Everyone has the right to register with a GP and receive free ‘primary care’ regardless of immigration status. Primary care also includes dentists, pharmacies and optometrists (where you can get your eyesight tested).
You may need to fill in a HC1 form to get free dental care, free prescription and free eye test. If you need help with this contact Doctors of the World (details below).
The following services should always be free:
Refugees and asylum seekers are entitled to free hospital care, but refused asylum seekers and undocumented migrants may be charged.
You should not be charged for healthcare regardless of immigration status if you are:
Useful Links
| Service Name | Is it free or do I need to pay? | Useful Links |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy | Free * | |
| GP | Free | |
| Dentist | Free * | |
| Optometrists | Free * | |
| Hospital Care (excluding accident and emergency) | Free | |
| Maternity Services | Free ** | |
| NHS 111 telephone advice line | Free | |
| Health Visitors | Free | |
| School Nurse | Free | |
| Family Planning | Free | |
| Diagnosis and treatment of specific infectious diseases and sexually transmitted infections | Free | |
| Treatment given in Accident and Emergency | Free | |
| Mental Health | Free *** |
*You may need to fill in a HC1 form to get free dental care, free prescription and a free eye test. If you need help with this, contact Doctors of the World:
Doctors of the World Clinic advice line: 0808 1647 686
Doctors of the World can also help if a GP practice refuses to register you without an address, if you are worried about a hospital bill or debt, if a hospital is refusing to treat you without Payment.
**Please contact Maternity Action regarding queries about access to maternity care:
Advice line: 0808 800 0041 (Freephone)
Thursdays 10 am–12 midday only
***Mental Health Services are not free if you are a failed asylum seeker, unless you fit into one of the exemptions - you should not be charged for healthcare regardless of immigration status if you are:
• A victim of trafficking or modern slavery
• In need of treatment for conditions caused by torture, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, or sexual violence
• A refused asylum seeker receiving asylum support
• Supported by a local authority under the Care Act 2014
• In immigration detention
• A child under the care of a local authority
• Receiving treatment under the Mental Health Act.
However, urgent necessary care should always be given.
You can also seek advice from Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre or Coventry Citizen’s Advice.