How to Register and Book into NHS in the UK: Complete Guide

Whether you’ve recently arrived in the UK, or you’ve simply never taken the time to do it, registering with the NHS is one of the most useful things you can do. It’s free, it’s easy and once you’re registered you can access treatment for everything from a persistent cough to serious illnesses without paying anything up front.

In this guide we cover everything you need to know about registering with an NHS GP: how to book appointments (including how to book online), what identification you may need to provide and what to do if you have a medical emergency.

Who Can Register and Book into NHS in the UK?

First things first. Let’s deal with eligibility. 

If you are living in the UK long-term you can register with an NHS GP. This includes UK citizens and those from overseas. If you are staying in the UK for between 3 months and a year you can also register as a temporary resident. Visitors from overseas will have to pay for some NHS services unless there is a reciprocal health agreement between the UK and your country of origin.

In short. If you live here, you can register with a GP. You do not need proof of address, immigration status, identification or an NHS number to register with a practice. Some may ask for additional documentation if they need to find your existing medical records or verify you live in their catchment area, but they cannot deny you registration on that ground.

Step-by-Step: How to Register with an NHS GP

Here's exactly what to do.

Step 1: Find a GP Surgery Near You

Go to nhs.uk and use the "Find a GP" tool. Type in your postcode and you'll get a list of nearby practices, along with their opening hours and whether they're accepting new patients.

When choosing a surgery, think about opening hours (some offer evening and weekend appointments), whether they have online or telephone consultations, and how easy it is to get to.

GP practices have boundary areas, and they typically register patients who live within their catchment zone. If you live inside that area, the practice cannot refuse you unless you've previously received formal warnings for behaviour there, or the practice has closed its list due to capacity.

Step 2: Register Online or In Person

From October 2024, all GP surgeries in England must offer the national online registration service. The old GMS1 paper form has been phased out and replaced with a new standardised paper form (PRF1) for patients who can't register digitally.

To register online:

• Visit the NHS website and search for your chosen surgery

• Click through to their registration page

• Complete the online form with your personal details, address, and date of birth

• Submit and wait for confirmation

To register in person:

• Visit the surgery reception

• Ask for the registration form (PRF1)

• Fill it in and hand it back to reception

Once the practice receives your form, they identify you on the NHS central database and add you as a patient. If you've never had an NHS GP before, your details will be created fresh. Most standard registrations take around three working days.

Step 3: Get Your NHS Number

If you don't already have an NHS number, don't worry. Your GP practice will help you get one as part of the registration process. Your NHS number is a unique ten-digit identifier that stays with you for life. It's worth noting it down once you receive it.

Step 4: Attend a New Patient Health Check (Optional)

Some practices have a New Patient Health Check once you have registered. This is a short appointment with the practice nurse to take a baseline reading of your health. They record any conditions you may have and what medication you are taking. It can be helpful to attend if it's offered.

How to Book an NHS GP Appointment

Once you're registered, booking an appointment is genuinely much easier than it used to be.

Booking Online via the NHS App

Booking an appointment through the NHS App: Sign into the app. Select "Services" then "Check for available GP appointments" and select the appointment you require from the drop down menu.

Using the NHS App you can see appointments up to 16 weeks in advance. Your GP surgery must publish at least 25% of appointments to book online.

Here are the steps to set up the app:

1. Download the NHS App (available on iOS and Android)

2. Create or log in to your NHS login account

3. Verify your identity when prompted

4. Link the app to your registered GP surgery

5. Navigate to "Services" to check and book appointments

You can also order repeat prescriptions and check test results through the app at the same time.

Booking by Phone

The easiest way to book an appointment is to ring your GP surgery. It's especially useful if you're booking for someone else, like a child or older relative, or you want to talk through what sort of appointment you need to see someone about your concerns. Receptionists will ask you questions to decide who you need to see – a GP, nurse or pharmacist for example.

Ring early morning when the lines open if you want to try for an appointment later the same day.

Booking In Person

You can walk in to the surgery and book at reception. This suits people who prefer face-to-face contact or who don't have easy access to a phone or smartphone.

What Type of Appointment Will You Get?

When booking an appointment, your GP surgery may ask you why you need an appointment. This lets them know how quickly you need to be seen and which health professional can best help you. Appointments are normally for 10 minutes, although some GP surgeries offer longer appointments if your care needs require it. GP appointments are available face-to-face, by phone or video.

Urgent and Emergency Appointments

You can't book emergency GP appointments in the NHS App. Call your GP surgery if you need to book an urgent GP appointment.

If it's outside of opening hours and you have an urgent query, follow the instructions on the recorded message about who to contact. Alternatively you can visit 111.nhs.uk if you believe you need medical attention immediately.

If it's a serious or life-threatening condition, call 999 or visit your local A&E department.

Registering with the NHS for Specialist Women's Health Care

Registering with a GP enables patients to receive referrals to see a medical specialist when they need them. Some patients bypass their GP for certain conditions and receive specialist treatment themselves if they wish. This is usually the case if a patient wants specialist advice or treatment for a gynaecological or obstetric problem, as wait times at the NHS can be lengthy.

Patients may choose to self-refer directly at clinics such as myGynaePlus for swift access to expert women’s health services. Located in West London, we offer specialist gynaecology, obstetrics, ultrasound scanning and fertility services without the need for a GP referral. As a BUPA-recognised clinic, treatment here may be paid for by your private health insurance provider.

It’s helpful to know this because registering with an NHS GP is necessary to receive free medical care, but there are times when you need specialist care sooner rather than later. Early pregnancy scans, menopause clinics and pelvic examinations can normally be carried out quicker at a specialist clinic that allows for self-referrals.

What to Do If a GP Surgery Refuses to Register You

Rarely, you may be declined. If this occurs, you do have recourse. 

You can contact NHS England Customer Contact Centre at 0300 311 22 33. You can also seek further assistance from your local Citizens Advice or your local Healthwatch.

You have every right to ask why you were refused registration, and to complain further if the justification does not stand up to NHS rule sets.

Moving House? Here's How to Transfer Your NHS Registration

When you relocate to another area, telephone your new chosen GP surgery and request to register. You will complete the registration form again and they will request your records from your previous surgery.

This service is free and your entire medical history transfers with you.

Book your Appointment Now!

FAQs

1. Do I need proof of address to register with an NHS GP in the UK? 

No. NHS guidelines state that proof of address, ID, and immigration status are not required to register. Some practices may ask for supporting documents to help locate your medical records, but they cannot refuse you registration solely because you haven't provided them.

2. How long does it take to register with an NHS GP? 

Most online registrations are confirmed within three working days. During busy periods, such as the September university intake or around Christmas, it can take up to 14 working days. You'll typically receive a text or email confirming your registration.

3. Can I register with a GP surgery outside my local area? 

You can request to register with a practice outside your catchment area, though the surgery has the right to decline if they only accept patients from within a set boundary. Contact the specific practice to find out their policy.

4. What if I need a gynaecology appointment quickly and can't get an NHS referral in time? 

You can access private specialist care directly. Clinics like myGynaePlus in London offer gynaecology and obstetrics services without a GP referral, often with shorter waiting times. They are BUPA-recognised so some costs may be covered by private health insurance.

5. Can I book NHS appointments for a family member through the NHS App? 

The NHS App is designed for individual patient accounts. To book on behalf of a family member, especially a child, it's usually better to call the GP surgery directly or visit reception, as proxy access arrangements vary between practices.