A Guide to the NHS for Migrants and Asylum seekers
Primary Care
Anyone can register with an NHS GP and see a Doctor or Nurse free of charge, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
There is no requirement to show proof of address or identity to register with us. But it is helpful to do so, and we will generally ask patients to provide documents if they can.
Likewise, there is no requirement to prove your immigration status. This applies to everyone, including asylum seekers, refugees, people who are homeless or visiting from overseas.
We provide high-quality NHS services to everyone regardless of race, religion, nationality, age, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Free NHS Services
Primary Care – meaning seeing a Doctor, Nurse or another clinician in a GP surgery – is free to everyone regardless of nationality or immigration status.
While a refugee or asylum seeker is in the process of having their case heard, all NHS services are available to them at no cost. This includes prescriptions for medication and secondary care treatment in a hospital, for example.
For people who are not normally residents in the UK, then some costs will apply when accessing hospital and other secondary care.
This video explains the entitlements to NHS primary care services as well as other entitlements.
You can find a complete guide to migrant health, including secondary (hospital) care and NHS dentistry.
Registering with a GP
You can follow this link to find out how to register with us as a new patient. The page also covers emergency treatment and registering as a temporary resident – https://www.grasmeresurgery.co.uk/patient-info/register/ how to register as a new patient
Additional Support
We want communication with all patients to be as easy as possible for everyone.
Our GP practices and all other NHS providers are responsible for making arrangements to improve communication with patients. We are required to provide interpreters for people who do not speak English as a first language and to provide translated materials where possible.
Can I get help with my NHS health costs if I’m a refugee or asylum seeker?
This entitles you to:
- free NHS prescriptions
- free NHS dental treatment
- free NHS sight tests
- free NHS wigs and fabric supports
- help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
- help towards travel costs to receive NHS treatment.
UKVI will let us know and we’ll send you a certificate. You do not need to apply for one.
If you do not receive Asylum Support and have not been given an HC2 certificate from UKVI, you can apply for help by completing a HC1 application.
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online.
