What To Do If You Are Ill Away From Home

Visitors To the Area

If you are in our area for less than 24 hours, you can be treated as a one-off emergency treatment by any of our GP practices without registering. The decision to treat you is at the discretion of your GP and is based on clinical need.

If you are in our area for longer, you can register at a GP practice for immediately necessary treatment for up to 14 days. If your treatment will last longer than 14 days, you will need to register as a temporary or permanent resident.


Visiting Another Part of the UK

If you are away from home in another part of the UK for less than 24 hours, you can be treated for a one-off emergency treatment at a GP practice. The NHS Choices services finder will help you find your nearest service.

If you require treatment for up to 14 days, you can register at a GP practice for immediately necessary treatment. If your treatment will last longer than 14 days, you will need to register as a temporary or permanent resident.

More information about how to see a GP when you are away from home can be found on the NHS Choices website.


Falling ill When Abroad

You may be entitled to medical care at a reduced cost or free of charge abroad. This will depend on whether you are visiting a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or elsewhere in the world.

If you are going abroad it is recommended that you apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which allows you to access state-provided healthcare in EEA countries at a reduced cost or free of charge.

For further advice and guidance on what to do before travelling abroad and what to do if you fall ill, visit the NHS Choices website.This includes country guides and information on how to receive treatment in Europe.