UK Student GP Registration: How to Get Free NHS Healthcare as a Student

When you start studying in the UK, one of the first things you should do is GP registration, the process of signing up with a local NHS doctor’s practice to get free healthcare. Also known as registering with a general practitioner, this isn’t optional—it’s your gateway to free doctor visits, prescriptions, referrals, and even mental health support. Without it, you’ll pay out of pocket for basic care, even if you’re on a student visa. Every student, whether from the UK or abroad, is entitled to NHS services as long as they’re enrolled in a course lasting six months or more.

Many students think they can just walk into a hospital or walk-in centre for everything, but that’s not how it works. A GP clinic, a local medical practice where you register as a patient. Also known as family doctor, it is your first point of contact for most health issues—from a cold to anxiety to a skin rash. If you need a specialist, your GP refers you. If you need dental care, your GP can point you to an NHS dentist. And if you’re an international student, your NHS for students, the system that gives you free access to healthcare while studying in the UK. Also known as student healthcare, it doesn’t require extra fees beyond your immigration health surcharge. You don’t pay per visit. You don’t need insurance. You just need to register.

It’s easy to delay this step—there’s so much to do when you arrive. But skipping GP registration means you’re one cough away from a £60 private consultation. You might not need a doctor right away, but when you do, you won’t want to waste hours searching for a clinic that accepts new patients. The process takes less than 20 minutes. You need proof of address (like a tenancy agreement or university letter), your passport or ID, and your student visa if you’re from overseas. Some practices ask for your NHS number, but if you don’t have one, they’ll give you one on the spot.

Don’t assume your university will do this for you. Some offer help, but most don’t. You have to take the lead. And once you’re registered, you’ll get access to more than just sick visits. You can book free sexual health checks, mental health counselling, contraception, and even smoking cessation support—all at no cost. This isn’t a luxury. It’s part of your student package.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on everything from how to find a GP near your student housing, what to do if your practice won’t accept you, how to switch practices, and how to use NHS services without confusion. You’ll also learn how GP care connects to other student essentials like dental fees, walk-in centres, and mental health support. No fluff. No jargon. Just what you need to stay healthy, save money, and focus on your studies.