NHS, GPs and Dentists: A Saffa’s Guide to UK Healthcare

Your first priority should be registering with a local GP surgery. You do not need to be ill to register; in fact, it is best to do it as soon as you have a fixed address. Most surgeries allow you to register online via their website or the NHS website.

• You must live within the practice's catchment area to register.
• Registration is free for everyone, regardless of your visa status.
• You do not need to provide proof of address or ID in most cases, though some practices may ask for it.

Once registered, you are assigned an NHS number—a 10-digit code that follows you for life. If you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa, you are entitled to use these services. If you are struggling to find a surgery, use the 'Find a GP' tool on the NHS website to see which local practices are accepting new patients.

NHS dentistry works differently than GP services. While GP care is free at the point of use, most adults must pay for NHS dental treatment. Costs are structured into three bands, and your dentist will tell you which band your treatment falls into before starting work.

• Band 1: Covers examinations, diagnosis, and advice.
• Band 2: Covers fillings, root canal work, and extractions.
• Band 3: Covers complex procedures like crowns, dentures, and bridges.

Finding an NHS dentist can be challenging as many practices have long waiting lists. If you cannot find an NHS dentist, you may need to look for private dental care, which is significantly more expensive. Always confirm if a practice is accepting NHS patients before booking your first appointment. As of August 2026, the government has introduced new quality improvement payments for dental teams, but patient charges remain consistent with national bandings.

Knowing where to go is half the battle. For non-emergency issues that cannot wait until your GP opens, call 111. This is a 24/7 service where trained advisors assess your symptoms and direct you to the right care, whether that is an out-of-hours GP, a pharmacy, or an urgent treatment centre.

For life-threatening emergencies—such as chest pain, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing—go straight to an Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or call 999. A&E care is free for everyone, even if you are a visitor. Do not use A&E for minor ailments like colds or minor cuts, as these should be managed by your GP or a local pharmacist.

The NHS App is your best friend for managing health admin. Once you are registered with a GP, you can link the app to your medical records. It allows you to:

• View your NHS number.
• Order repeat prescriptions.
• Book or cancel GP appointments.
• View your vaccination history.

If you have trouble with the app, your GP surgery’s reception team is your primary point of contact for administrative queries. Remember that GP practices are busiest during university intake periods (September and January), so expect slightly longer processing times for registrations during these months. Keep your contact details updated with your surgery so you don't miss important health notifications.