Healthcare in Scotland

Comprehensive free healthcare is available to all people living in Scotland. We are committed to creating a healthier Scotland meaning your health is in very good hands.

Healthcare has long been a priority for Scotland, which is why we’ve pioneered so many incredible medical innovations that continue to improve people’s health and save lives to this day.

Understanding the NHS

We care about your health, and NHS Scotland works on a needs-based system, meaning that you'll get the treatment that you need - not the treatment you can afford. That’s why we provide comprehensive free healthcare to everyone living in Scotland.

Find out more about the NHS (nhsinform.scot)

Find other healthcare services near you at Scotland's Service Directory (nhsinform.scot)

The National Health Service in Scotland (NHS Scotland) has been operating for more than 75 years, but the origins of an inclusive health service here stretch back more than a century. 

Way back in 1913, the Highlands and Islands Medical Service provided free treatment to a population covering more than half of Scotland’s landmass.

This far-reaching service provided doctor, nurse and midwifery services to previously under-serviced and hard to reach parts of Scotland’s remote countryside. This revolutionary service stayed in place throughout both World Wars before it was replaced by the NHS.

Since then, Scotland’s healthcare system has continued to pioneer across many different areas of public health. In fact, in 2011, Scotland became the only country in the UK to scrap prescription fees, meaning you no longer have to pay for medicines prescribed by a doctor.

Your Healthcare

The NHS in Scotland is managed by the Scottish Government and the majority of NHS Scotland provision is paid for through taxation. This means that, if you are employed or self-employed in Scotland you are entitled to free healthcare from the NHS – as well as your spouse and your immediate family.

Since 2011, prescriptions filled in Scotland are free of charge. Prescription forms that were written in England can be picked up at Scottish pharmacies however, English prescription charges will apply.  

Students on a full-time course receive the same free care as employed or self-employed migrants in Scotland. If you are studying part-time, you could also be eligible for free NHS treatment.

Private healthcare is also available throughout Scotland and is usually paid for through a private healthcare insurance scheme or individuals.

NHS Scotland will always provide free accident and emergency treatment.

The following NHS services are currently free to anyone in Scotland regardless of residency status:

• General Medical Services, including medical advice from a doctor - General Practitioner (GP) and most other GP services. Find out more about General practice services (nhsinform.scot)

The following NHS services are currently free in Scotland for people with a visa allowing them to live the UK for at least one year:

• Medical treatment in a hospital, both emergency and non-emergency
• Medicines prescribed by your GP

You may need to pay for:

• Some GP services - for example, travel vaccinations
• Some dental treatment
• Some optical treatment – but eye tests are free in Scotland

Find out more about the care options available to you (nhsinform.scot)

Healthcare rights

Your health isn’t just important to you, it’s important to us too and you have a number of rights and responsibilities when using the NHS in Scotland. If you’re wondering what these are, then we’ve got you covered. 

NHS Inform is Scotland’s national health information service and is full of information about what’s expected of you and what you should expect when accessing healthcare in Scotland.

Find out more about your healthcare rights (nhsinform.scot)

IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE

Visa applications are controlled by the UK government and, as part of your application, you may have to pay a healthcare surcharge, also known as an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). However, this will depend on the immigration status you are applying for.

Find out more about the IHS (gov.uk)

LOCAL DOCTORS

If you are living in Scotland, you will need to register with a local General Practitioner (GP). For students, the university will normally provide the name of a suitable GP in the area or on campus. It is free to register, and nearly all the treatment will be free of charge.

24 HOUR CARE

If you are ill outside of normal GP opening times, or have a medical query that is non-urgent - you can contact NHS 24 by phone on 111. They provide 24-hour advice over the phone and can put you in touch with the relevant health services you need.

Working for the NHS in Scotland

The Health Boards are jointly the biggest employer in the country, employing people in over 70 professions. Applications are welcome from professionally qualified healthcare staff, particularly from those based outside the UK.

Find out more about working for the NHS in Scotland