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patient information: NHS medical cards

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3. Your NHS medical card

What is it?

An NHS medical card is issued when a patient is first registered with a doctor known as a General Practitioner or GP. It contains your NHS number and other personal details such as your name, address and date of birth.

You can find more information about the NHS card using the Internet link below.

http://www.nhs.uk/england/doctors/medicalcard.cmsx

Am I entitled to one?

If you have been living in the UK for more than 12 months, you are entitled to receive an NHS card when you register with a doctor.

Even if you are not entitled to an NHS card, you can still receive free medical treatment in an emergency. Talk to your local doctor for more details.

How do I get one?

When you register with a doctor, you will be asked for your NHS medical card. If you do not have one, the receptionist will give you a form to fill in (GMS1). When you have completed and returned the form, your medical card will be sent, by post, to your home address. Keep it in a safe place.

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