Healthcare
Seeking asylum or a refugee in England? You can register with a GP for free
Refugees and people seeking asylum in England have the right to register with a GP for free, without proof of address, ID, immigration status or an NHS number. This guide explains what care is free, how to get help with prescription costs and who to call in an urgent situation.
Reviewed 06/11/2026 · Applies to: England
Who this helps
Refugees, people seeking asylum and the volunteers, caseworkers and friends who support them in England.
What to do
- Know your right: in England everyone can register with a GP practice and see a GP for free. This includes refugees, people seeking asylum and people whose asylum claim has been refused.
- You do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number to register. If a practice wrongly asks for these, explain that they are not required.
- If you still have difficulty registering, you can show a Doctors of the World access card to the practice receptionist.
- Hospital treatment, mental health care, hospital urgent care and community health services are free for people seeking asylum and refugees. People whose asylum claim has been refused may be charged for some hospital care, but treatment for conditions caused by violence, such as torture or domestic abuse, is free.
- For help with costs such as prescriptions, apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme using an HC1 form. You can apply whatever your immigration status, and if you qualify you receive an HC2 certificate for full or partial help with costs.
- For urgent health problems that are not life-threatening, call NHS 111. If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, call 999.
Before you act
- England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own NHS rules.
- Charging rules for hospital care differ for people whose asylum claim has been refused. Check your own situation.
- This is general information based on Healthwatch England guidance published in July 2025, not medical or legal advice.
Take the next step
Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.
Healthwatch England: NHS support for refugees and people seeking asylum ↗Destination: www.healthwatch.co.uk
Sources
MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.