Anyone can register with a GP practice and receive free medical care from that practice. However, should you be referred for treatment outside the practice or need unplanned care, for example at a hospital, charges may apply if you are a visitor or temporary resident.
Some groups of visitors or temporary residents are eligible to receive this care free of charge. Documentation may be required to demonstrate eligibility.
Examples of those eligible include:
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refugees, asylum seekers, those receiving certain forms of state support
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suspected or confirmed victims of modern slavery and human trafficking
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temporary residents with a valid visa of over 6 months. You may have paid the immigration health surcharge with your visa application. Note that assisted conception services remain chargeable to this group
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visitors from the EEA will need to provide their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which covers immediately necessary unplanned treatment, or a S2 form which covers planned treatment.
Additionally, some services are free of charge to all visitors, including diagnosis and treatment for infectious diseases and sexually transmitted infections.
Immediate necessary care, maternity care and other urgent care that cannot wait until a chargeable visitor’s departure from the UK will not be withheld or delayed due to charges. But non-urgent treatment will not be given until full payment is received.
More information can be found in the patient leaflet available from the GP practice.