---
title: "NHS healthcare, GP registration, and prescriptions"
description: "NHS healthcare, GP registration, and prescriptions | Arden University"
canonical: "https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/international-students/study-in-the-uk/pre-arrival-guide/arrival/nhs-healthcare"
published: 2026-02-05
updated: 2026-03-11
author: "Arden University"
---

# NHS healthcare, GP registration, and prescriptions

[ Back to Arrival guide home ](https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/international-students/study-in-the-uk/pre-arrival-guide/arrival) [ Go to Pre-Arrival in the UK guide ](https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/international-students/study-in-the-uk/pre-arrival-guide/pre-arrival) [ Next step: Working in the UK ](https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/international-students/study-in-the-uk/pre-arrival-guide/arrival/working-in-the-uk)

When you arrive in the UK, you should register with a local doctor, known as a **GP (General Practitioner)**, as soon as possible. This ensures you can access healthcare services when you need them.

You can search for a GP near your accommodation using the NHS website. When registering, you will usually be asked to provide:

- Your passport
- Your visa details
- Your UK address
- Any relevant medical history

International students who have paid the **Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)** as part of their visa application are eligible to access NHS healthcare services.

**Registering with a GP**

Registering with a GP is usually straightforward and involves the following steps:

- Find a GP surgery close to where you live
- Complete an online or in-person registration form
- Provide your identification and proof of address

Once you are registered, you can book appointments for non-emergency health concerns.

**Prescriptions**

- In England, most GP prescriptions have a standard charge, currently around **£9.90 per item**
- Prescriptions may be free in Scotland and Wales

**Emergency and urgent care**

- For emergencies, call **999**
- For urgent but non-emergency advice, call **NHS 111** or use the NHS 111 online service

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