Healthcare in the UK

General Practitioners (GPs) are community-based doctors who are often your first point of contact for healthcare in the UK. They typically work in GP practices alongside other professionals such as nurses, health visitors, and midwives. Appointments at GP surgeries are free for UK residents. 

To access NHS healthcare services, you’ll need to register with a local GP once you have a UK address. Registration usually involves completing a form and may include a brief health check. Once registered, your GP can help with a wide range of medical issues and, if needed, refer you to a specialist or hospital for further care. 

England: 
Register with a GP surgery - NHS  

Wales: 
NHS 111 Wales - Search Results 

Scotland: 
GP practices | NHS Inform 

Northern Ireland: 
Find a GP practice | nidirect 

Dial 999 for urgent medical help. For non-emergency medical advice, you can call NHS 111. 
 
NHS 111 is a free telephone and online service available 24/7. It offers medical advice, helps you decide which service to use, and can book appointments at local clinics or UTCs. 
 
You can request an interpreter by saying “interpreter please” when calling. 
 
England: 
Visit NHS 111 online for multilingual support. 

Wales: 
Visit https://111.wales.nhs.uk/ for symptom checkers and multilingual support. 

Scotland: 
Visit Home | NHS 24.  

Northern Ireland: 
A to Z illnesses and conditions/symptom search | nidirect 

Dentists in the UK provide both routine and specialist care for teeth and gums. Most dental practices accept a mix of NHS and private patients. 

Even if you're registered as an NHS patient, you may still need to pay for dental treatment unless you're eligible for exemptions (e.g. certain benefits, age-related criteria). 
 
To find out if you qualify for free or reduced-cost dental care, contact your local dental practice:  

England: 
Find a dentist - NHS 

Wales: 
NHS 111 Wales - Search Results 
Finding an NHS dentist in Wales easier with new digital portal - Digital Health and Care Wales 

Scotland: 
Dental services | NHS Inform 

Northern Ireland: 
Seeing a dentist | nidirect 

Opticians carry out eye tests and assess vision health.  

England: 
Unless you're entitled to a free eye test (for example, if you're under 18, have diabetes or glaucoma, or receive certain benefits), you’ll need to pay for these services. 

You can find a local optician through the https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/ 

Wales: 
Unless you're entitled to a free eye test (for example, if you're under 18, have diabetes or glaucoma, or receive certain benefits), you’ll need to pay for these services. 

NHS 111 Wales - Search Results 

Scotland: 
All NHS eye examinations (eye tests) are free in Scotland if you: 

• usually live in the UK
• are a refugee
• are an asylum seeker
• in some cases, are an eligible overseas visitor 

NHS community eyecare | NHS inform 

Northern Ireland: 
Unless you're entitled to a free eye test (for example, have diabetes or glaucoma, or receive certain benefits), you’ll need to pay for these services. 
Eye care | nidirect 

Pharmacists offer free advice on minor health issues such as skin allergies, sore throats, and stomach problems. 
 
Some pharmacies also provide services like repeat prescriptions, blood pressure checks, and diabetes monitoring. 

England: 
Prescription charges apply unless you're exempt.  

Wales: 
Prescriptions are free in Wales for all residents 

Scotland: 
Prescriptions are free in Wales for all residents 

Northern Ireland: 
Prescriptions are free in Northern Ireland for all residents. 

Walk-in centres and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) offer care for minor injuries and illnesses without the need for an appointment. 
 
They are typically open during extended hours and provide a convenient alternative to GP surgeries or A&E for non-life-threatening issues. 
 
Treatment is free for UK residents.  

Scotland: 
A&ES and Minor Injuries Units | NHS Inform 

Northern Ireland: 
GP out of hours service | nidirect 

While NHS services are free for legal residents, some internationals choose to take out private health insurance for quicker access or additional coverage.

Mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and support is available for those living in the UK - including international residents and students. 

Did you know? 
One in four adults in the UK experiences a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of background, age, or life stage. In fact, mental health problems are the leading cause of disability in the UK.  

NHS Mental Health Services 
The National Health Service (NHS) provides a wide range of mental health services, including: 

• Talking therapies (e.g. CBT)
• Psychiatric care
• Crisis support
• Community-based mental health services 

These services are free at the point of use for legal residents, including those who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application.  

However, waiting times can vary, and access may depend on your location. Many people also seek support through private providers, charities, or university wellbeing services. 

Crisis Support 
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs urgent help: 

Call 999 for emergencies. 

Call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online for non-emergency advice.  

Contact your GP for referrals to mental health specialists. 

Additional Support for Internationals 
Moving to a new country can be exciting - but also overwhelming. You may face: 

• Language barriers
• Cultural differences
• Academic pressure
• Financial stress
• Feelings of isolation or homesickness 

Organisations like UKCISA https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/ and https://www.studentminds.org.uk offer tailored support for international students and newcomers. 

Talking About Mental Health 
In the UK, mental health is increasingly recognised and openly discussed. Campaigns such as Time to Talk encourage people to seek help and support each other. If mental health is viewed differently in your home country, it’s okay to take time to adjust. Help is available, and you’re not alone. 

Scotland resources: 
Mental health - Citizens Advice 
SAMH 
Mental health | NHS inform 
breathingspace.scot - Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone line for anybody experiencing low mood or depression.  

Northern Ireland resources: 
Mental health services | nidirect 
Minding your head 

How do I register with a GP in the UK? 

To access NHS healthcare services, you’ll need to register with a local GP (General Practitioner) once you have a UK address. Registration usually involves completing a form and may include a brief health check. GP surgeries are free for UK residents. 

England: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp  

Wales: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/  

Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/  

Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/your-local-doctor-gp  

What should I do in a medical emergency? 

Dial 999 for urgent medical help. For non-emergency advice, call NHS 111 (available 24/7) or use the online service. 

England: https://111.nhs.uk/  

Wales: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/  

Scotland: https://www.nhs24.scot/  

Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/a-z-illnesses-and-conditions  

You can request an interpreter by saying “interpreter please” when calling. 

How do I access dental care in the UK?

Dentists provide both routine and specialist care. Most practices accept NHS and private patients. NHS dental treatment may involve charges unless you qualify for exemptions.

England: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist 

Wales: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/ 

Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/ 

Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/dental-services 

Do I have to pay for an eye test?

Unless you qualify for a free eye test (e.g. under 18, have diabetes or glaucoma, or receive certain benefits), you’ll need to pay.

England: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/ 

Wales: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/ 

Scotland: NHS eye exams are free for UK residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and eligible overseas visitors. https://www.nhsinform.scot/ 

Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/eye-care 

Can pharmacists help with minor health issues?

Yes! Pharmacists offer free advice on minor conditions like skin allergies, sore throats, and stomach problems. Many also provide repeat prescriptions and health checks.

Do I have to pay for prescriptions?

England: Charges apply unless exempt.

Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland: Prescriptions are free for all residents.

Where can I go for minor injuries or illnesses without an appointment?

Walk-in centres and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) offer care without needing to register or book.

Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/ 

Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/gp-out-hours-service 

Is private health insurance necessary in the UK?

NHS services are free for legal residents, but some internationals choose private insurance for faster access or additional coverage.

Is mental health support available in the UK?

Yes. One in four adults experiences a diagnosable mental health condition each year. NHS services include:

• Talking therapies (e.g. CBT)
• Psychiatric care
• Crisis support
• Community-based services

These are free for legal residents, including those who paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

What should I do in a mental health crisis?

Call 999 for emergencies.

Call NHS 111 or contact your GP for referrals.

Are there resources for internationals?

Yes. Moving to a new country can be challenging. You may face:

• Language barriers
• Cultural differences
• Academic or financial stress
• Feelings of isolation

Support is available from:

https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/ 

https://www.studentminds.org.uk/ 

Is mental health openly discussed in the UK?

Yes. Campaigns like Time to Talk encourage open conversations. If mental health is viewed differently in your home country, it’s okay to take time to adjust. Help is available, and you’re not alone.