You can register with a GP further away from you. You might want to do this if, for example, you’re going to school far away from your primary residence, or if you need specialized services that aren’t available nearby. If you register with a GP and you live outside that GP’s practice boundary, you won’t have access to house calls. That GP also has the right to refuse registration, although this is rare if the practice is open to patients outside its practice boundary. You can browse GPs near you by visiting https://www. nhs. uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4
You can download a copy of the standard form at https://www. nhs. uk/Servicedirectories/Documents/GMS1. pdf if you want to fill it out in advance. However, keep in mind that some practices may have their own versions of the form that they use instead. Some GP practices ask for ID so they can compare the details with the information on the NHS central registry and confirm they match. However, it is not legally required for you to show ID to register with a GP practice, and no GP can refuse to register you because you don’t have ID on you.
If the GP refuses to register you, they must send you a letter with the reason your registration was refused. A GP can only refuse to register you if it has no capacity to take on new patients or if you are outside its practice boundary.
Once the practice has received your medical records, the NHS will send you a notice confirming that you are now registered as a patient at that practice. Paper records may take up to 6 weeks to transfer, but electronic records can be transferred instantaneously when the request is received. If you need to see your GP for urgent care before your registration is confirmed, you are free to do so. Your medical records will be updated with the urgent care records when the practice receives them.
If you already have private health insurance, contact an agent and make sure your policy will cover any healthcare you might need in the UK.
Although urgent treatment centers are staffed by a GP, you don’t have to register with that GP to get immediate treatment for your illness or injury.
If the pharmacist believes that your situation is more serious, they can tell you where to go to get medical treatment. Pharmacies are often available late at night and on weekends, so they may be more accessible than other options.
The GP receptionist will give you a form to fill out. In addition to basic identity information, you will need to give the GP information about any medical conditions you have or have had in the past, the names of any medications you’re currently taking, the names of any medications or substances you’re allergic to, and the name and contact information for your regular healthcare provider at home. To find a GP near you, go to https://www. nhs. uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4 and enter the applicable postcode or town.
The EHIC is free. If you don’t already have one and are planning to travel to the UK, you may want to apply for one before you leave. Each EU country has its own website where you can apply for an EHIC card. If you have an EHIC card, you don’t have to register with a GP to receive healthcare, even if extended follow-up care is required.
Your NHS Number has 10 digits arranged as 3 digits, then a space, then the next 3 digits, then a space, then the final 4 digits. This format was introduced in 1996 to replace an earlier version that used both numbers and letters. The old version is no longer valid. If your NHS Number was issued before 1996, it has been replaced with the 10-digit version. [12] X Research source
Some GPs may want you to come into the practice in person and bring a passport, driving license, or other proof of your identity. This is to protect your privacy. If you don’t need your number immediately, you can also ask them to mail you a letter with your NHS Number on it.
To find the nearest foundational trust, go to https://www. nhs. uk/servicedirectories/pages/nhstrustlisting. aspx. Foundational trusts manage and oversee hospitals. If you’ve ever been to the hospital, the foundational trust will likely have your NHS number on file. You may have to present a valid photo ID to verify your identity. You can also ask that your number be mailed to you.
