Registering as a temporary patient

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 the local GP practice for 14 days. After 14 days you will need to register as a temporary or permanent patient.

You can be registered as a temporary patient for up to three months. This will allow you to be on the local practice list and still remain a patient of your permanent GP. After three months you will have to re-register as a temporary patient or permanently register with that practice.

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.

COVID-19 Updates & Information

Advice in your region

England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland


Get tested for COVID-19


Symptoms

Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you or your child has them.

Testing

Get a test to check if you have COVID-19, find out what testing involves and understand your test result.

Vaccination

Get your COVID-19 vaccination, read about the vaccines and find out what happens when you have your vaccine.

NHS COVID Pass

Find out how to get your COVID Pass to attend trial events in England or to travel abroad.

Self-isolation and treating symptoms

Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.

People at high risk

Advice for people at higher risk from COVID-19, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.

Long-term effects (long COVID)

Find out about the long-term effects coronavirus can sometimes have and what help is available.

Social distancing

Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services.

Using the NHS and other health services

Find out about changes to using health services, such as GPs and hospitals, because of COVID-19.

Take part in research

Find out about health research studies and how you may be able to take part.

Download the NHS COVID-19 test and trace app