people on low incomes or qualifying benefits. If you need regular prescriptions, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) caps your costs — 3-month £32.05, 12-month £114.50, HRT PPC £19.80 (2026/27 rates; check nhs.uk for updates).
Scope note: prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — the per-item charge applies in England only.
Dental and eye care
NHS dentistry: exists but is hard to access — many practices have no NHS capacity for new patients and waiting lists are long. NHS dental treatment in England uses fixed price bands (Band 1 £27.90 / Band 2 £76.60 / Band 3 £332.10 for bands 1–3 — 2026/27 England charges; confirm current bands on nhs.uk). Many newcomers end up using private dentists, which cost more.
Opticians: eye tests are free for some groups (under-16s, over-60s, certain medical conditions or benefits); glasses and contact lenses are usually paid out of pocket.
IHS, visitors, and the rest of the UK
If you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application, you're entitled to NHS care like a resident — keep your IHS reference number safe.
Short-term visitors generally get free GP consultations and emergency care, but hospital treatment may be charged unless an exemption or reciprocal agreement applies (e.g., GHIC/EHIC for visitors from the EU).
The NHS is actually four systems: NHS England, NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The core principles are the same, but charges (prescriptions, dental) and some services differ — the charge figures in this guide are England-specific.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need private health insurance if I've paid the IHS?
No — the IHS gives you full NHS access on the same basis as a resident. Some people still buy private cover to skip waiting lists for elective procedures, but it isn't required.
Can I register with a GP without proof of address?
Yes. NHS guidance says practices must not refuse registration for lack of ID or proof of address. If a receptionist insists otherwise, politely cite the NHS England guidance or try another practice.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies. For urgent but not life-threatening problems, call NHS 111 first — they will assess and direct you to the right service.
How do I continue my regular medication in the UK?
Register with a GP and book an appointment to discuss your prescriptions — bring a letter or medication list from your previous doctor (translated if needed). The GP will arrange UK-equivalent prescribing through the normal process.
Are prescriptions really free in Scotland and Wales?
Yes — there is no prescription charge in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Only England charges per item.
Sources
NHS, How to register with a GP surgery — https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/
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