Official logos of the 'Home Office' and publisher 'TSO' (The Stationery Office)
Official logos of the 'Home Office' and publisher 'TSO' (The Stationery Office)

Health

In this section:

If you need health care in the UK, its cost depends on your status. As a migrant, you may have to pay towards the cost of National Health Service (NHS) care. However, you may have paid an immigration health surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application to cover the cost. Some people take out insurance to pay for private health care.

People generally pay for services such as eye tests, dental treatment and prescriptions for medicines. You don’t have to pay for some of these services if they are for certain groups such as children or pregnant women.

 

Doctors

You can find a family doctor, also known as a general practitioner (GP), in every community. A GP helps look after people in their local area. If a GP can’t deal with your problem, they will refer you to a hospital. Most GPs work in groups and their surgery provides a variety of services including care from nurses, health visitors and midwives.

 

Hospitals

NHS hospital treatment is free only to people who are ordinarily resident in the UK or are exempt from charges. If you have paid the IHS (or were exempt from paying it) and your visa allows you to be in the UK for more than six months, you can get free NHS hospital treatment.

Hospitals offer a range of services, but not all of them deal with people who need immediate treatment. It’s a good idea to find out where your nearest accident and emergency (A & E) hospital is should you ever need it.

 

Dentists

Dentists may work for the NHS, offer private services or combine the two. It’s a good idea to register with a dentist as soon as you move into an area.

 

Opticians

There are opticians on most high streets. Many will offer a free eye test if you buy glasses or contact lenses from them. You may get help with payment from your employer or the state. Some people may receive help with paying for glasses. You will need to ask your optician whether you are eligible.

 

What if there is an emergency?

You should call:

  • 111 if you need urgent medical advice but it is not an emergency
  • 999 for police and emergency services (fire, ambulance and coastguard).

Call 101 if you want to report a crime to the police but it is not an emergency (or you can go to your local police station).

 

Registering a birth

A child born in the UK must have a birth certificate. To get one, you must go to the register office near where you live. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you must register your baby within 42 days of the birth. In Scotland you need to do this within 21 days. The birth certificate is a very important document so keep it safe; your child will need it throughout their life.

You may also need to ensure that a child born here has their own immigration permission, particularly if you want to travel overseas, and so that you can come back to the UK easily.

 

Registering a death

Processes will vary depending on where the death occurred.

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