People living in Scotland can take advantage of a full and diverse range of healthcare, with the National Health Service (NHS) and both private and complementary medicine practices available.

The majority of NHS provision is free and any care which is accessed privately is paid for directly or, more usually, through one of several private healthcare insurance schemes. Newcomers to the UK are eligible for free NHS care, provided they have a valid visa which entitles them to reside in the UK for at least one year.

Am I entitled to free healthcare?

You are entitled to healthcare in Scotland if you are living permanently in the UK or have a visa which let’s you stay for at least one year.

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Community Care Services

Local authorities have a duty to provide community care services within their area.  This includes such services as residential care homes and care to help an individual remain in their own home. You need to be resident in UK or have a visa that entitles you to at least one years residency.

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National Health Service

The national health service (NHS) in Scotland provides free healthcare services including doctors, dentists, hospital treatment and opticians.You must be a UK resident or have a valid visa allowing you to reside in the UK for at least one year.

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Private healthcare

Use of private healthcare and alternative and complementary medicine has increased in recent years, mainly due to employers offering this as part of flexible benefits to staff.

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Register with a Doctor

Information on registering with a doctor when you arrive in Scotland including what you'll need to take with you to the GP surgery.

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