Healthcare has long been a priority for Scotland, which is probably why we’ve pioneered so many incredible medical innovations that continue to improve people’s health and save lives to this day.
The National Health Service in Scotland (NHS Scotland) has been operating for more than 70 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 in Scotland for people with a visa allowing them to live the UK for at least one year:
- Medical advice from a doctor - General Practitioner (GP) and most other GP services
- 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 available to you at nhsinform.scot
Local doctors
If you are living in Scotland, you will need to register with a local Scottish 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 telecare and can put you in touch with the relevant health services you need.
Working for the NHS
NHS Scotland is the single 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.
Mental Health
Good mental health should be a priority for each and every one of us, which is why we’re committed to combatting the mental health issues of our people and challenging all mental health stigmas.
Period Inequality
Scotland’s pioneering world-first scheme to offer free period products in schools and other public buildings is just another example of our commitment to gender equality.