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 bills you as a private patient. The visit is far quicker and cheaper than queueing at A&E for the same outcome.
Country-specific notes
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Visitors can register as temporary NHS patients for free
Anyone in England can register with an NHS GP surgery for free, including as a temporary patient for up to 3 months, though a surgery can refuse if its list is full or you live outside its area. Urgent treatment centres see people without an appointment. Private GPs in cities can usually see you the same day for a fee.
🇫🇷 France
No registration needed; EUR 30 standard consultation
In France, you can see any GP without registration. The standard sector 1 GP fee (tarif de convention) has been EUR 30 since 22 December 2024. EHIC holders are reimbursed on the same terms as French patients, less a small fixed contribution. 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; visitors pay a private fee
Australian GPs who 'bulk-bill' charge Medicare directly, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients. Visitors without Medicare pay the clinic's private fee, so ask the price when you book. 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 Netherlands, daytime GPs usually only see registered patients, so visitors use the after-hours GP post or a private GP. In England, visitors can register with an NHS GP as a temporary patient.
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.