Temporary Registration

If you are ill while away from home or if you are not registered with a doctor but need to see one you can receive emergency treatment from a local GP practice for 14 days. After 14 days you will need to register as a temporary or permanent patient.

To register as a temporary patient simply contact the local practice you wish to use. Practices do not have to accept you as a temporary patient although they do have an obligation to offer emergency treatment. You cannot register as a temporary patient at a practice in the town or area where you are already registered.

Overseas visitors may be liable to charges as a result of the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors ) (Scotland) Regulations 1989 and have to pay for some forms of NHS treatment or services that they receive.  Reception staff will let visitors know from the outset whether they will be liable for charges or not.