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How to see a doctor in the UK? How to register with a GP? (Updated September 2022)
To see a doctor in the UK, specifically a community doctor known as a General Practitioner (GP), you need to understand the National Health Service (NHS).
The NHS is the primary healthcare system in the UK and is considered one of the best healthcare systems globally. Under the NHS, medical services are generally free, except for dental care.
Within the NHS, there are hospital doctors and community doctors (GPs). In most cases, people in the UK visit their GP for medical issues unless it's a serious, life-threatening emergency, major surgery, or specialized treatments. Hospitals are usually located at a considerable distance from residential areas, and routine medical care is provided by GPs. Unlike in some countries, you won't find long queues at hospitals in the UK because of the availability of NHS services. Both GP and hospital visits are completely free, although there may be charges for certain prescription medications.
When you're sick, you typically visit a GP, also known as a community doctor, in your local area. GP practices are similar to community clinics in other countries, with a few doctors and nurses. It's necessary to make an appointment in advance by phone, but in some cases, you can visit a GP without an appointment, known as a "walk-in" service. However, walk-in services often have long queues, and you may have to wait for several hours. If you have an appointment, you can usually see the GP the next day, depending on the availability of appointments in your area. Some GPs may have a waiting time of 1-2 weeks. When you arrive for your appointment, inform the receptionist, who will check you in and guide you accordingly. Some GP practices have self-check-in machines as well.
It's important to note that GPs in the UK generally provide advice rather than prescribing medications. They might suggest drinking more water, exercising, or consuming certain foods unless they genuinely believe medication is necessary. For example, a friend of mine had a high fever and visited a GP who provided a fan as a remedy. Another friend visited a GP for an unknown reason, and the doctor prescribed several bags of chocolates.
This is similar to many other countries. One of my landlords has a daughter who had a high fever, and her husband, who is a doctor at a hospital, used ice packs on her forehead and placed her in front of a fan. She was around 3-4 years old at the time. I was sitting next to them during a BBQ in the backyard.
If a GP prescribes medication, you can take the prescription to any pharmacy that collaborates with the NHS to collect your medication. Most medications are free, but even if there's a charge, it's usually not expensive. The cost may vary depending on the specific medication and dosage.
Pharmacies can be found easily using Google Maps or the NHS website or app. You can search for pharmacies that collaborate with the NHS.：
In the past, healthcare in the UK used to be free. Currently, it is still technically free, but there is a healthcare surcharge called the Immigration Health Surcharge that has been in effect since April 2015. It is like a healthcare ticket, allowing access to medical services. It is mandatory and applicable to non-European Economic Area citizens applying for UK visas lasting over 6 months, including study visas, work visas, and family visit visas.
The surcharge fee is several hundred pounds per year, with slightly cheaper rates for students (specific fees may vary, so it's best to refer to official sources as prices and charges can change at any time). You need to pay the surcharge when applying for your visa. The exact amount depends on your specific circumstances, and you can calculate the exact fee on the official website based on your situation.
You can find the website to calculate the fee at the following address:：
https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type
So, how do you register with a GP?
Step 1: Find the nearest or most suitable GP
First, visit the official NHS website to search for the nearest GP practice. You can copy and paste the link provided below:
：https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
As shown in the image below, enter your postal code and click on the search button.
As shown in the image below, after entering the postal code of your residential address in the UK, you will be able to find several nearby GP practices. On the newly updated website, the ratings for each GP practice are now located within their individual profiles. You need to click on each practice to view the ratings and reviews. You can also use Google to check the ratings and reviews of GPs. You can choose a practice with higher ratings or positive comments. In the UK, most reviews are genuine, so you don't necessarily have to choose the nearest practice. You can also check your university's official website for recommended community clinics. Many universities provide recommendations or introductions, and some may even assist students in registering with a GP at the beginning of the academic year. Choose the one that suits you best.
Step 2: Check the registration options available for the chosen GP
Once you have selected the GP you want to register with, you can click on it to see if they offer online registration.
GP registration methods generally include the following:
Online registration (Note: This option may not be available for all GPs).
Registration by phone (It is a straightforward process, but you may need to submit the required documents as per the GP's instructions).
Registration by email (Note: This option may not be available for all GPs). You can send an email with the required documents as instructed by the GP.
University registration (Note: This option may not be available for all GPs). Some universities assist students in completing the registration process.
Registering in person at the GP practice (It is a simple process where you call in advance, bring the necessary documents, and fill out a form).
Note: If you choose online registration, you need to have access to the online GP registration link. If the link is not provided, online registration may not be available. Many students struggle to understand the registration process because some options may not be available. Ten Sheng Miao has registered with a GP before and encountered different situations, which is why he knows these specific details.
For example, as shown in the image below, if the GP you have selected has the option "Visit GP surgery website" highlighted in a red box, it means you can register online or by email.
Online web registration is very simple. First, click on "Visit GP surgery website" within the GP's page to enter their website. Usually, the GP's homepage will have a "registration" section where you can click to start the registration process. If you can't find it, you can use the search bar to search for "registration" and access the registration page. Once you are on the registration page, fill in the required information as instructed. Then, follow the page's instructions to upload documents such as your passport, BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), proof of address, or any other documents required (some GPs may require document uploads for online registration).
Step 3: Offline registration - Completing the paper-based registration form and preparing necessary documents
Fill out the registration form called GMS1. You can download the form using the link provided below:
：https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gms1
Reminder: This form can be obtained for free from the GP practice, so you don't need to print it yourself. However, you can also download and print it yourself and submit it to the GP. The GP practice will have copies of the form as well. You can also visit the GP practice and fill out the form there. It is advisable to consult the specific GP practice in advance and follow their requirements, as each GP practice may have different specific instructions.
If you choose to register offline or through an online method that requires document uploads, you need to prepare the following materials in advance:
Reminder: It is important to consult your GP to confirm the specific requirements. However, the following documents are generally common:
Passport
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Student confirmation letter
Proof of address (Any bank statement, utility bill, rental contract, etc., containing your name and address and dated within the last 3 months)
Student ID card
Visa
Step 4: Waiting for the result and receiving the medical card
After submitting the GMS1 registration form and supporting documents, you will generally receive notification of the registration result through SMS or email. A few days after a successful registration, you will receive a letter by mail containing the NHS medical card (NHS card) with your NHS registration number. Please note that the physical NHS card may not be sent as many are now in electronic format. If you do not receive the card, you can inquire with your GP to confirm the successful registration or if there is any physical card or correspondence being sent. Once successfully registered, you will receive the NHS number via email. This number is important, but even without it, you can still access healthcare by bringing your passport, as your information can be found on the computer.
Reminder: If you move to a new address, you will need to switch to a GP practice nearest to your new home since GP practices in the UK are specific to certain geographic areas.
How to access healthcare in the UK?
GP appointments for general healthcare:
Non-emergency situations:
Make an appointment by calling, visiting the GP practice directly, booking online, or through email. Some GPs now offer online appointment booking, although it is still relatively uncommon. Once the appointment is confirmed, arrive early at the designated time. The GP practice may send you a reminder via SMS or email. After arriving, remember to check in with the reception desk, and some GPs may have self-check-in machines available. If you have specific preferences, such as seeing a male or female doctor, inform the GP practice when making the appointment. Remember to bring your passport, visa, BRP, student ID, and NHS medical card. GP practices generally do not operate during weekends and holidays. For specific opening hours and contact information, please refer to the official website of your GP practice: [link: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp\]
If the GP prescribes medication, you can take the prescription to any nearby pharmacy to collect the medication. Some medications are available free of charge.
Emergency situations:
Dial the NHS number: 111. It is a 24/7 medical emergency helpline that operates every day of the year. Remember the three repeated digits, and it is a free call. When calling, if you are not confident in speaking English, you can indicate that you would like to use Mandarin or another language.
While public hospitals in the UK are free, they can be crowded with long waiting times, and there may be charges for prescriptions and most emergency services. Private hospitals have fewer patients but can be more expensive.
For emergencies, dial 999, and an ambulance will be dispatched.
Reminder:
Before coming to the UK, it is advisable to bring some commonly used medications from your home country. In the UK, many medications can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional in the UK. Prescriptions from doctors in your home country are not valid. Medications such as hypertension medication, contraceptive pills, antibiotics, heart disease medication, asthma medication, and others require a prescription. Please note that prohibited medications should not be brought, and it is important to review the customs regulations for medication on the official website.
Many medications commonly available in your home country may not be sold in the UK. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare basic medications for colds, allergies, diarrhea, and any other necessary medications to bring with you. Regarding traditional Chinese medicine, it is advisable to bring a limited amount of herbal medicine as excessive quantities may lead to complications during customs inspections. However, Chinese patent medicine in the form of pills or capsules is generally acceptable.
There are many Chinese herbal medicine stores in the UK, with several in each city, making it convenient to purchase Chinese herbal remedies. However, these stores are generally expensive. You can easily find these stores using Google Maps, and they even accept search terms in Chinese.
So, my fellow students, taking care of your health is of utmost importance. It reminds me of a saying I recently came across: "Health is 1, while wealth, fame, love, and other things are the numbers that come after 1. If the initial 1 is lost, everything else will cease to exist."
Of course, if you want to see a dentist, you can also register at a dental clinic. When registering, please make sure that you are opting for NHS treatment. Dental treatment is chargeable and can be quite expensive. To find a dental clinic nearest to you, you can visit the following link: www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-Dentist
NHS inform is a newly established national healthcare information service for the Scottish region. It provides comprehensive and authoritative advice to residents of Scotland. It is the only source for high-quality and reliable healthcare information. You can access it at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/