Finding and registering with a GP when you arrive in the UK

A GP is a general practitioner. A GP practice or surgery provides primary care; the word surgery does not mean you need an operation. Search using your address or postcode, then check whether the practice covers your address and accepts new patients. University student services can also point you towards campus healthcare.

England: use the NHS (England) registration link below. NHS guidance says you do not need ID, proof of address, immigration-status evidence or an existing NHS number to register. Practices may ask for extra information for other reasons, such as matching records. Temporary-address arrangements are available if you have no permanent address.

Scotland: contact the practice and complete the form described by NHS inform. Permanent registration differs from short-stay arrangements; ask about temporary-patient care if staying in the area for no more than three months.

Wales: ask the chosen practice how to join its patient list and complete its form. If you cannot find a practice accepting patients, follow NHS 111 Wales guidance to contact local Contractor Services.

Northern Ireland: apply through a practice using the nidirect guidance. If arriving from outside the UK, ask about the HSCR-1 form and required documents. Do not assume England's document rules apply.

Have your name, date of birth, contact details and current address ready, and explain whether you are staying long term or visiting. A list of medicines, allergies and important medical history can help later conversations with staff. This is not a mandatory document checklist for every UK nation.

After applying, wait for the practice to confirm registration. Ask how appointments, repeat prescriptions and language support work. This guide helps you find services; ask the local service about individual care and charging conditions.

Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency. A&E means the emergency department, not a routine GP registration desk. Do not delay emergency help to collect registration documents.

In England, call NHS 111 if you need medical help now and are unsure where to go. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, use the national services linked from the NHS 111 guidance below. England's online service is not a UK-wide route.