This FAQ is correct as of February 2026.
It has been developed to support health professionals respond to questions from perinatal asylum-seeking women about the support available to them.


Please refer to the policy guidance on gov.uk:

Asylum support: What you'll get - GOV.UK
Healthcare and pregnancy: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK

People seeking asylum have a right to access healthcare in the UK. Health and wellbeing support to people seeking asylum should be commensurate to the standards received by existing residents, appropriate to their needs and reflecting the circumstances of their migration, journey, and immigration status.

Please use transfer cards to assist continuity of healthcare:

• The GP transfer cards are bilingual and available in 31 languages. They are in accessible, rewritable pdf format NHS England » GP registration transfer cards
• The Pregnancy care transfer cards are also bilingual and available in 28 languages Pregnancy Care Transfer Card - Welcome
  
  

Additional Support

Help is available by phone if you’re an asylum applicant or refugee and you need advice about the asylum process or adapting to life in the UK.
Asylum helplines - GOV.UK

Details about asylum support can be found here:
Asylum support: What you'll get - GOV.UK

Contact Migrant Help UK if you’re an adult asylum seeker or the dependant of an adult asylum seeker.

Asylum services | Migrant Help

• Self-service Portal
• Webchat
• Raise an Issue
• Calling their freephone helpline: 0808 8010503 open 24/7

To apply for pregnancy or maternity payments call Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Find out about call charges

Can I call for support at any time?
Yes, you can contact Migrant help 24hrs a day and seven days a week on the helpline telephone number for free: 0808 8010 503.

Can charities help with additional support?
Yes, they can charities can offer emotional and practical support during pregnancy, help with baby essentials and guidance on navigating the system. Migrant Help can link you to trusted charities based on your needs.

I emailed Migrant Help but have not received a response from them.
Migrant Help do not send acknowledgement emails or follow ups (due to the huge volume), but they log and closely monitor response times for all incoming emails.

If you have sent in formal evidence and request to apply for maternity payment / Pregnant payment direct to [email protected] then you will receive a Text or Email.

Where can I find information about physical and mental health support?
There will be local services that your health practitioner or accommodation provider can signpost you too. Information is also available here:
Physical and mental health support available for people seeking asylum