How to Register with a GP (General Practitioner) in the UK

Introduction / Who is it for

The NHS (National Health Service) is free for residents of the UK. To use it, you must be registered with a GP (General Practitioner) — a family doctor. The GP is the first point of contact for health issues and refers to specialists.

Who can register

The NHS is available to anyone who is "ordinarily resident" in the UK — meaning they have a permanent address and live in the UK for most of the year. Immigration status is not required for registration with a GP — even without Settled Status, without a visa, or residing illegally — everyone can register with a GP.

Required documents

Theoretically, a GP does NOT require any documents for registration. In practice, most practices ask for:

• Proof of identity — passport, ID card (preferred)
• Proof of address — Council Tax bill, rental agreement, bank statement (from the last 3 months)

NOTE: if a GP refuses to register you due to lack of documents, you have the right to request a written justification and file a complaint. The NHS prohibits discrimination in registration.

Step by step

1. Find a local GP — enter your postcode at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
2. Check if they are accepting new patients — information on the practice's website or by phone
3. Download the GMS1 form from the GP's website or pick it up at the reception
4. Fill out the form — personal details, medical history (briefly), contact information
5. Submit the form in person or online (some practices accept email/portal)
6. Wait for confirmation — a letter with your NHS number (if you don't have one) and registration documents
7. Schedule a preliminary health check (new patient health check) — optional but recommended

NHS number

Your NHS number is a 10-digit unique patient identifier. You will receive it automatically after your first registration with a GP. Keep it — it will be needed for every visit and prescription medications.

Costs

• GP visits — free
• Prescriptions: £9.90 per item (in England). Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland — free for everyone.
• Hospital visit: free (when referred by a GP or A&E)
• NHS dentist: £25.80 / £70.70 / £306.80 (3 levels)
• NHS optician: eye test free, glasses subsidized for certain groups

Pre-paid Prescription Certificate

If you take multiple prescriptions monthly, it is worth purchasing a PPC (Prepayment Certificate): £32.05 for 3 months or £114.50 for a year — with no limit on prescriptions.

What if you urgently need help

• NHS 111 — free helpline 24/7 for medical advice (non-emergency)
• A&E (Accident & Emergency) — hospital emergency department for urgent conditions
• 999 — ambulance (life-threatening emergencies)
• Walk-in Centres — clinics without registration for minor issues

Common mistakes

• Waiting to register until you are sick — registration takes a few days
• Using A&E for minor issues (clogs the ambulance service)
• Not updating your address (letters from tests do not arrive)
• Not informing the GP about language issues — you have the right to a free translator

Translator in the NHS

You have the right to a free translator at every visit to a GP or hospital if you do not speak English fluently. Request this when making an appointment (not with a family member as a translator — require a certified one).