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  1. Get help
  2. FAQs
  3. Healthcare & HC2

Healthcare & HC2

Can I see a doctor (GP) for free?

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Yes, you are entitled to see a doctor (GP) whether or not you have a Hc2 certificate.

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 30th January, 2023

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Can I see a dentist for free?

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You can get free dental treatment if you have a Hc2 certificate. If you do not have one, you will have to pay for your dental treatment.

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 30th January, 2023

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How do I find a doctor (GP) or dentist?

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If you are in Initial Accommodation, a hotel or contingency accommodation, ask your health team.

If you are in dispersal accommodation, you can find a doctor near to where you are staying by using one of these:

England

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 24th August, 2023

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How do I find a dentist?

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If you are in Initial Accommodation, a hotel or contingency accommodation, ask your health team.

If you are in dispersal accommodation, you can find a dentist near to where you are staying by using one of these:

England

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

If it is an emergency, use one of these contacts:

England: If you have a dentist, phone them. An answer message should tell you about who to ring in an emergency. If not, call 111 for NHS advice.

Glasgow: Phone the Emergency Dental Treatment Centre on 0141 232 6323 if it is on Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Outside of this time, phone 111 for NHS advice.

Wales

Northern Ireland

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 8th July, 2024

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What is Hc2?

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An Hc2 is a healthcare certificate. It gives you:

Free 

  • medicine prescriptions,
  • dental care (tooth care),
  • eyesight tests

Part payment towards

  • glasses

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 30th January, 2023

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Can I get an Hc2? (Can I get free medical care?)

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You are eligible for:

Free                  

  • medicine prescriptions,
  • dental care (tooth care)
  • eyesight tests

Part payment towards

  • glasses

with Hc2 if you have been granted S95 support. If you have NOT been granted S95 support, you can apply for Hc2 by completing form Hc1.

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 30th January, 2023

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How soon will I be able to use my Hc2 (healthcare) benefits?

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It might take up to six weeks before your details are registered. You can use your Hc2 as soon as you receive the card.

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 24th August, 2023

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What do I do if there is a problem or question with my Hc2

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Call the National Health Service (NHS) Business Support service on 0300 330 1343 or visit the website to:

  • Report that your valid HC2 certificate has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • Update your address for a current HC2 – your certificate will remain valid.
  • Check whether a certificate number is available if your HC2 has not been received 21 working days after the grant of Section 95 support.
  • Check whether a new certificate number can be issued if your HC2 has expired.
  • Get help or clarification if you have been threatened with a fine related to HC2 entitlement.

You can contact Migrant Help, or call us on 0808 8010 503, if you have been granted Section 95 support and:

  • You were granted asylum support more than 21 working days ago and the NHS Low Income Scheme cannot provide you with an HC2 certificate number.
  • Your HC2 has expired and the NHS Low Income Scheme cannot provide you with an HC2 certificate number.
  • Your HC2 certificate was issued with the wrong name or does not list your dependants.

You can receive more information regarding HC2 for people seeking asylum here. 

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 6th January, 2026

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I need health information in another language

Physical and mental health support for people seeking asylum.

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It can be difficult for people seeking asylum to access mainstream mental health services.

The Home Office Asylum Mental Health and Wellbeing team have created a document to help find non-governmental organisations that offer direct or indirect mental health support. 

Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, Farsi, Kurdish, Pashto, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Sylheti, Tigrinya, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.

Note: In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the four health systems of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Health has been a primarily devolved matter since powers were transferred to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd and to the Northern Ireland assembly. The Devolved Authorities have the responsibility to decide on access to the provision of health services in their area of responsibility.

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 30th March, 2026

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Pregnancy care transfer cards

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These transfer cards aim to improve safety by supporting pregnant women and pregnant people to access maternity care as soon as possible after they mov. They can be downloaded in the language of your choice here: southeastclinicalnetworks.nhs.uk/pregnancy-care-transfer-cards

Published: 31st October, 2025

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GP registration transfer cards

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The cards aim to improve continuity of care and avoid duplication by supporting newly arrived individuals to re-register (or register if a first registration) as soon as possible after they move. They can be downloaded in the language of your choice here: england.nhs.uk/publication/gp-registration-transfer-cards

Published: 31st October, 2025

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