On this page you will find information about:
- How to register with an NHS GP in the UK.
- The cost of prescriptions in your nation.
- Registering with an NHS Dentist.
As a member of the Armed Forces community the frequent moves, obtaining records from the MOD and long waiting lists may make accessing healthcare more complicated for you.
- Read about support for Armed Forces families on the NHS website.
- Learn about managing illness or injury as a veteran on GOV.UK.
- Find mental wellbeing guidance and support on the RBL Knowledge Base website.
- Read about support for partners in the Armed Forces community on the RBL Knowledge Base website.
Veterans ID Cards
Having a Veterans ID card may make it easier and quicker for you to access specialised support from services like the NHS. Anyone who has served in HM Armed Forces is eligible for this official card.
Find out more about the Veterans ID card and how to apply for yours here on the RBL website.
Registering with an NHS GP Practice
Whether you are a veteran or a mobile family member of a currently serving personnel, you might be faced with the prospect of registering for a GP or dentist.
People who are starting their transition out of service are recommended to register with a General Practitioner (GP) one to three months before their discharge, or as soon as possible. This will allow the GP time to try to access your military records before the end of your discharge period, ready for your transition. When you register with your GP you should give them the medical summary form (FMED133A) that you were given when you were discharged.
It is important to tell your GP or other clinical members of staff that you served in the Armed Forces. This will mean that you can be referred for tailored care and specialist services for those who have served. Ask your GP practice to keep a record of or ex-service status on your NHS medical records.
Military partners or family members can start the process as soon as they have their new address details.
Some GPs are ex-service and veteran friendly which means they have a better understanding of any Armed Forces specific issues or health issues that you may have.
Prescriptions
Prescription charges apply in England. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Read about NHS prescription charges in England on the NHS website.
Registering with a GP Practice in England
In the event of a life threatening emergency call 999.
For a non-life-threatening emergency call 111.
Contact a GP for non-emergency health care.
GP Practices in England are free to register with and anyone living in England can register.
- You do not need proof of immigration status, ID or an NHS number to Register with a GP.
- You do not need proof of address or a permanent address to register with a GP in England.
What service does a General Practitioner (GP) Practice provide?
Your GP practice is your main point of contact for general healthcare.
Being registered with a GP will allow you to access many services from the NHS including:
- medical advice
- physical examinations
- diagnosis of symptoms
- prescribing medication
- health education
- vaccinations
- simple surgical operations, and
- care for ongoing, longstanding or chronic conditions.
Learn more about GP Practices in England and the services they provide on the NHS website.
Most people register with a GP close to where they live. However, it is possible to register with a GP practice outside of your local area.
You can only register with a GP Practice if you are going to be in the area for three months or more. However, you may still be able to be treated a temporary resident if you will be in the area for less than three months.
Learn more about registering with a GP outside of your local area on the NHS website.
Some GPs are ex-service and veteran friendly which means they have a better understanding of any Armed Forces specific issues or health issues that you may have. You can ask a practice if they are Armed Forces friendly before you register.
Learn more about healthcare for the Armed Forces Community in England on the NHS website.
How to register
You will need to register with a GP which serves your address. Some GP Practices may not be currently accepting new patients meaning you will have to register with another GP in your area.
Once you have chosen which GP you want to register with you will need to complete a registration form. This can be done online or by using a paper form that the surgery can give you.
It is important to tell your GP or other clinical members of staff that you are ex-service personnel. This will mean that you can be referred for tailored care and specialist services for those who have served. Ask your GP practice to keep a record of your ex-service status on your NHS medical records.
Find a GP in England on the NHS website.
Once you have chosen which GP you want to register with you will need to find out if your area is covered and if the Practice is accepting new patients.
After you have registered with a GP Practice you will be able to make appointments.
Read more about making an appointment with a GP on the NHS website.
Registering with a GP Practice in Northern Ireland
In the event of a life threatening emergency call 999.
Contact a GP for non-emergency health care.
What service does a General Practitioner (GP) Practice provide?
Your GP practice is your main point of contact for general healthcare.
Being registered with a GP surgery will allow you to access many services from the NHS including:
- medical advice
- physical examinations
- diagnosis of symptoms
- prescribing medication
- health education
- vaccinations
- simple surgical operations, and
- care for ongoing, longstanding or chronic conditions.
Some GPs are ex-service and veteran friendly which means they have a better understanding of any Armed Forces specific issues or health issues that you may have. You can ask a practice if they are Armed Forces friendly before you register.
How to register
In Northern Ireland (NI) to be able to register with a GP you will need to be considered an 'Ordinary Resident'.
Find out more about what the eligibility criteria is to be considered an 'Ordinary Resident'.
You will need to register with a GP which serves your address. Some GP Practices may not be currently accepting new patients meaning you will have to register with another GP in your area.
Once you have chosen which GP you want to register with you will need to find out if your area is covered and if the Practice is accepting new patients.
If the Practice will accept you as a patient you will need to:
- bring your medical card, and
- complete a registration form.
You will be given physical copies of these forms by the Practice. If you do not have a medical card you can apply for one.
Read more about applying for a medical card on the Business Services Organisation website.
It is important to tell your GP or other clinical members of staff that you are ex-service personnel. This will mean that you can be referred for tailored care and specialist services for those who have served. Ask your GP practice to keep a record of your ex-service status on your NHS medical records.
Registering with a GP Practice in Scotland
In the event of a life threatening emergency call 999.
For a non-life-threatening emergency call 111.
Contact a GP for non-emergency health care.
What service does a General Practitioner (GP) surgery provide?
Your GP practice is your main point of contact for general healthcare.
Being registered with a GP surgery will allow you to access many services from the NHS including:
- medical advice
- physical examinations
- diagnosis of symptoms
- prescribing medication
- health education
- vaccinations
- simple surgical operations, and
- care for ongoing, longstanding or chronic conditions.
Some GPs are ex-service and veteran friendly which means they have a better understanding of any Armed Forces specific issues or health issues that you may have. You can ask a practice if they are Armed Forces friendly before you register.
Learn more about GP Practices in Scotland and the services they provide on the NHS inform website.
Read about healthcare for the Armed Forces Community in Scotland on the NHS inform website.
How to register
You will need to register with a GP which serves your address. Some GP Practices may not be currently accepting new patients meaning you will have to register with another GP in your area.
Once you have chosen which GP you want to register with you will need to complete a registration form. This can be done online or by using a paper form that the surgery can give you.
To register online download the form using the link below, complete it and email it to your chosen GP Practice.
Learn more about how to register with a GP Practice and download the application form.
You can only register with a GP Practice if you are going to be in the area for three months or more. However, you may still be able to be treated as a temporary resident if you will be in the area for less than three months.
If this is your first registration with a GP Practice in the UK your medical records from outside the UK will not be traced. This does not include your British Armed Forces medical records.
It is important to tell your GP or other clinical members of staff that you are ex-service personnel. This will mean that you can be referred for tailored care and specialist services for those who have served. Ask your GP practice to keep a record of your ex-service status on your NHS medical records.
Registering with a GP Practice in Wales
In the event of a life threatening emergency call 999.
For a non-life-threatening emergency call 111.
Contact a GP for non-emergency health care.
Being registered with a GP surgery will allow you to access many services from the NHS including:
- medical advice
- physical examinations
- diagnosis of symptoms
- prescribing medication
- health education
- vaccinations
- simple surgical operations, and
- care for ongoing, longstanding or chronic conditions.
Learn more about GP Practices in Wales and the services they provide on the Welsh NHS website.
Some GPs are ex-service and veteran friendly which means they have a better understanding of any Armed Forces specific issues or health issues that you may have. You can ask a practice if they are Armed Forces friendly before you register.
Learn more about healthcare for the Armed Forces Community in Wales on the Veterans Wales website.
How to register
You will need to register with a GP which serves your address. Some GP Practices may not be currently accepting new patients meaning you will have to register with another GP in your area.
Once you have decided which GP you are going to register with you will need to contact your chosen practice and ask to be included on their patient list.
The Practice will ask you to either:
- provide the details of your NHS medical card or,
- fill in a form at the surgery.
This will enable your medical records to be transferred to the GP.
If you have lost your Medical Card you will need to contact the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership to acquire a replacement document.
Email: [email protected]
It is important to tell your GP or other clinical members of staff that you are ex-service personnel. This will mean that you can be referred for tailored care and specialist services for those who have served. Ask your GP practice to keep a record of your ex-service status on your NHS medical records.
If you are leaving the Armed Forces as a Commonwealth, Gurkha or Nepali veteran
After your discharge date you will not be able to access free healthcare from the NHS if you are a:
- a citizen of a member of the Commonwealth
- a Gurkha citizen, or
- a Nepali citizen.
You will be able to access free healthcare from the NHS if you gain indefinite leave by using the immigration rules and process.
Learn more about immigration rules on GOV.UK.
Read a step-by-step guide for service leavers on the NHS website.
Registering with an NHS Dentist
Registering with an NHS dentist in England
If you need to see an emergency dentist out of hours call 111,
or call a dentist, the surgery may have urgent appointments available or
advise where you can get out-of-hours treatment.
As a civilian you can register with an NHS or private dentist.
If you want to become a patient at an NHS dentist, you can find one which is close to your home or work. You will need to complete a registration form but if the dentist is at capacity, you may need to join a waiting list.
Before you register, you should check that:
- you are being taken on as an NHS patient, and
- the practice can meet your needs - for example, if you are living with a disability.
You will stay registered until you change dentists or the dentist removes you from their patient list.
Read more about finding and signing up to an NHS dentist in England on the NHS website.
Find a dentist on the NHS website.
If you have never received treatment at a civilian dentist in England before and would like to know what happens when you visit there is a guide available.
Read about what happens when you visit an NHS dentist in England on the NHS website.
There is a band system which dictates how much you can be charged for treatment.
Find out about how much NHS dentist treatment can cost and the band system on the NHS website.
Registering with an NHS dentist in Northern Ireland
If you need to see an emergency dentist out of hours call 02825 663 510.
If you are registered with a dentist, contact the surgery.
They will be able to tell you what arrangements are in place and how to access them.
As a civilian you can register with an NHS or private dentist.
If you want to become a patient at an NHS dentist, you can find one which is close to your home or work. You will need to complete a registration form but if the dentist is at capacity, you may need to join a waiting list.
Before you register, you should check that:
- you are being taken on as an NHS patient, and
- the practice can meet your needs - for example, if you are living with a disability.
You will stay registered until you change dentists, or the dentist removes you from their patient list.
Find a dentist on the Business Services Organisation website.
Cost of treatment
The cost of treatment is set by your dentist. You should receive a written plan with estimates for the cost before your treatment begins.
Find out more about the cost of dental treatment on the nidirect website.
Registering with an NHS dentist in Scotland
If you need to see an emergency dentist out of hours call the practice you are registered with or a local practice as soon as possible, the answer phone message will tell you where to get treatment and advice.
As a civilian you can register with an NHS or private dentist.
If you want to become a patient at an NHS dentist, you can find one which is close to your home or work. You will need to complete a registration form but if the dentist is at capacity, you may need to join a waiting list.
Before you register, you should check that:
- you are being taken on as an NHS patient, and
- the practice can meet your needs - for example, if you are living with a disability.
You will stay registered until you change dentists, or the dentist removes you from their patient list.
Read more about finding and signing up to an NHS dentist in Scotland on the mygov.scot website.
If you have never received treatment at a civilian dentist in Scotland before and would like to know what happens when you visit there is a guide available.
Read about what happens when you visit an NHS dentist in Scotland on the mygov.scot website.
Cost of treatment
Some people in Scotland can receive free dentist treatment if they are:
- getting certain benefits
- under 26 ,or are
- pregnant or have given birth in the last year.
Those who are receiving low income may also be able to receive help with the cost of dentist treatments.
Learn more about support with health costs in Scotland on the Citizens Advice Scotland website.
Find out how much your dental treatment in Scotland could cost on the NHS Inform website.
Registering with an NHS dentist in Wales
If you need to see an emergency dentist out of hours call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47
As a civilian you can register with an NHS or private dentist.
If you want to become a patient at an NHS dentist, you can find one which is close to your home or work. You will need to complete a registration form but if the dentist is at capacity, you may need to join a waiting list.
Before you register, you should check that:
- you are being taken on as an NHS patient, and
- the practice can meet your needs - for example, if you are living with a disability.
You will stay registered until you change dentists or the dentist removes you from their patient list.
Read more about finding and signing up to an NHS dentist on the Welsh NHS website.
Find a dentist on the NHS Wales Dental Management System website.
Cost of treatment
Some people in Wales are entitled to partial exemption of payment for NHS dental treatment if they are:
- under 25 years of age, or
- 60 years of age or over.
Additionally, NHS dental Examinations and treatment are free if the individual is:
- under 18, or are a full-time student under 19
- expecting a baby when treatment starts, or you have had a baby in the last 12 months
- named on an NHS certificate for full help with health cost, or
- the patient or their partner are receiving the following benefits: Income Support, Income Based Job Seeker's Allowance, Full Working Families Tax Credit (and you are named on an NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate), or Disabled Persons Tax Credit.
If you are not entitled to free treatment your dentist will discuss the cost of the procedure before it begins.
Find out about more about the cost and procedure of having dental treatment on the NHS.
Drop-in sessions for the Armed Forces community
There are many drop-in sessions run for people in the community focusing on many aspects of health and wellbeing in the community. These drop-in sessions can also provide spaces for those with shared experiences to come together, find support and build community networks.
Read more about health, wellbeing and community drop-in sessions on the RBL Knowledge Base website.
Access to Health Services
Access to Health Services, Priority Treatment for Veterans
Veterans in England, Scotland, and Wales are entitled to priority access to NHS care for conditions associated with their time in HM Armed Forces.
This is always subject to clinical need and doesn't entitle you to jump the queue ahead of someone with a higher clinical need.
Read more about:
Op COMMUNITY - for Armed Forces communities in London
If you feel that you may need help when applying to a GP or dentist the team at Op COMMUNITY may be able to help you.
The scheme provides advice and support to the Armed Forces community including family members and carers of those who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces.
Get in touch
Find out more about OP COMMUNITY on the Defence Medical Welfare Service website or:
- Telephone: 07552256394
- Email: [email protected]
- The team is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
.jpg?sfvrsn=acb3c3e8_4&method=CropCropArguments&width=452&height=452&Signature=D5BAC960D530204FCEBE5677AF5088529441715C "Reparation Island casts - Bravo 22")
