Overview

The National Health Service (NHS) is the name for the publicly-funded health system in the UK. You are entitled to free NHS treatment if you are resident in the UK on a permanent visa, such as a Work Permit, Tier 1 or Student Visa. Foreign nationals on visitor visas maybe charged.  If you intend to live permanently in the UK, you will not have to pay hospital charges from the date of your arrival in the country, however National Insurance and income tax contributions will be deducted from your salary.

Please note that should you require medical treatment, you may need to prove you are legally entitled to live in the UK on a valid visa (via your passport).

So if you are entitled to free health care you will need to register with a local Doctors Surgery or GP (General Practioner) in the area where you live. You will need to show proof of your address and complete the necessary application form. You will then be given a medical card which contains your NHS number and other information such as your name, address, date of birth, and details of your registered practice or individual doctor. Please note that if you want to go and see a doctor or nurse you will need to book an appointment with your GP.

Emergency Services

When it comes to your health or the health of someone in your family, it is often very obvious if the person is seriously ill and needs immediate emergency care. An emergency is a critical or life-threatening situation.Stay calm, shout for help. You may need to instruct someone to telephone 999. Make sure they know where the ambulance has to come to, and they have some details about the person who is injured or ill.

For further information, you should go to the following: http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx