Find a private doctor as an expat in the UK

Accessing a doctor as an expat in the UK

One of the first healthcare tasks for any new arrival is registering with an NHS GP. In theory this is free and open to all UK residents regardless of nationality or visa status — in practice, some surgeries have closed lists or lengthy waits. You are entitled to register with any GP whose practice is accepting patients in your area; the NHS website allows you to search by postcode. Registration requires proof of address and photo ID, and some surgeries may also ask for evidence of your right to remain in the UK.

If you cannot get an NHS GP appointment quickly enough — or if you want continuity of care and shorter wait times — private GP services are widely available in the UK. Video-based private GPs such as Push Doctor can usually offer same-day or next-day appointments, and can issue prescriptions (which you pay for privately or, if you qualify, on the NHS), referral letters to specialists, and fit notes for employers.

For urgent but non-emergency care, NHS walk-in centres and urgent treatment centres are available without an appointment and without GP registration. For genuine emergencies, NHS Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments are free to all, including visitors and those who have just arrived in the country. The NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day by phone or online and can help you navigate to the right level of care.

Expats from outside the EEA who are here on a visa of more than six months will have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application, which grants full access to NHS services on the same basis as a UK citizen. Those on shorter visas or without IHS entitlement may still access A&E free of charge, but routine GP and specialist care may be chargeable.