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.