How to Register with the National Health Service (NHS)

Last Updated: April 20, 2022 References

Anyone living in the UK can register with a GP (general practitioner) practice to receive NHS services. Once you've registered with a GP, you'll receive an NHS Number. You'll need the number to book services online or register for prescriptions. Your NHS Number is issued when you first register and stays the same for the rest of your life. If you only plan to be in the UK for a brief period of time, you can also register as a temporary patient. This might be necessary if you have a chronic illness or condition, or if you're injured while traveling in the UK.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Registering as an NHS Patient

1
Look for a GP practice that best suits your needs. If you are a UK citizen or resident, you can register with any GP practice in the country. Generally, it is recommended that you find a GP close to where you live. If you are ill or injured and cannot travel to the practice, the GP will make a house call if you are within that GP's practice boundary.^{[2]
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- 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
2
Fill out a GMS1 form. The GMS1 form provides your GP with information about your identity and how to locate your medical records. You can also use the form to register as an organ donor or blood donor.^{[3]
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National Health Service (UK)
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- 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.
Tip: Register a newborn baby with Form FP58. This form is provided to new parents along with the child's birth certificate soon after birth.

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3
Submit your GMS1 form to your chosen GP practice. When you've completed your form, take it to the GP you've chosen and give it to the receptionist. They will look over it and tell you whether you can register with that practice.^{[4]
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- 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.
4
Wait for a letter from the NHS confirming your registration. If the GP agrees to register you, the practice will complete your GMS1 form with information about the practice and send it to the NHS for processing. The NHS will transfer your medical records to the practice.^{[5]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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- 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Accessing NHS Services as a Temporary Patient

1
Obtain personal health insurance to cover you on your visit. Primary medical care in the UK is free to all. However, if you're just visiting and need medical treatment, you may end up having to pay for some services. Personal health insurance from your home country will keep you from having to pay out of pocket.^{[6]
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- 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.
2
Go to an urgent treatment center for minor injuries. If you have a minor illness or injury that isn't life-threatening, look for an urgent treatment center. These centers are staffed by a GP and are required to be open at least 12 hours a day every day of the week, including bank holidays.^{[7]
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- 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.
Tip: If you aren't sure what NHS services you need, or if your situation is more urgent, call NHS 111. Only call 999 if you or someone else is seriously ill or injured.
3
Ask a pharmacist for advice about minor illnesses. If you feel like you're coming down with a cold or have a headache, a pharmacist can help you choose an effective method of treatment. Typically, this will involve over-the-counter remedies to ease the symptoms of your illness.^{[8]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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- 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.
4
Register with a GP as a temporary patient if you need follow-up care. If you sustain an injury or illness that requires more than 14 days of treatment, register with a GP practice close to the place where you're staying. That registration is valid for 3 months.^{[9]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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- 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.
Tip: GPs can refuse to register you as a temporary patient without giving you a reason. You may have to try more than one GP before you find one who agrees to treat you. Some are more willing to accept temporary patients than others.
5
Present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are an EU national. As of March 2019, if you are an EU national, you can access free NHS healthcare while visiting the UK with your EHIC. You will not be charged for any medically necessary treatment.^{[10]
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- 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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Locating Your NHS Number

1
Check any letters you've received from your GP or the NHS. Your NHS Number appears on any correspondence you get in the mail from your GP or the NHS, including prescription notifications, test results, or appointment reminders. If you have any medical correspondence filed away at home, it likely has your NHS Number on it.^{[11]
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- 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]
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Tip: If you access NHS services as a temporary patient while visiting the UK from abroad, you will not be issued an NHS Number.
2
Contact your GP and ask for your NHS Number. If you can't find your NHS Number on any documents you have at home, the GP you're registered with will be able to help you. Simply call and tell them you need your NHS Number and they'll tell you what their procedure is for getting it to you.^{[13]
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- 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.
Tip: You do not need your NHS Number to receive medical care. However, you may need it to access certain NHS services online, or to order prescription drugs online.
3
Ask your local foundational trust to look up your number if you don't have a GP. Your NHS Number is issued for life, but your GP may not be with you that long. If your GP has retired or gone out of business and you no longer have a GP, you may be able to get it from your local foundational trust.^{[14]
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- 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.