The NHS is the UK’s state health service which provides treatment for UK residents. Some services are free, other have to be paid for. The regulations that govern who can and can’t receive treatment are complex and may change.
A person who is regarded as ordinarily resident in the UK is eligible for free treatment by a GP.
Who can Register for Free Primary Care Services?
A patient does not need to be “ordinarily resident” in the country to be eligible for NHS primary care – in effect, therefore, anybody in Scotland may register and consult with a GP without charge.
A patient’s nationality is therefore not relevant in giving people entitlement to register as NHS patients for primary medical care services.
The following NHS treatment is available to anyone:
- Treatment in an emergency (but not follow up treatment).
- Treatment of certain communicable diseases.
- Compulsory psychiatric treatment
Medical emergencies
If you need immediate medical assistance (e.g. because of an accident) telephone 999 – the call is free. An operator will ask you which emergency service you require (fire, police or ambulance). You will need to tell the emergency services what has happened and where you are. If someone is injured and needs to go to hospital an ambulance will arrive and take them to the nearest hospital with an emergency department
If you need urgent treatment but are well enough to travel please make your own way to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.