Emergency Care and Short-Term Needs
If you fall ill while away from home or aren’t registered with a doctor, you can receive emergency treatment at any local GP practice for up to 14 days.
Once those 14 days pass, you must register as either a temporary or permanent patient to continue receiving care.
Registering as a Temporary Resident
The rules for “Temporary Resident” status are specific to your existing registration:
- Eligibility: You can only be registered as a ‘temporary resident’ if you are already registered with a GP practice elsewhere within Northern Ireland.
- Duration: This registration covers you for up to three months.
- Restrictions: You cannot register as a temporary patient at a surgery located in the same town or area where you are already registered.
Other Temporary GP Cover (Form HSC/R1)
If you do not already have a GP in Northern Ireland, you must complete the HSC/R1 form to access free treatment. This applies to:
- UK Residents: People registered in England, Scotland, or Wales moving to NI or visiting.
- International Visitors/Returnees: Anyone arriving from EEA countries or overseas. This includes former residents returning for a visit and those who have never lived in NI before.
Note: When submitting the HSC/R1 form, you must complete the relevant sections and provide original photographic ID.
Important Considerations
- Practice Discretion: GP practices are not legally required to accept you as a temporary patient. However, they must provide necessary emergency treatment regardless of your registration status.
- Permanent Registration: If you intend to stay in the area for longer than three months, you should apply for permanent registration with a local surgery.