If you are not registered with a doctor but need to see one, you can register as a temporary or permanent patient. Temporary patients will be asked to attend prior to their appointment to enable their details to be processed and put on our clinical system.
To register as a temporary resident with a GP:
- use the find a GP directory to find GP surgeries in the area – you'll need a surgery that covers the area where you're staying
- contact the surgery and ask to register as a temporary resident
The surgery will ask you to complete a GMS3 form.
You can register as a temporary resident with a GP in England if you are in the area for longer than 24 hours but less than three months.
How to register with a GP surgery
Why should I register as a temporary resident?
You can register temporarily with a GP near where you're staying if you're ill or need medical advice while you're away from home – for example, if you're working, studying or on holiday.
You'll still remain registered with your permanent GP, but you can see your temporary GP for up to three months. After three months you will have to re-register as a temporary patient or permanently register with that practice.
Your temporary GP will pass details of any treatment you have to your permanent GP, who will add the information to your medical records.