Doctor in the UK — free
Healthcare is free. Register with a GP (doctor) in your first week. Emergency: 999 (ambulance), 111 (advice). Prescription: £9.90. Interpreter — free, ask when you book.
How NHS works — main difference from CIS
| In CIS | In UK (NHS) |
|---|---|
| You go directly to a specialist | First to GP → GP sends you to a specialist |
| Paid or through state insurance | Free (paid through taxes and IHS) |
| You can come without appointment | Only by appointment (except A&E) |
| Antibiotic in pharmacy | Only with GP prescription |
| Ambulance comes immediately | 999 — only if life is in danger |
GP is the key to everything. Without GP registration you cannot see a specialist, get a prescription, or do tests. Register in your first week, even if you are healthy.
GP (General Practitioner) — your family doctor
GP is a general practice doctor. They solve 80% of problems: cold, pain, skin issues, referrals to specialists, prescriptions, sick notes, certificates.
- Free — appointment, examination, referrals, sick notes
- By appointment — call in the morning (8:00) or book through NHS App
- Appointment time: 10 minutes — prepare your questions in advance
- Speak any language — GP must provide a free interpreter. Say when booking «I need an interpreter for [Russian/Uzbek]»
How to register with a GP — step by step
- Find your nearest GP: nhs.uk → «Find a GP» → enter your postcode. Choose one that accepts new patients.
- Visit in person or call — ask for a registration form (GMS1). You can download it from nhs.uk.
- Fill in the form — name, date of birth, address, NHS number (if you have one). If you do not have an NHS number, that is fine — they will give you one.
- Documents: Passport or eVisa. Proof of address — NOT required by law. GP cannot refuse you because you do not have proof of address.
- Done — registration takes 1–2 days. After that you can book an appointment.
If GP refuses to register you — this breaks NHS rules. Say: «NHS England says GPs must register patients without proof of address or ID.» Call NHS England: 0300 311 2233. Or make a complaint through the NHS website.
How to get an appointment
| Type | How | Wait time |
|---|---|---|
| Normal appointment | Call at 8:00 am or NHS App | 1–3 weeks |
| Urgent | Call at 8:00 am, say «urgent» | Same day |
| Phone appointment | GP will call you back | 1–3 days |
| NHS App | Online booking + messages to doctor | Depends on GP |
Tip: Download NHS App (iOS/Android). Through it you can: book appointments, see test results, order repeat prescriptions, view vaccination history. It connects to your GP.
Prescriptions and medicines
In the UK most medicines need a GP prescription. Antibiotics, strong painkillers, hormones — only through a doctor.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Prescription cost (England) | £9.90 per item |
| Free prescriptions | Pregnant women, children under 16, people 60+, UC/low income |
| Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland | Prescriptions free |
| PPC (Prescription Prepayment) | £31.25/3 months or £111.60/year — unlimited prescriptions |
| Without prescription (OTC) | Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Lemsip, antihistamines — in any pharmacy |
Tip: If you need more than 3 prescriptions in 3 months, buy a PPC (£31.25). You save money.
Emergency help: 999, 111, A&E
| Number/place | When to call | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | Life in danger | Heart attack, stroke, serious injury, unconsciousness, heavy bleeding |
| 111 | Not emergency but urgent | High temperature, vomiting, pain that does not go away, you do not know what to do |
| A&E (Accident & Emergency) | Serious injury/illness | Broken bone, deep cut, severe allergic reaction. Go to hospital |
| Walk-in Centre / UTC | Minor problems without appointment | Cuts, burns, infections, sprains |
| Pharmacy | Minor problems | Cold, cough, allergy, skin problems. Pharmacist can advise |
999 and 111 are free from any phone — even without a SIM card, even from a locked phone. Interpreters are available.
Dentist
Dentist in the UK is partly free through NHS, but finding an NHS dentist is difficult (waiting list 6–12 months).
| Band | What is included | Cost (NHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | Examination, X-ray, cleaning | £26.80 |
| Band 2 | + fillings, extraction, root canal | £73.50 |
| Band 3 | + crowns, bridges, dentures | £319.10 |
Tip: If your teeth hurt now, search for «NHS emergency dental» through 111 or nhs.uk. If you need a normal cleaning, book in advance (waiting list). Free for: pregnant women, children, UC recipients.
Mental health — free
- Talking Therapies (IAPT) — free psychotherapy through NHS. Self-referral: nhs.uk → «Find an NHS talking therapies service». No GP referral needed
- Samaritans — crisis line: 116 123 (free, 24/7, anonymous)
- MIND — charity for mental health: mind.org.uk
- GP — can prescribe antidepressants and refer you to a psychiatrist
For Russian speakers: Search «Russian-speaking therapist UK» — there are private therapists online (£50–80/session). NHS provides a free interpreter if you ask.
Frequently asked questions
Is healthcare in the UK really free?
Yes, for legal residents. GP, hospital, ambulance, specialists — free. Prescriptions: £9.90 per item in England (free in Scotland/Wales). Dentist: from £26.80. If you paid IHS when you applied for your visa, you are covered.
Can GP refuse me without proof of address?
No. NHS rules clearly say: GP must register you without proof of address and without ID. If they refuse — NHS England: 0300 311 2233.
How do I get a prescription?
Book an appointment with a GP. At the appointment explain your problem. GP will send an electronic prescription → pick it up at any pharmacy (Boots, Lloyds, Superdrug). £9.90 per item.
Can I call an ambulance?
Yes. 999 — if life is in danger. Free. An ambulance will come. But for non-emergency cases call 111 — they will give advice or send you where you need to go.
Are there interpreters in NHS?
Yes. GP and hospitals must provide a free interpreter. When booking say: «I need an interpreter for Russian» (or Uzbek, Kazakh, etc.). Interpreter by phone or in person.