GP (General Practitioner)
A GP is a doctor who treats general health problems and refers you to specialists when needed.
A GP is a doctor who treats general health problems and refers you to specialists when needed.
Also known as
Family doctor, Primary care physician, Médecin généraliste (France), Hausarzt (Germany), Médico de cabecera (Spain)
Why travellers need to know
A GP is almost always the right first point of contact for non-emergency health problems abroad. They're cheaper than emergency departments, faster than hospitals, and can refer you to a specialist if needed. The challenge for travellers is finding one that accepts walk-ins or short-notice appointments, since most GP systems are designed around registered local patients.
Real-world example
You develop a persistent cough in Amsterdam. Rather than going to A&E, you book a same-day appointment at a huisarts (GP) practice near your hotel. The doctor examines you, prescribes antibiotics, and charges EUR 50. The whole visit takes 25 minutes. If you'd gone to A&E, you'd have waited 3 hours for the same outcome.
Country-specific notes
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
NHS GPs require registration; visitors use walk-in centres
NHS GP practices only see registered patients. Visitors should use NHS walk-in centres or urgent treatment centres for non-emergency care. Private GP appointments in London cost GBP 60-120 and can usually be booked same-day.
🇫🇷 France
No registration needed; EUR 25 standard consultation
In France, you can see any GP without registration. The standard consultation fee (tarif de convention) is EUR 26.50. EHIC holders get 70% reimbursed. Many GPs in tourist areas and cities speak some English.
Use Doctolib (doctolib.fr) to find a GP with available appointments near you. It shows real-time availability and accepts online booking.
🇦🇺 Australia
Bulk-billing GPs: free for Medicare holders, $50-80 for visitors
Australian GPs who 'bulk-bill' charge Medicare directly, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients. Visitors without Medicare pay $50-80 AUD per consultation. Medical centres in shopping centres often accept walk-ins.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see a GP abroad without registering?
In many countries (France, Spain, Australia, most of Asia), yes. You can walk in or book an appointment with any GP. In the UK and Netherlands, NHS/public GPs require registration. Private GPs in these countries see anyone without registration.
Should I go to a GP or an emergency department?
A GP for anything non-urgent: coughs, infections, rashes, prescription refills, pain that isn't sudden or severe. An emergency department for anything life-threatening: chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, suspected stroke.
Show your Nomedic health summary to any GP abroad and they can see your medication list, allergies, and history without requesting records from your home doctor.