Accessing services
Accessing healthcare is one of our basic rights. There are lots of health-related services and support that you can access either directly yourself or through a referral from your General Practitioner (GP).
Contents
Accessing NHS Services
The National Health Service (NHS) is how most people receive health care in the UK. The NHS provides many different services.
- A GP is a doctor who treats all common medical conditions. It is important to register with a GP so that you can use their services.
- Everyone has the right to register with a GP – you should not have to show ID, immigration status, or an address. There is no charge for registering with a GP.
- If you have a serious medical condition, your GP will send you to another service, sometimes this is referred to as secondary care. You may have to pay for some of these services, depending on your immigration status. You can ask if there will be a charge before receiving the service.
- It is your right to have a professional interpreter help you at every stage of your healthcare journey if you would like one. It is best to ask for this when you book your appointment but you can also ask for this when you arrive or at any stage of your healthcare visit.
More information to help you understand the NHS:
- Doctors of the World – (doctorsoftheworld.org.uk) have produced Health Information for Patients – (doctorsoftheworld.org.uk) to support refugees and people seeking asylum to understand how the NHS works – (doctorsoftheworld.org.uk). This has been translated into a range of languages.
- The following Subtitled video provides information on how to navigate the NHS for Refugees & People Seeking Asylum (www.youtube.com/watch). You can change the language of the subtitles by clicking on “settings” on the video itself.
- There is information about NHS services on the NHS website including how to access and register with a GP.
There is more information below about using different health services.
Registering with a GP
There is information on the NHS website about how to register with a GP surgery and how to Find your nearest GP – NHS (www.nhs.uk). You do not need to provide proof of address or immigration status although the surgery will need contact details for you.
GP practices are usually open Monday to Friday, 8am – 6.30pm. But if you call outside these hours, you will get information about other services.
Interpreters and translation
It is your right to have a professional interpreter help you at every stage of your healthcare journey, if you would like one. You do not need to pay for this.
If you need an interpreter when using health services, ask the receptionist or healthcare worker. Health services will not allow you to use family members or friends to interpret for you.
If you need an interpreter, the healthcare service may offer you a slightly longer appointment to make sure you have time to discuss all your concerns.
Registering with a dentist
- Dentists do not always have space to take on new patients, so you may need to join a waiting list.
- You can Find a dentist – NHS (www.nhs.uk) near you and see if they are taking NHS patients.
- If you need urgent dental care you can call NHS 111. Further information on How to find an NHS dentist – NHS (www.nhs.uk) is on the NHS website.
- If you receive NHS dental care you have a right to ask for an interpreter. It is best to ask for this when you book your appointment but you can also ask for this when you arrive or at any stage of your dental care visit.
- Adults may be charged for some of their dental treatment. You should ask about any charges before you see the dentist. If you have an HC2 certificate you will not need to pay for your dental care.
- You could pay to see a private dentists, but costs can be high.
Accessing opticians and sight tests
Some people are entitled to free NHS sight tests, depending on their individual circumstances. You can check if you and your family are eligible for a Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
Most opticians operate an appointment system. Some people are eligible for a free sight test and some need to pay for this service. This includes potentially any treatment or glasses that are recommended. There are many opticians available, and most provide a similar service.
Accessing mental health support
Your mental health is important, and you should get help if you need it. Most NHS mental health services are available through your GP and are free. However, you can refer yourself to services such as NHS talking therapies services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)service without needing to talk to your GP. There are also a range of voluntary sector providers who offer mental health services such as Mind – (mind.org.uk), SANE – (sane.org.uk) and Young Minds – (youngminds.org.uk).
Prescriptions
You might be prescribed medication after you have seen a healthcare worker. For most people in England there is a NHS prescription charges – NHS (www.nhs.uk) (people living in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales do not pay for prescriptions issued and collected in these countries). The amount you pay is set by the NHS per prescribed item.
Some people do not need to pay prescription charges. You can Check if you can get free prescriptions – NHS (www.nhs.uk). If you are getting asylum support, speak to Migrant Help (migranthelpuk.org) to talk to them about help with prescription charges.
Frequently asked questions
Is all healthcare in the UK free to everyone?
No, some people will need to pay for some parts of their care. If you are not sure, please check with your GP or nurse. You may need to pay for prescriptions, even if other parts of your care are provided free of charge.
Do all migrants have access to the NHS?
Anyone can register with an NHS GP and see the doctor, free of charge, no matter what your immigration status is. You may be charged for other services and prescriptions.
Can I see a doctor if I am an asylum seeker?
If you are an asylum seeker, a refugee or have been refused asylum you can register for primary care free of charge.
What is the difference between primary and secondary healthcare?
Primary care is often the first point of contact for people who need healthcare. It is provided by GPs, pharmacists and dentists. Secondary care usually require a referral from a GP and can include mental health services and some hospital services. If you are not sure, you can check with your GP.