Free NHS services and advice

The NHS provides most healthcare free at the point of use to UK residents, including GP appointments, emergency care, hospital treatment and many community and mental‑health services. Some charges apply in England for prescriptions, dental and optical care, but these services are free for defined groups (for example children, pregnant women, those on low income, and in Scotland/Wales prescriptions are free). Access local services, book GP appointments, use 111 or the online symptom checker via the NHS homepage.