Skip to content
Home Practice Tests Question of the Day Daily NMC CBT Nursing Tools Life Admin My UK Journey My Study Plan
All Study Guides
History & Monarchy
British History Kings and Queens Important Dates
Government & Values
The UK Government British Values
Countries
England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland
Health & Society
The NHS The Commonwealth
Law & Work
Law and the Legal System Employment Rights and Workplace Laws
Daily Life
Housing in the UK: Renting, Buying, and Your Rights Money and Tax in the UK Travel and Transport in the UK
Culture
Culture and Traditions in the UK Sports and Leisure in the UK Food and Drink in the UK Communication and Media in the UK
Education
The UK Education System
Safety & Nature
Emergency Services in the UK Animal Welfare in the UK Environment and Countryside in the UK
UK Travel Places to Visit Family Friendly Driving in the UK Living in the UK British Culture Citizenship & Settlement New to the UK Life in the UK Test Guide UK Visas Ask UKRoute
Blog About
Log in Create an account Start Free Practice Test

Your route to everything UK

NHS Registration: How Healthcare Works in the UK

UK UKRoute
2 min read
NHS Registration: How Healthcare Works in the UK
Published Oct 05, 2026
Share

What Is the NHS?

The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK's publicly funded healthcare system. It was created in 1948 with the principle that healthcare should be free at the point of use for everyone.

Is Healthcare Free?

Most NHS services are free for all UK residents:

  • GP (doctor) appointments — free
  • Hospital treatment — free
  • A&E (emergency) — free
  • Maternity care — free
  • Mental health services — free

What You Pay For

  • Prescriptions (England only): £9.90 per item (free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
  • Dental treatment: £25.80 – £313.50 depending on treatment
  • Eye tests: £20-30 (free if under 19 or on certain benefits)
  • Wig supports and fabric supports: Partial cost

How to Access the NHS

Step 1: Register with a GP

This is your most important step. See our guide to GP registration.

Step 2: Get an NHS Number

You will receive one when you register with a GP. Your NHS number is unique to you and used across all NHS services.

Emergency Healthcare

EmergencyWhat to Do
Life-threateningCall 999 or go to A&E
Urgent (not life-threatening)Call 111
Mental health crisisCall 111, select mental health option

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

If you are on a visa, you may have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application (£1,035 per year). This gives you access to NHS services. If you paid IHS, you do not need to pay for NHS prescriptions or dental treatment.

Hospital Appointments

  • You need a referral from your GP for most hospital appointments
  • Waiting times vary — urgent cases are seen first
  • You can choose which hospital to go to

The NHS is one of the most valued institutions in Britain. Understanding how it works is an important part of life in the UK.

General information only — not professional, legal, or financial advice. Always check official sources (such as GOV.UK, NHS, and the NMC) for anything official. Read our disclaimer.

Last reviewed: Official sources: NHS GOV.UK
J
Joe
Lead editor · Life in the UK Test

Joe leads UKRoute's Life in the UK Test content and practice questions. He works from the official guide and test syllabus and checks every question against the official handbook and exam-format guidance.

Editorial policy How UKRoute works
Reviewed by Mariyam · Reviewer · Nursing & healthcare

Ready to practise for the Life in the UK Test?

Test your knowledge with our free Life in the UK practice exams. Hundreds of questions to help you pass.

Start Practice Test

Comments

0 comments

Leave a comment

Comments are moderated before they appear.

Keep reading

Related articles