Health and NHS — where to start
Unwell and not sure where to go? It's OK. The UK has free public healthcare — the NHS: everyone is treated, the government pays, no documents or status needed. Choose what's wrong below and we'll show you where to go.
In trouble right now: 999 — life-threatening · 111 — urgent but not life-threatening (free, interpreter available).
- GP — register and attend
- Ambulance 999 and 111 line, A&E
- HIV, STI, tuberculosis treatment
- Pregnancy and maternity care
- Help after torture and violence
- Prescription medicines
- Dentist, glasses
Choose what you need
Doctor and emergency care
Health topics
Important to know
How the NHS works (and how it differs from back home)
The main rule: you cannot just go to a hospital to see a specialist. Everything starts with one doctor — called a GP (your main doctor, like a general practitioner). They treat almost everything themselves, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
| Back home (CIS) | Here (NHS) |
|---|---|
| You go straight to any specialist | First to GP — they refer you |
| Often a live queue, no appointment | Almost everything by appointment (except emergency) |
| Antibiotics in pharmacy without prescription | Many medicines only with a doctor's prescription |
| Paid or through insurance | GP, ambulance, A&E — free for everyone |
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Is it really all free?
Not everything, but a lot. Free for EVERYONE, without documents or status: GP, ambulance 999, 111 line, A&E, HIV and STI treatment, emergency care, help after torture. Prescriptions, dental and glasses — free with an HC2 certificate (it comes automatically if you are on Section 95) or for people on benefits. Planned hospital treatment may be chargeable for those who are not exempt.
Can I see a doctor without documents or address?
Yes. To register with a GP you do NOT need a passport, visa, address or status. You only need your name, date of birth and any address (if you have no address, that can be sorted too). Details on the "GP" page.
Will Home Office find out I got treatment?
No. What you are treated for is medical confidentiality — it is not passed to the Home Office for immigration control. Very narrow exceptions (threat to life, serious crime, court order) and separately — an unpaid hospital debt of £500+. Details on "Will Home Office find out".
What to do in an emergency?
999 — if there is a threat to life (free). 111 — urgent but not life-threatening, or you don't know where to go (free, 24/7, interpreters available). A&E — hospital emergency department (free for everyone). Details on "Ambulance and A&E".