Accessing services
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. There are lots of services available through the NHS. No matter what your immigration status is, everyone in the UK is entitled to free emergency and primary healthcare. Other services may need to be paid for, depending on your immigration status. You can ask if there will be a charge before receiving the service.
Some migrants in the UK are required to pay the International Health Surcharge (IHS) in order to access some NHS services. You can find out whether you need to pay the IHS as part of your immigration application on the Gov.uk website.
There is a lot of information on NHS services on the NHS website including how to access and register with a GP on the NHS website. If you are in the UK for a short time (more than 24 hours but less than 3 months), you can register as a temporary patient at a GP surgery.
Doctors of the World – (doctorsoftheworld.org.uk) have produced TRANSLATED HEALTH INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS – (doctorsoftheworld.org.uk) to support forced migrants, 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 on how to navigate the NHS for Refugees & Asylum Seekers – (www.youtube.com/watch) provides information for forced migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum. It has translated subtitles on it. This can be accessed through the “settings” button on the video itself.
Registering with a GP
You can Find your nearest GP – NHS (www.nhs.uk) and speak to them about registering. You do not need to provide proof of address or immigration status although the surgery will need contact details for you.
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 could also pay to see a private dentists, but please be aware costs vary. 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.
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), Refugee Council – (refugeecouncil.org.uk), SANE – (sane.org.uk) and Young Minds – (youngminds.org.uk).
Interpreters
If you need an interpreter when using health services, ask the receptionist or healthcare worker – one should be provided for you, without you needing to pay. 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.
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.