Access to a medical doctor — or a general practitioner (GP) as they are called in the UK — is free. You can access this service by registering with a GP surgery. You do not need proof of address, identification or immigration status to register, though having them can sometimes speed up the process.
Who can register with a GP for free?
Anyone living in England, Scotland and Wales can register with a GP practice for free. Under NHS guidelines, GP surgeries are categorised as “primary care.” Access to primary care is a universal right for anyone physically staying in the UK.
Crucially, when you apply to register, a GP surgery cannot refuse your registration based on your:
- Nationality or immigration status
- Lack of proof of address (e.g., if you are homeless, couch-surfing, or a newly arrived migrant)
- Lack of photo identification or a passport
While a receptionist might ask for an ID or a utility bill to ensure your details are spelled correctly on the NHS database, they are strictly prohibited from turning you away if you do not have them.
Can non-British citizens register for free?
Every non-British citizen can register for free with a GP. There is absolutely no charge to register with a doctor or to have a consultation with a GP or nurse, regardless of your visa status.
How your citizenship status affects you comes into play after the GP visit — specifically if you need to be referred to a hospital or a specialist (known as “secondary care”).
Here is how different non-British citizens are treated for hospital care costs:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)/Settled status
GP consultations are free and hospital and specialist care costs are free. Those with ILR are classed as ordinary residents. - Work, student or family visa holders (They pay the Immigration Health Surcharge)
GP consultations are free as well as hospital and specialist care costs. Their IHS payment covers all hospital and specialist care over the duration of their visa. - Asylum seekers and refugees
If you’re an asylum seeker/refugee with an active application/appeal, you’re entitled to free NHS care, including GP care. (If you’ve had your asylum refused, it can be more complicated for some services, but GP registration/primary care is still available.)
Can tourists visiting the UK register with a GP for free consultations?
Yes, if you are staying for more than 24 hours and up to 6 months.
- For stays under three months: You can register to a GP practice near where you’re staying as a temporary resident.
- For stays between 3 and 6 months: You can register as a standard/permanent patient with a local practice for the duration of your stay.
Some services and treatments are free to all. Depending on your country of origin, you may have to pay for standard charges, medicines if prescribed, or a treatment if you are referred or admitted to a hospital.
Charges also depend on whether you’re visiting specifically to get treatment and on your status/entitlements. Ask the GP practice what they can offer for someone who is on a tourist visa.
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to register with a GP:
Step 1: Find a GP Surgery Near You
- GP surgeries usually have a specific geographic area they cover. You need to find a practice close to where you live.
- Go to the official NHS “Find a GP” website.
Enter your postcode to see a list of the closest surgeries. - Check their ratings, opening hours, and whether they are currently accepting new patients.
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Registration
Most surgeries offer two ways to register: online or in person.
Option A: Register Online (Quickest)
- Many GP surgeries now use the Register with a GP surgery service on the NHS website.
- If your chosen surgery allows it, you can fill out the digital form directly on your phone or computer.
- Alternatively, you can log into the NHS App and use the registration feature there.
Option B: Register In Person
- Walk into the GP surgery during their opening hours and ask the receptionist for a registration pack.
- They will give you a form called the GMS1 form to fill out.
Step 3: Fill Out the GMS1 Form
Whether online or on paper, you will be asked to provide:
- Your basic details (Name, date of birth, address, phone number).
- Your previous GP’s details (if you were registered with one in the UK before).
- Your NHS Number (if you know it—don’t worry if you don’t, they can look it up).
- Basic health history (e.g., major allergies, current medications, smoking status).
Note on Documentation: While guidelines state that a GP surgery cannot refuse to register you if you lack ID or proof of address, bringing a photo ID (like a passport or BRP) and a utility bill/rental agreement makes it much easier for them to match you to the correct NHS database.
Step 4: Attend a New Patient Health Check (if requested)
Some surgeries will ask you to book a brief appointment with a practice nurse shortly after registering.
- This is a routine check to take your blood pressure, height, weight, and discuss any ongoing prescriptions you need transferred over.
Step 5: Receive Your Confirmation
- Once the surgery processes your paperwork (usually taking anywhere from a few days to two weeks), they will send you a text message, letter, or email confirming you are officially on their patient list.
- You can then begin booking appointments and ordering prescriptions through that surgery.
Can I switch to a different local clinic?
Switching GP clinics in the UK is usually quick and free, and you can do it online or in person.
- Find a clinic near you by searching your postcode on the official NHS website and check they’re accepting new patients.
- Apply through the clinic’s online registration, via the NHS App, or ask reception for a paper form.
- Wait for the new surgery to process your details (typically within about 5 days).
- Your medical records should transfer automatically, so you normally don’t need to contact your previous clinic.
