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Health care for asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland

What do I need to do?

  • You need to find a family doctor as soon as possible after you arrive in Scotland, and ask them to register you as an NHS patient. You will not have to pay for this.
  • In Scotland, family doctors are often called General Practitioners or GPs. They work in GP surgeries, medical practices or health centres.
  • The GP will decide if you can register as an NHS patient and if you can get NHS treatment free.
  • The GP will help you look after all your health needs. They will decide if you need to see another health professional – for example a hospital doctor, or someone in mental health or maternity services. If you do, the GP will make the appointment for you.
  • If you are getting support from the UK Border Agency, they may ask you to register with a particular GP surgery.
  • If you are not getting support from the UK Border Agency, Scottish Refugee Council may be able to help you find a GP surgery where you can make an appointment to register. Phone Scottish Refugee Council on 0800 085 6087 or look on the internet.
  • You can also phone the NHS inform Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 or look on the internet to find a GP surgery. The helpline can provide an interpreting service. 
  • When you have found a GP surgery, contact them and make an appointment to register as an NHS patient.
  • If you need an interpreter, ask the GP surgery to arrange this for you. When you make an appointment, tell them what language you prefer to use. 

Page last edited: 24 December 2010

Can I get health care from the NHS?What happens when I register as an NHS patient?