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Moving from Australia to the UK — Health Guide

How to register with the NHS, what happens to your Medicare card, and what to sort out before and after you arrive.

📋 Sources: NHS England (nhs.uk), UK Government immigration guidance (gov.uk), Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au). NHS prescription charge £9.90/item as at April 2025 — verify at nhs.uk as charges change annually. IHS rates change — always verify at gov.uk before applying for a visa. This page provides general information only — not immigration, legal, or financial advice.

What happens to your Medicare card

Medicare only covers services in Australia. Once you leave, your card is not accepted anywhere in the UK — it does not give you access to the NHS and cannot be used for any health services overseas.

Your Medicare number stays on your record. If you return to Australia and re-establish residency, you can re-enrol in Medicare. If you are leaving permanently, you should notify Services Australia.

ℹ️ The RHCA goes the other way. The UK-Australia health agreement lets UK citizens access Medicare in Australia — it does not give Australians free NHS access simply by showing a Medicare card in the UK.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — the access fee

Most Australian visas for the UK that allow stays over 6 months require payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the visa application — not on arrival. Once paid, you are entitled to use the NHS on the same basis as UK residents. Most NHS services are free at point of use.

Visa type IHS required? NHS access
Skilled Worker, Graduate, Student (6+ months)Yes — paid upfrontFull NHS access
Youth Mobility (Working Holiday)Yes — paid upfrontFull NHS access
Visitor visa (under 6 months)NoEmergency only. Non-urgent care charged.
Indefinite Leave to Remain / British citizenNoFull NHS access

IHS rates change — verify current amounts at gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application before applying.

How to register with an NHS GP

1
Go to nhs.uk/find-a-gp and search by your postcode for practices accepting new patients.
2
Contact the practice and ask to register. You do not need a National Insurance number or proof of address to register — though some practices ask. You cannot be refused solely on the basis of nationality if you are entitled to NHS care.
3
Complete a GMS1 registration form (the practice will provide this). You may be offered a “new patient check” appointment.
4
Bring a summary of your medical history from your Australian GP if you have ongoing conditions. The NHS and Medicare systems do not share records. Your new GP starts from scratch without it.
⚠️ GP capacity in the UK is strained. Many practices are not accepting new patients. If you have difficulty registering, contact your local Primary Care Network (PCN) or NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) for help. NHS 111 can provide urgent care advice while you find a practice.

National Insurance number — what it is and isn’t

A National Insurance (NI) number is the UK equivalent of a Tax File Number (TFN). You need it for employment, paying tax, and claiming benefits — but not for NHS registration or healthcare.

Apply online through gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number. You must already be in the UK to apply. Processing takes several weeks — apply as soon as possible after arrival if you are working.

Prescriptions and medications

Australian prescriptions are not valid in the UK. Once registered with a UK GP, you will need a new UK prescription for any ongoing medications. Bring enough supply to cover the registration and first appointment period — allow at least 2–4 weeks.

NHS prescription charges in England are currently £9.90 per item (2025). Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be exempt from charges — check at nhs.uk.

Health checklist for the move

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Before leaving: Get a full medical summary from your Australian GP — conditions, medications, results, immunisation history
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Before leaving: Stock up on PBS medications — bring at least 3 months if possible
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Before leaving: Check if IHS was included in your visa application and paid
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On arrival: Register with an NHS GP as soon as possible (search nhs.uk/find-a-gp)
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On arrival: Apply for your National Insurance number if working
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On arrival: Register children with a GP and check NHS immunisation schedule — it differs from Australia’s NIP
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Ongoing: Notify Services Australia if leaving Australia permanently
🏥
How the NHS Works
GP registration, appointments, prescriptions, A&E, 111.
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NHS Prescription Costs
Who gets free prescriptions and how to save.
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Travelling With Medication
Rules for taking medication overseas from Australia.