How to Find Your NHS Number

Locating Your NHS Number

Do not confuse your NHS number with your NI Number. Some people make the mistake of equating their NHS number with their National Insurance (NI) number. The latter is used exclusively for dealing with your tax and pension information. Take note of your NI number to make sure you do not use it by mistake for health-related concerns.

Check any correspondence you have received from the NHS. As a general rule, any official letters or documents sent to you by the NHS should also contain your NHS number. Look through your mail for official NHS correspondence. This could include appointment letters, test results, hospital referrals, or prescriptions.

Visit your GP's office for help if you are registered with them. If you can't locate your NHS number, visit your general practitioner's office to see if they can give it to you. If you are registered with them, they should have access to your NHS number and be authorized to provide it to you. It is best to show up in person instead of calling as you may be asked to show a form of I.D., like a passport or driver's license, before they will tell you the number.

Ask your local primary care trust to look up your NHS number for you. Call your nearest primary care trust (PCT) and ask to speak to someone dealing with patient GP registrations. They should be able to locate your NHS number for you. To find the PCT closest to you, visit the “Find Services” section of the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/service-search.

Getting Services without an NHS Number

Obtain a number by registering with a GP's office. Any UK-born individual who registers with a GP office in the U.K. will receive an NHS number. Visit the GP's office to complete form GMS1 for family doctor services registration. You will be asked to show a government-issued photo I.D. when you submit your form. Visit https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4 to locate a GP practice near you. Note that if you were not born in the UK, you will not be able to obtain an NHS number.

Present your health card if you are part of the EEA. If you are visiting the UK from another country in the European Economic Area (EEA), show your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Anyone who is insured for healthcare in one of these countries can receive NHS services without charge. The spouse and minor children of an insured citizen of an EEA country will also receive NHS services free of charge.

Pay an NHS surcharge when you apply for an immigration visa. When you apply for a student or working visa to the UK, opt to pay the immigrant health surcharge. This fee will allow you access to NHS services with a unique IHS number. The charge is £150 to £200 per year of the visa. For instance, someone obtaining a 5 year visa will have to pay between £750 and £1000.

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