Global Major Cities Guide

Key information about accessing healthcare services, including the NHS and GP registration.

Free Services: Most healthcare services under the NHS are free at the point of use for UK residents. This includes consultations with General Practitioners (GPs), hospital treatments, and emergency care.
Prescription Costs: Prescriptions in England (including Liverpool) are not free for most adults. As of 2023, the standard prescription charge is £9.65 per item. However, certain groups (e.g., children under 16, full-time students under 19, seniors over 60, pregnant women, and those with specific medical conditions) are exempt from these charges.
Dental Care: NHS dental services are not free but are subsidized. Costs are divided into three bands:
- Band 1: £25.80 (basic examination, diagnosis, and advice).
- Band 2: £70.70 (includes fillings, extractions, etc.).
- Band 3: £306.80 (complex procedures like crowns, dentures, etc.).
Eye Care: Eye tests are free for certain groups (e.g., children, seniors, and those with specific medical conditions). Glasses and contact lenses are not free but may be subsidized for eligible individuals.

Visitors from the European Economic Area (EEA): If you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), you can access NHS services for free or at a reduced cost for medically necessary treatments during your stay.
Visitors from Non-EEA Countries: You may need to pay for NHS services unless your country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. Emergency care at Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments is free, but follow-up treatments may incur charges.
Immigrants and Long-Term Visitors: If you are on a visa for more than six months, you are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This gives you access to NHS services without additional charges (except for prescriptions, dental, and optical care).

Liverpool also has private healthcare providers. Costs vary widely depending on the service, but consultations with private GPs typically start at £50-£100, and private hospital treatments can cost thousands of pounds. Private health insurance is an option for those who want faster access to specialists or non-NHS treatments.

Role: GPs are the first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues. They provide consultations, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.
How to Register:
- Find a GP practice near your residence using the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk).
- Contact the practice to check if they are accepting new patients.
- Provide proof of identity (passport or ID) and proof of address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, etc.).
- Registration is free, and you will receive an NHS number upon successful registration.
For Visitors: Visitors can access GP services as temporary patients. You may need to pay for the consultation if you are not covered by the NHS.

Liverpool has several major hospitals, including:
- Royal Liverpool University Hospital: A large teaching hospital offering a wide range of services, including emergency care.
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital: Specializes in pediatric care.
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital: Focuses on maternity, gynecology, and neonatal care.
Emergency Care: For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 or go to the nearest A&E department. Emergency care is free for everyone, but follow-up treatments may incur charges for non-residents.

Liverpool has several NHS walk-in centres where you can receive treatment for minor injuries and illnesses without an appointment. These are ideal for non-emergency situations when you cannot see a GP.
- Example: Liverpool City Walk-In Centre (6 David Lewis Street, L1 4AP).
Cost: Free for UK residents and EHIC/GHIC holders. Others may be charged.

Pharmacies in Liverpool are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications, advice, and prescription dispensing.
How to Find a Pharmacy: Use the NHS website or look for signs with a green cross. Many pharmacies are open late, and some operate 24/7.
Costs: Over-the-counter medications are paid for out-of-pocket. Prescription costs are £9.65 per item unless you qualify for exemptions.

Access to specialists (e.g., cardiologists, dermatologists) requires a referral from a GP. Waiting times for NHS specialists can vary, but private specialists are available for faster access at a cost.

Liverpool offers a range of mental health services through the NHS and private providers.
- NHS Services: Free mental health support is available through your GP or self-referral to services like Talk Liverpool (provides therapy for anxiety, depression, etc.).
- Emergency Mental Health Support: Call 111 for urgent mental health advice or 999 in a crisis.

Liverpool has specific services for immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, such as:
- Asylum Link Merseyside: Provides support and advice for asylum seekers, including healthcare guidance.
- Refugee Health Team: Offers tailored healthcare services for refugees and asylum seekers.

Language Support: Many NHS services in Liverpool offer interpreters for non-English speakers. Request this service when booking an appointment.
Health Insurance: If you are a visitor, ensure you have travel insurance that covers healthcare costs, especially if you are not eligible for free NHS services.
Emergency Numbers: Dial 999 for emergencies and 111 for non-emergency medical advice.
Stay Informed: Use the NHS website or the NHS app to find local services, book appointments, and access your medical records.

Costs: NHS services are mostly free for UK residents and those covered by EHIC/GHIC or the IHS. Visitors from non-EEA countries may need to pay for services.
Local Services: Liverpool has a robust network of GPs, hospitals, walk-in centres, pharmacies, and specialist care. Registration with a GP is essential for accessing non-emergency NHS services.
For Visitors and Immigrants: Understand your eligibility for NHS services and carry appropriate documentation (e.g., EHIC/GHIC, visa with IHS, or private insurance).

By following these guidelines, you can navigate Liverpool’s healthcare system effectively and ensure you receive the care you need.

Liverpool