Healthcare costs
The UK has a national health system called the NHS. You can get help for both physical health and mental health issues. Most services are free.
Most people have to pay a contribution towards the cost of prescription medicines, dental treatment and eye tests and glasses. Most other health services are free.
If you’re on a low income, you may be eligible for help with the costs of NHS treatment. You can check your eligibility and apply via the NHS website.
A GP is a non-specialist doctor who will usually be the first point of contact for medical issues. They can treat many conditions themselves. If they decide you need further treatment, they will refer you to other services within the NHS.
You should register with a local GP. This will allow you to make appointments in future when you need help. It can often take weeks to get an appointment, but if you have an issue that can’t wait, you can ask for an emergency appointment, which will often be on the same day.
GP appointments may be held at their centre, over the phone, or by home visit if you’re too ill to leave your home. If you cannot keep an appointment, phone them before the appointment is due, otherwise you may be removed from the GP’s register.
You can check the NHS website to find a GP near to you. You will see their address, opening times and if they currently have capacity to take new patients.
The GP you choose will usually provide an online form, or you can visit the GP and ask for a paper form. They will ask for basic information about you, your contact details and where you live. They cannot refuse to register you just because you don’t have proof of your identity, address or immigration status.
If you do not have a permanent address, you can still register using a temporary address, or the address of the GP surgery.
They are allowed to refuse you if they currently don’t have capacity for new patients, or if there are other GPs that are closer to you. If this happens, you should try applying to another GP.
If they refuse you because of your immigration status or because you don’t have an address, you can challenge this. You may want to get help doing this.
You will need to have an appointment to visit your GP. Your GP will usually provide an online booking form, but you can also call them on the phone or walk in and ask the reception staff.
If something changes and you can’t make an appointment, you should contact them to ask for another time. Do this as soon as you know you can’t make the appointment.
You can request your GP provide you with a translator for appointments.
You must arrive by the appointment time, so aim to get there shortly before. If you are late, they may cancel your appointment.
When you arrive you should go to the reception and tell them your name, address and date of birth. They may also have a computer screen that will allow you to check in digitally. You’ll then take a seat in the waiting area, until your name is called out.
You will normally have about 10 minutes. It may be with a doctor, or a nurse depending on the issue you have. You a more likely to see a nurse for issues such as vaccinations or small wounds. The appointment is just for one person – you can’t bring other family members to talk about their issues.
If the doctor thinks you need further treatment, they will let you know what will happen next. If you are struggling to understand, let them know. You can ask them to write things down if that is easier for you.
If your doctor has prescribed medication for you, you will be given a prescription, which is a piece of paper describing the medication you need. You will need to take this to a local pharmacy.
Pharmacies can offer you medical advice and sell you medicines for many minor illnesses and conditions, such as coughs, skin conditions and stomach problems. Many medications are not available unless a doctor has provided a prescription for you. They will tell you if you will need to see a doctor first.
You do not need to make an appointment, or be registered as a patient. When you enter, find the main desk and talk to the pharmacist.
If your doctor has prescribed you with a medicine, give them your prescription. They will ask if you are entitled to free prescriptions.
Asking for advice is always free. If you have a prescription, it will cost around £10 to get your medication, though you may be entitled to free prescriptions. You will need to pay for any other items that you don’t have a prescription for.
NHS 111 is a helpline available 24/7 which you can use for immediate medical advice. If you are not sure what to do, they can direct you to the right service within the NHS.
To use this service, dial 111 on a phone.
Call the number. You will hear a recorded message. Wait for a real person to answer. Then say the name of your language. They will then arrange an interpreter to join the call.
If you can find a dentist, it is recommended that you visit them every 6 months. You do not need to wait for problems to appear.
However, in most areas you will find it difficult to find an NHS dentist with capacity to help you, as the waiting lists are very long.
You can find local dentists using the NHS website. If you want to pay a reduced amount (or you’re entitled to free help via the NHS), you will need to find a dentist that is accepting NHS patients.
Once you have found a dentist, you should contact them and ask them if they have capacity. If they do, you will need to provide them with basic details such as contact information. They will ask for your NHS number, which you will have if you have registered with a GP.
You will not need to show proof of identity, address or your immigration status.
You will need to try and find another dentist. You can also try and find a private dentist, but the costs of treatment will be much higher.
If you have an emergency, such as an injury to your mouth, you can also go to your nearest A&E hospital.
You must arrive by the appointment time, so aim to get there shortly before. If you are late, they may cancel your appointment. When you arrive, talk to the person on the reception desk and give them your name.
If you register as an NHS patient with your dentist, you may be entitled to free treatment. The NHS website provides details of what you will need to pay, and who can get free treatment.
You can use the NHS website to find your nearest optician. You should then contact the optician directly to book a test. Many will have an online form for this.
You may be entitled to free tests and glasses – you can see the NHS website for guidance. If you are not, you will have to pay for tests, treatment or glasses.
You can get free contraception and advice through the NHS. You can find your nearest sexual health clinic via the NHS website. You may need to contact them to make an appointment, though many let you walk in without an appointment.
The NHS provides free healthcare throughout the journey of pregnancy and childbirth. Other organisations offer advice, classes and other support with pregnancy.
If think you might be pregnant, you can buy a testing kit from any pharmacy, and most supermarkets. You can do a pregnancy test three weeks after unprotected sex, or once you have missed a period.
You can ask your GP or local sexual health centre, as many of these offer a free testing kits. Some charities may also be able to give you a test kit.
If you’re pregnant, you should consider what you want to do. You will have free medical and practical support through the pregnancy if you choose to go ahead. If you do not want to have a baby, you can get an abortion. For many people this can be a difficult choice, so you may want to contact a free advice service to talk through your options.
You will receive free support throughout pregnancy, birth and shortly after.
As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, you should see your GP. Your GP will be able to give you advice about your health and the pregnancy, and test for diseases and disorders. They will also put you in contact with a midwife who will support you through your pregnancy.
You will be offered appointments throughout your pregnancy to ensure your baby is healthy, and help you prepare for the birth. You will be given ultrasound scans to find out when your baby is due and to check its development.
There are free classes that can help you learn how to stay healthy during pregnancy, prepare for birth, and look after your baby. These are called 'antenatal classes', and you can find out which ones are available by asking your midwife, health visitor or GP.
You can choose to give birth in a hospital, or in your own home if you prefer. If you choose to have your baby at home, your midwife will support you with this.
You can have an abortion up to 24 weeks into your pregnancy in the UK, except in Northern Ireland where the period is 12 weeks. Beyond this point, it is still legal if continuing with the pregnancy may cause a risk to your life, or there is evidence that your baby has a severe disability.
To get an abortion, you can talk to your GP or go to your nearest sexual health clinic. They will help refer you to a free abortion service.
The NHS will not tell your parents, unless they believe you are at risk of sexual abuse. They would usually discuss this with you first.
You can get free testing for sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or HIV. You do not need to have symptoms. If you have recently had unprotected sex and you think you may have been exposed to HIV, you should go for a test immediately.
The NHS website can show you where your nearest sexual health clinic is. You may need to contact them to make an appointment, though many will allow you to walk in without an appointment.
You can get vaccinations for many common diseases. You can read about what is available from the NHS website. If you think you need a vaccination, you should contact your GP.
There is a lot of free support available to you if you don’t feel well. You may have experienced trauma, a difficult event or you regularly feel down, worried, lonely or panicked. This support includes talking to a professional who can help you work through your problems, medication, or groups and activities where you can meet others who are going through similar difficulties.
If you are not feeling well, you don’t need to feel embarrassed about getting help. Your GP can help you find something suitable. You can also find a local charity or group yourself and contact them to get support.
A GP is a non-specialist doctor who will usually be the first point of contact for medical issues. They can treat many conditions themselves. If they decide you need further treatment, they will refer you to other services within the NHS.
You should register with a local GP. This will allow you to make appointments in future when you need help. It can often take weeks to get an appointment, but if you have an issue that can’t wait, you can ask for an emergency appointment, which will often be on the same day.
GP appointments may be held at their centre, over the phone, or by home visit if you’re too ill to leave your home. If you cannot keep an appointment, phone them before the appointment is due, otherwise you may be removed from the GP’s register.
You can check the NHS website to find a GP near to you. You will see their address, opening times and if they currently have capacity to take new patients.
The GP you choose will usually provide an online form, or you can visit the GP and ask for a paper form. They will ask for basic information about you, your contact details and where you live. They cannot refuse to register you just because you don’t have proof of your identity, address or immigration status.
If you do not have a permanent address, you can still register using a temporary address, or the address of the GP surgery.
They are allowed to refuse you if they currently don’t have capacity for new patients, or if there are other GPs that are closer to you. If this happens, you should try applying to another GP.
If they refuse you because of your immigration status or because you don’t have an address, you can challenge this. You may want to get help doing this.
You will need to have an appointment to visit your GP. Your GP will usually provide an online booking form, but you can also call them on the phone or walk in and ask the reception staff.
If something changes and you can’t make an appointment, you should contact them to ask for another time. Do this as soon as you know you can’t make the appointment.
You can request your GP provide you with a translator for appointments.
You must arrive by the appointment time, so aim to get there shortly before. If you are late, they may cancel your appointment.
When you arrive you should go to the reception and tell them your name, address and date of birth. They may also have a computer screen that will allow you to check in digitally. You’ll then take a seat in the waiting area, until your name is called out.
You will normally have about 10 minutes. It may be with a doctor, or a nurse depending on the issue you have. You a more likely to see a nurse for issues such as vaccinations or small wounds. The appointment is just for one person – you can’t bring other family members to talk about their issues.
If the doctor thinks you need further treatment, they will let you know what will happen next. If you are struggling to understand, let them know. You can ask them to write things down if that is easier for you.
If your doctor has prescribed medication for you, you will be given a prescription, which is a piece of paper describing the medication you need. You will need to take this to a local pharmacy.
There is a lot of free support available to you if you don’t feel well. You may have experienced trauma, a difficult event or you regularly feel down, worried, lonely or panicked. This support includes talking to a professional who can help you work through your problems, medication, or groups and activities where you can meet others who are going through similar difficulties.
If you are not feeling well, you don’t need to feel embarrassed about getting help. Your GP can help you find something suitable. You can also find a local charity or group yourself and contact them to get support.
A GP is a non-specialist doctor who will usually be the first point of contact for medical issues. They can treat many conditions themselves. If they decide you need further treatment, they will refer you to other services within the NHS.
You should register with a local GP. This will allow you to make appointments in future when you need help. It can often take weeks to get an appointment, but if you have an issue that can’t wait, you can ask for an emergency appointment, which will often be on the same day.
GP appointments may be held at their centre, over the phone, or by home visit if you’re too ill to leave your home. If you cannot keep an appointment, phone them before the appointment is due, otherwise you may be removed from the GP’s register.
You can check the NHS website to find a GP near to you. You will see their address, opening times and if they currently have capacity to take new patients.
The GP you choose will usually provide an online form, or you can visit the GP and ask for a paper form. They will ask for basic information about you, your contact details and where you live. They cannot refuse to register you just because you don’t have proof of your identity, address or immigration status.
If you do not have a permanent address, you can still register using a temporary address, or the address of the GP surgery.
They are allowed to refuse you if they currently don’t have capacity for new patients, or if there are other GPs that are closer to you. If this happens, you should try applying to another GP.
If they refuse you because of your immigration status or because you don’t have an address, you can challenge this. You may want to get help doing this.
You will need to have an appointment to visit your GP. Your GP will usually provide an online booking form, but you can also call them on the phone or walk in and ask the reception staff.
If something changes and you can’t make an appointment, you should contact them to ask for another time. Do this as soon as you know you can’t make the appointment.
You can request your GP provide you with a translator for appointments.
You must arrive by the appointment time, so aim to get there shortly before. If you are late, they may cancel your appointment.
When you arrive you should go to the reception and tell them your name, address and date of birth. They may also have a computer screen that will allow you to check in digitally. You’ll then take a seat in the waiting area, until your name is called out.
You will normally have about 10 minutes. It may be with a doctor, or a nurse depending on the issue you have. You a more likely to see a nurse for issues such as vaccinations or small wounds. The appointment is just for one person – you can’t bring other family members to talk about their issues.
If the doctor thinks you need further treatment, they will let you know what will happen next. If you are struggling to understand, let them know. You can ask them to write things down if that is easier for you.
If your doctor has prescribed medication for you, you will be given a prescription, which is a piece of paper describing the medication you need. You will need to take this to a local pharmacy.
If you or someone else needs immediate medical help for a life-threatening emergency you should call 999 or go to the nearest A&E hospital. When you call 999, you should first say ‘ambulance’. You will then be asked questions about the situation, where you are, and for a number they can call you on. If necessary, they will send a paramedic.
Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.
999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.
Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.
If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.
Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.
If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.
The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.
If you have a problem that is not life-threatening, but needs urgent help, you should call 111 or go to your nearest urgent treatment centre or walk-in centre. These centres are usually only open in the day time. If you call 111, they will ask you about the situation, and tell you what you should do next.