Health and healthcare
If it is an extreme emergency such as an accident, a sudden serious illness or life-threatening situation, you should call 999 to ask for the free of charge ambulance to transport you or your family to a hospital. You are also able to make your own way to the nearest hospital with an Accident and Emergency department.
If it is not a life-threatening situation you can call 111 or use NHS 111 online. 111 online is for people aged 5 or over, please call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.
Healthcare
After your visa has been granted and paid for the Immigration Health Surcharge, you can access most NHS services include General Practitioners (GPs), also known as family doctors, Hospitals, and Maternity services free of charge. Some services such as prescriptions and dental care, you still need to pay for it.
How the NHS Works
Bevan have produced helpful guides to how to the NHS works for migrants.
General Practitioners (GPs)
A GP is the first doctor you will usually visit in healthcare in the UK. You should register at a GP surgery, also called a practice, near where you are living.
Registering with a GP surgery in the UK
A GP may sometimes want you to take medicines and will write you a prescription. Take your prescription to the pharmacy or chemist.
Maternity Care and Services
Maternity services cover care from the beginning of pregnancy through to sign off by a midwife. If you are pregnant, you should contact a GP or midwife.
For more information about pregnancy can be found on the NHS website
Dentistry / Dental Care and Services
NHS dentistry is not free, except for patients in an exempt category. You have to pay just as a UK resident would.