The NHS provides most healthcare services free of charge. However, some services fall outside of what is covered by the NHS. For example, medical reports, private forms, or copies of medical records. These are known as non-NHS services, and GP practices may charge a fee for completing them.
Why is there a fee?
GPs are self-employed professionals who hold NHS contracts to provide specific medical services. Tasks that are not included in this contract, such as writing letters or reports for employers, insurance companies, or solicitors, are classed as private work.
Because these tasks are not funded by the NHS, practices must charge a fee to cover the time, staff, and resources required to complete them.
In many cases, organization’s request a GP’s input because doctors are trusted professionals who can confirm that the information provided is accurate and genuine.
Examples of non-NHS work
For patients:
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Medical certificates for insurance claims
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Fitness-to-exercise forms for gyms or clubs
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Private travel prescriptions
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Holiday cancellation or school fee insurance forms
For external organizations:
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Life insurance or income protection medical reports
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Reports for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
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Adoption or fostering medical assessments for local authorities
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Copies of records for solicitors or legal purposes
Are GPs required to do non-NHS work?
In most cases, GPs are not obliged to carry out non-NHS work. While doctors aim to support patients wherever possible, they have the right to decline certain requests that fall outside their NHS duties.
Exceptions may apply in specific situations, such as confirming a patient is unfit for jury service.
How are the fees decided?
The British Medical Association (BMA) provides guidance on suggested fees for non-NHS work, but these are only recommendations. Each GP practice sets its own fees based on time and resources involved.
Patients will be informed in advance if a charge applies and what the cost will be. A full list of fees is available upon request.
Why might it take some time to complete my form?
Doctors priorities NHS medical care for patients. Non-NHS paperwork is often completed outside of clinic hours — in the evenings or at weekends — to ensure that patient care is not disrupted.
Because forms and reports require careful review of medical records, completion times may vary. Please allow up to two weeks for your request to be processed.
“I only need a signature — can it be done quickly?”
Even if a form only needs a signature, the GP must ensure that every detail they sign is factually correct. This often involves checking your full medical record to verify the information.
GPs must meet strict professional standards and can face serious consequences if they sign something inaccurate. If you are a new patient, your GP may need to wait until your medical records arrive before completing any forms.
How you can help
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Check if your form really needs a doctor’s signature — some documents (like passport applications) can be signed by other professionals.
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Bring all forms together at once if you have more than one to complete.
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Allow plenty of time for your request to be processed.
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Note that urgent requests may be subject to an additional charge if special arrangements are required.