How to register with an NHS GP surgery in England, when a surgery can refuse, and what a GP costs.
This is general guidance for England. It is not about any one provider, and it is not medical, legal or financial advice. Every statement below comes from the official pages listed under “Official guidance”, checked on 4 October 2026.
What does a GP cost?
- NHS GP surgery
- Free. Anyone in England can register with an NHS GP surgery; you do not need proof of address or immigration status.
- Private GP
- You pay for each appointment, or through a membership or insurance. Prices are set by the clinic – ask before you book.
Prescriptions, some letters and medical reports can carry a charge even at an NHS surgery.
Registering with a GP surgery
- It is free, and you do not need ID
- Everyone in England can register with a GP surgery for free. You do not need ID, proof of address or proof of immigration status, and you do not need an NHS number.
- When a surgery can say no
- Only if it is not accepting new patients, you live outside its area, or you have been removed from its list before. It must write to you within 14 days to explain why.
- How long it takes
- You should be told when you are registered – usually within 5 days of the surgery getting your details.
- Outside the area
- Not all surgeries accept patients from outside their area, and if one does you may not get home visits or some community services.
Official guidance
NHS – How to register with a GP surgery
Rules and charges change, usually each April. Check the official pages before you rely on a figure.
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